Top 10 Movies That Were Surprisingly Awesome

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the movies that may have initially garnered a fair share of skepticism, but ended up being entertaining in the most unexpected ways.

#10: “Galaxy Quest” (1999)

If you’ve ever wanted to see Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver in comedic roles, “Galaxy Quest” is the perfect pick. The film follows a whimsical premise where the actors of the fictional titular sci-fi show get zapped into the Galaxy Quest universe and must play their roles for real. Before it hit theaters,“Galaxy Quest” might have had skeptics thinking it’d be a lazy sci-fi spoof destined for B-movie obscurity. Instead, the satirical comedy turned out to be a clever, heartwarming letter to Star Trek and sci-fi fandom in general. It balanced sharp humor with thrilling space action, making science fiction fans and casual viewers alike cheer. While it didn’t break any box office records, it did become a cult favorite.

#9: “American Psycho” (2000)

Before Mary Harron[a]’s satirical horror became a cult classic often commended for its storytelling and thought-provoking themes, many didn’t think it’d work. This mostly stemmed from the fact that critics believed its source material was unfilmable. Even Bret Easton Ellis felt his controversial novel didn’t need to be adapted to the big screen. However, Harron delivered a stylish, biting critique of the 1980s consumer culture that silenced the doubters. Her film ended up striking just the right balance between horror and satire. And Christian Bale? He didn’t just play Patrick Bateman, he became him with that career-defining performance. Some would even say he and the film deserved award recognition.

#8: “The Lego Movie” (2014)

This animated adventure had plenty of doubting Thomases before its release. Some fans expected an unoriginal, forgettable cash grab based on yet another franchise of toys. After all, how could a movie about plastic blocks work? Well, turns out, they were way off. “The Lego Movie” shocked many by being an imaginative and heartfelt motion picture. Packed with humor, goofy characters and a subtly deep message about creativity and conformity, it captivated audiences of all ages. The stunning animation, intelligent storytelling, and even the catchy “Everything Is Awesome” theme tune won the hearts of both critics and audiences. Honestly, it’s a fantastic movie that proves that even a film about toys can be truly special.

#7: “Ant-Man” (2015)

Following a down-on-his-luck thief who steals a suit that shrinks him down to the size of the titular insect, this Marvel superhero movie panned out way better than expected. Compared to the MCU’s earlier hits like “Iron Man” and “Thor”, this narrative about a hero who can talk to ants and hold his own in a fight might have seemed downright ridiculous - like that perhaps Marvel was scraping the bottom of the barrel. But against all odds, they pulled off a hit. Paul Rudd’s charming performance, the clever humor and creative action sequences - like epic battles fought in toy train sets - won over many. Meanwhile, the film’s delightful, heist vibe gave it a fresh edge within the MCU, soon becoming a quirky fan-favorite that spawned successful sequels.

#6: “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)

The trailers of this sci-fi spectacle may have had many believing it was yet another bleak alien invasion flick. With Tom Cruise starring as a soldier battling extraterrestrial forces, some probably even assumed it’d be a generic war narrative drenched in CGI chaos. But “Edge of Tomorrow” defied expectations. It emerged as this thrilling action flick with unanticipated moments of humor and a clever time-loop concept, elevated by stellar performances. Who could forget Emily Blunt as the ultimate “Full Metal B-” or Cruise in a totally unexpected role as a cowardly public affairs guy? It was indeed a refreshing sight. Today, “Edge of Tomorrow” stands tall as one of the most inventive sci-fi films of its decade.

#5: “Deadpool” (2016)

Tim Miller’s 2016 superhero film isn’t like the others and that’s exactly why it stands out. It may not be the pinnacle of all comic book movies, but it certainly gave the fans (and Ryan Reynolds) what they wanted. After the Deadpool character was… should we say ruined in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, not too many people had high hopes for his own solo film. Yet die-hard fans stayed loyal and it paid off big time. “Deadpool” proved to be a witty, violent, and entertaining flick that gave the superhero genre a clever spin. Ryan Reynolds embodied the character as if he were born for the role. No wonder “Deadpool” ended up becoming a massive success, ranking as the ninth-highest-grossing film of the year.

#4: “John Wick” (2014)

Chad Stahelski’s action film is a simple revenge story about an unstoppable hitman, played by Keanu Reeves. At just 1 hour and 41 minutes, it’s all thrills, no filler. But before its release, some dismissed it as another rehash of tired action movie tropes - and Reeves’ fame at the time was nowhere near where it had been in the ‘90s. The film’s premise of a retired assassin avenging his dog sounded almost laughable. Turns out though that those non-believers couldn't have been more mistaken. While it did take time before people realized it, “John Wick” was actually a sleek, heart-pounding action thriller with meticulously choreographed fight sequences. Reeves’ commitment to the role and the intense stunt work made it unforgettable. It didn’t even need a complex story to succeed. What many may have initially written off eventually became a sleeper hit. It also went on to reignite Keanu’s popularity and spawn several sequels and spin-offs.

#3: “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)

George Miller conceived the idea for the fourth “Mad Max” film back in 1987, but it took almost three decades for it to get on cinema screens. Despite a series of issues delaying its arrival, when it finally came, the dystopian tale carved its name in history as one of the most electrifying action films ever made. With Tom Hardy as Max and Charlize Theron as Furiosa, Miller managed to bring back what made people love the original. Meanwhile, its acting, solid narrative with emotional moments and refreshing twist on the action genre made the post-apocalyptic sequel unforgettable. It’s total chaos, beautifully shot, with awe-inspiring practical effects. It went on to become the highest-grossing “Mad Max” movie and won six Academy awards, among other accolades.

#2: “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022)

Greenlighting a sequel to an older classic is a tough call to make. There are always gonna be naysayers who think nothing can top the magic of the original. Yet, “Top Gun: Maverick” proved to be an exception. Right from its opening moments, it commands your attention and keeps you glued to your seat. Aside from the adrenaline-pumping action, the story has plenty of heart and nostalgic callbacks to the original. Tom Cruise, Miles Teller and Jennifer Connelly all brought their A-game, taking the movie to new heights. And let’s not forget the dog fights - so real they make you feel like you were in the cockpit yourself. Though some would even say “Top Gun: Maverick” TOPs its predecessor, we’re more keen to say that it certainly is worthy of it.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Shazam!” (2019)

Because Its Joyous Tone & Awesome CGI Left Us Amazed

“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003)

Because It Turned a Theme Park Ride into a Riveting Adventure

“21 Jump Street” (2012)

Because It Shocked Us With Its Hilarious & Delightful Package

#1: “Iron Man” (2008)

Before Steve Rogers became Captain America, before Thor fought monsters on our screens, there was this “genius, billionaire, playboy, [and] philanthropist” in the high-tech suit. Yes indeed, it was “Iron Man” that kickstarted the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, setting the stage for other legendary sagas of heroism, such as the surprisingly awesome, “Guardians of the Galaxy.” 2008 was a different time and banking on this superhero film to be a box-office hit was a gamble. MCU wasn’t the powerhouse it is today and “Iron Man” wasn’t yet a household name, like “Spider Man” or “X-Men”. On top of that, Robert Downey Jr.’s casting was controversial due to his past troubles and Jon Favreau wasn’t known for directing blockbuster action films. Despite all that, “Iron Man” defied all expectations and launched the MCU into the cinematic phenomenon we know today.


What other films surprised you with how good they eventually turned out? Share your thoughts in the comment section.


[a]https://youtu.be/n4sA7UOBC_c?si=8XT2i8yKng0PNPQG