Top 10 Straight-to-Video Movies

They never came to a theater near you, but that doesn't mean they aren't still worthwhile. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 straight-to-video movies. For this list, we're taking a look at movies that received no theatrical release or a very limited theatrical engagement, but still found an audience and acclaim on home media.
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- "Black Dynamite" (2009)
- "Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children" (2005)
- "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" (1996)
- "Frozen" (2010)
- "The Animatrix" (2003)
- "Futurama: Bender's Big Score" (2007)
- "Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation" (1992)
- "Trick 'r Treat" (2007)
- "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" (2012-13)
- "The Boondock Saints" (1999)
#10: “Black Dynamite” (2009)
Amateurishly shot, hilariously acted, and blatantly ridiculous, this self-aware comedy faultlessly recreates the Blaxpoitation movies of the 1970s. There are too many classic one-liners to count and the sloppy action sequences are nothing short of ingenious. Playing in select theaters for only two weeks, a satire as unique as “Black Dynamite” had little chance at finding an audience upon initial release. Yet, it was destined to gain a cult following on DVD, amounting to a cartoon show and several drug PSAs that sent very mixed messages.
#9: “Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children” (2005)
Square Enix may never give us a true “Final Fantasy VII” HD remake, but this cinematic continuation of Cloud Strife’s story is a nice alternative. “Advent Children” is every bit as visually stunning as the most recent titles in the “Final Fantasy” video game library. While the narrative can be hard to follow, the film still encompasses the complex characters, sharp action, and an involving universe we’ve come to expect from this studio. It’s well worth checking out for gamers and anime enthusiasts alike, whether viewed on DVD, Blu-ray, or PSP.
#8: “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” (1996)
The mere mention of Disney’s straight-to-video sequels is enough to make anybody cringe. This final entry in the “Aladdin” trilogy, however, is one of the few follow-ups from Disney Home Video that many have a soft spot for. While not on par with the 1992 classic, “The King of Thieves” does work in a fair deal of imagination and laugh-out-loud comedy courtesy of Robin Williams’ triumphant return as the Genie. The story additionally delves into Aladdin’s past and brings his journey full circle, providing a satisfying conclusion to the series.
#7: “Frozen” (2010)
Not to be confused with Disney’s hit animated musical, Adam Green’s “Frozen” is a much harsher depiction of winter. In one of the most terrifying scenarios imaginable, three friends get stuck on a ski lift in the dead of night with nobody coming for them. From there, matters escalate from bad to worse. “Frozen” definitely isn’t for the easily paranoid, which would explain why it wasn’t prosperous at the box office and received only a very limited theatrical release. If you’re looking for a thriller that will chill you to the core, though, this is a perfect rental.
#6: “The Animatrix” (2003)
A series like “The Matrix” was born for the realm of animation. The medium is put to impeccable use in “The Animatrix,” which strings together nine segments to produce the action movie equivalent of “Fantasia 2000.” Dazzling on the eyes with diverse animation, awesome fight choreography, and an abundance of atmosphere, this collection of shorts also expands upon the franchise’s lore through intriguing origin tales, cool side stories, and engaging new characters. It’s furthermore miles better than either of the live-action “Matrix” sequels, but that goes without saying.
#5: “Futurama: Bender’s Big Score” (2007)
Between its first cancellation and eventual revival on Comedy Central, the “Futurama” staff treated fans to four direct-to-video adventures, the best of which was “Bender’s Big Score.” This Annie-winning feature is basically four episodes crammed into one and that’s far from a bad thing. Full of the inventive humor “Futurama” has always been known for, the film satirizes everything from spam messages to the Fox Network. The creative story also provides an emotional voyage for Fry as he takes a step back in time and a step forward with Leela.
#4: “Tiny Toon Adventures: How I Spent My Vacation” (1992)
Growing up in the ‘90s, no child’s VHS collection was complete without a copy of “How I Spent My Vacation.” The first feature-length animated film ever to be sent straight-to-video in America, this bestseller has no shortage of clever references, catchy songs, and fun storylines for all the principle Tiny Toon characters. Highlights include Buster and Babs getting sent adrift down the river and Plucky embarking on a relentless road trip with Hampton’s family to HappyWorldLand. It’s funny, it’s charming, and, in its own way, truly embraces the majesty of summer.
#3: “Trick ‘r Treat” (2007)
While not as well-known as some other modern horror franchises, “Trick ‘r Treat” is the kind of scary movie audiences deserve to get every Halloween. Interlocking four tales of terror, the film gushes out the spirit of Halloween with jack-o'-lanterns, creepy legends, blood orgies, and candy. The stories themselves, which involve Anna Paquin as a virgin red riding hood and Dylan Baker as a homicidal principal, are all gleefully gory with bloody brilliant payoffs. Linking everything together is a tiny trick-or-treater, who has the makings of a horror icon with his burlap sack head attire.
#2: “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” (2012-13)
DC has produced a number of slick animated features like “Under the Red Hood,” but we’re singling out this terrific two-part adaptation of arguably the greatest Batman story ever told. Set ten years after the Dark Knight’s last sighting, an older, grittier, and more unpredictable Bruce Wayne puts his cape and cowl back on to take down a gang called the Mutants. Director Jay Oliva breathes life into Frank Miller’s graphic novel with faithful artwork and dialogue. Plus, how can you possibly go wrong with Robocop's Peter Weller as Bruce Wayne?
Before we pop our top pick in the VCR, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Universal Soldier: Regeneration” (2009)
- “An Extremely Goofy Movie” (2000)
- “Stargate: Continuum” (2008)
- “Justice League: Doom” (2012)
- “Superman: Doomsday” (2007)
#1: “The Boondock Saints” (1999)
In 1999, “The Boondock Saints” bombed with critics and came out in only five theaters for a single week. In an unexpected twist, though, it went on to gross roughly 50 million dollars in video sales, develop a diehard fanbase, and inspire a theatrical sequel. Bringing new meaning to over-the-top, this cult classic makes even the works of Quentin Tarantino look subtle by comparison. Just as the filmmakers embrace every second of the story’s sheer insanity, however, this is one manic, trashy, and hysterical straight-to-video experience you simply need to give yourself to.
Do you agree with our list? What other straight-to-video movies were worthy of a wide theatrical release? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
