Top 10 Movies that Exceeded Expectations

With 2009 being a year for countless anticipated box-office giants, including, the sixth “Harry Potter” and James Cameron’s “Avatar”, there just wasn’t enough hype room - despite heavy promotional efforts - for relative big screen newcomer J.J. Abrams, with the “Star Trek” reboot being only his second director credit. What’s more, with “Star Trek”’s film franchise having a peculiar pattern for poor reception on its odd-numbered movies, the fact that this was #11 in the series wasn’t much help. Still, Abrams boldly and successfully took us where no man has gone before in this back-to-basics tale, with stellar effects, good acting, higher stakes, and lots of flare - lens flare that is. His work paid off big time.

The fact that this fantasy flick is based on the classic Disney theme park attraction of the same name even had the Mouse’s most faithful fans skeptical, especially since said film would be the beloved family-driven company’s first PG-13 release. That skepticism didn’t go unpunished when audiences checked out the dramatic and haunting story of the Black Pearl’s crew. Moreover, the film gave Johnny Depp his first Oscar-nominated role as cinema’s most adored and charismatic pirate, whose misadventures spawned an entire franchise in the form of multiple explosive sequels. But more importantly, Hollywood’s faith in what was considered a cursed genre was restored.

Yet another sci-fi reboot serving as a second directorial endeavor on our list, the announcement of this attempt had film-buffs, and pop-culturists alike thinking that Hollywood had sunk to a new low with its monkeying around. Swapping practical costumes for equally believable CGI plus another potent portrayal from Andy Serkis via motion capture, director Rupert Wyatt put up quite the revolutionary fight to rise above the cynicism. His battle paid off greatly with the film garnering virtually universal praise and nearly half a billion dollars in box-office numbers, making it the franchise’s biggest gross until the release of the film’s sequel.

Based on the novel by Max Brooks, this film was considered a late entry to the zombie apocalypse re-spark. Despite promising trailers and the fact that Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt was in the starring role, the action horror movie’s marketing failed to amp-up the hype it was hoping to generate, with some predicting a flop due to the film’s blockbuster budget. Instead, audiences were treated to a thrill ride, where a solid hero journeyed through a global pandemic setting. It was this unexpected, edge-of-your-seat execution that made “World War Z” not only a well-received box-office success, but kept the pulse of the zombie genre alive and running a little longer.

Despite rising comic stars Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis’ names attached to the project, this film’s release came at a time when comedy was finding success again on the stand-up stage rather than on the silver screen. Hence, “The Hangover” took audiences and critics by surprise, as it was expected to be an hour and a half of standard drunk, high, and fart jokes. Instead, moviegoers got their money’s worth with an actual story filled with hilariously dubious characters and clever set-ups; can you say: dentist with a missing tooth? In terms of American box-office records, it became the third highest grossing R-rated film of all time as well as the second highest in the comedy genre.

Based on the novel “Q&A” by Vikas Swarup, it’s appropriate that this underdog’s story has found its way onto our list. A rags-to-riches tale revolving around a “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” contestant accused of cheating, Jamal Malik’s story was widely praised and marketed as the feel-good film of the decade for its well-paced drama, relatable characters, and appealing plot. Not only was the film an ultra-success with its $378 million worldwide gross at a $15 million budget, but it was additionally the strongest trophy reeler at the 81st Academy Awards, taking home a total of eight, including: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Based on the 1987 television series, “21 Jump Street” was that police-themed youth show that any pop-culture fanatic could predict was one bound for a bad Hollywood take. In one of its more praiseworthy adaptations, Hollywood silenced skeptics with a fun story, funny dialogue, and funnier performances in this action-comedy, brought to us by way of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” fame, as well as charismatic stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. Grossing a little over five times its budget, the film was picked up not only for an equally successful sequel, but also for a potential crossover project with another one of Columbia’s most famous and well-loved government authorities known for their black suits. A “23 Jump Street” is also in the works.

Same spy, same name, new guy, new game. With the franchise’s previous three films not living up to the reputation of MI6’s most badass agent, fans and critics alike just didn’t know what to expect with yet another film loaded with the stock stunts, car chases, and explosions that we’ve all gotten accustomed to seeing - 007 or not. Replacing Pierce Brosnan as the world’s most famous and badass spy, newcomer Daniel Craig and veteran director of “GoldenEye”, Martin Campbell, unexpectedly restored Bond to the glory days of such predecessors as Sean Connery and Timothy Dalton, introducing audiences to a more contemporary and relatable timeline as well as a newly promoted double-0.

With the Caped Crusader’s previous film being as childish and cheesy as it was notoriously bad, DC fans and film-buffs alike just weren’t excited with the announcement of yet another soon-to-be horrible adaptation of one of comic book’s history most beloved superheroes. What they received instead was a masterful incarnation from the relative newcomer Christopher Nolan, who took the bat by the wings and stretched them out to soar with solid storytelling, stimulating themes, and a return to darker visuals. The film not only went on to become a box-office success, but re-spawned the Dark Knight as a glorified household name, shadowed by two enticing sequels that made it part of one of cinema’s greatest trilogies.

Before we unveil our favorite unfavored pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “How to Train Your Dragon” (2012)
- “Mean Girls” (2004)
- “The Lego Movie” (2014)
- “Frozen” (2013)
- “Bridesmaids” (2011)

Originally green-lit as a “Halo” film, producer Peter Jackson and director Neill Blomkamp sought to use the existing props and set pieces of the adaptation for a new project after financing was deterred - what emerged was the sci-fi sleeper-hit “District 9”. Dependent on viral marketing as well as its stylistic “humans only” ads, the film retained a minimal presence in campaigning during its pre-theatrical release time. However, during its run, millions were treated to a visually alluring escape that tackled the serious earthly themes of xenophobia, social apartheid, and cultural ignorance; a feat which garnered it not only high box-office numbers but also four Oscar nominations including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture.

Do you agree with our list? Which film’s mega success took you by surprise? For more Top 10s exceeding your expectations published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.