Top 10 Movies That SMASHED Expectations This Decade (So Far)

From “Ex Machina” to “Annihilation,” a new Alex Garland film is always cause for anticipation. Given its subject matter, though, we expected “Civil War” to split people down the middle. While we wouldn’t call this dystopian thriller a crowd-pleaser, we wouldn’t describe it as polarizing either. In fact, the film won over most critics and audiences, more than doubling its $50 million budget on the way to becoming A24’s second-highest-grossing movie. Maybe the film resonated with so many because it didn’t take one side. Granted, you could argue Nick Offerman’s President shares more in common with a certain somebody currently running for office. Yet, the other side might believe the character represents another candidate. Either way, the film surprisingly unified viewers with its divisive themes.

Considering how Universal dropped the ball with the Dark Universe, we weren’t expecting much from an “Invisible Man” reimagining. We were shocked to discover not only how thrilling Leigh Whannell’s film was, but how well the material translated to modern day. People are opening up about domestic violence now more than ever. Even when somebody gets away from their abusive partner, their presence can still linger. “Invisible Man” provides a haunting parallel as Cecilia - masterfully played by Elisabeth Moss - is tormented by an unseen yet all-too-real threat. The technology behind the invisibility, while fictional, is also presented in a way that feels practical. Becoming a sleeper hit, “The Invisible Man” crept up on us in more than one way.

If a “Borat” sequel was released in 2007, we’d say the character was overexposed. If a sequel came out in 2017, we’d say it was too late. In a year like 2020, though, Borat’s return seemed as appropriate as ever. Even then, people assumed that a subsequent moviefilm could never leave the same impact. Yet, few comedies released this decade have done a better job of encapsulating the political zeitgeist. Part of that’s because Sacha Baron Cohen and Maria Bakalova - playing Borat’s daughter - again interact with real America, ranging from everyday MAGA supporters to disgraced presidential advisors. While Borat is more “enlightened,” the film is hardly politically correct, showing that you can still make an edgy comedy in this day and age.

“CODA” is the definition of a little movie that could, chugging its way to the summit of success. Centered on the only hearing member of a deaf family, “CODA” won over the Sundance crowd with its warmth, humor, and music, picking up several prizes. Apple TV subsequently acquired Sian Heder’s film for a record $25 million, guaranteeing it would find a wider audience. As awards season rolled around, analysts thought “CODA” might get a few notices, but that would be the end of its journey. After winning Outstanding Performance by a Cast at SAG, though, people saw its potential to go much further. “CODA” just kept gaining momentum, culminating in three Oscars, including Best Picture. We couldn’t sing this indie treasure higher praises.

An animated Disney musical with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda sounds like a surefire home run, but “Encanto” had a fair deal working against it. It wasn’t based on a preexisting IP and COVID continued to alienate moviegoers. Under these circumstances, the film performed as well as one could reasonably hope at the box office. It was on Disney+, however, where the miracle materialized. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” exploded into a cultural phenomenon, but “Encanto” was far from a one-hit wonder with every song achieving a level of notoriety. Beyond the soundtrack, the film inspired numerous conversations about mental health and representation. “Encanto” did so without forcing an agenda, getting its meaningful message across with lovable characters, stunning imagery, and sincerity.

When news broke that Greta Gerwig was directing a “Barbie” movie, we let out an excited, “What?” Nobody could’ve predicted that an auteur like Gerwig would choose something so mainstream like “Barbie” as her next project. We also never thought Warner Bros. or Mattel would grant Gerwig free reign to make a “Barbie” movie that acknowledges the brand’s past controversies - with a PG-13 rating no less. The biggest question mark was whether this gamble would pay off. It did… with over $1 billion. Gerwig found an unlikely balance, appealing to Barbie’s fans and haters, turning the latter into fans. The film’s success was only made more surprising by the addition of “Oppenheimer,” resulting in a double feature that Hollywood may never be able to replicate.

A sequel to a spinoff of a movie that came out over a decade earlier? DreamWorks must be desperate to milk our nostalgia. Well, yeah, but so is the rest of Hollywood. What sets “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” apart is how it expanded upon every aspect of the franchise, from the animation style, to fairy tale satire, to the dramatic depth. What started as a sequel nobody thought needed to exist evolved into one of the decade’s most visually innovative and thematically mature animated features. The film started slow at the box office, but in nine lives fashion, it kept attracting audiences throughout the weeks, proving that positive word of mouth is still a powerful force in today’s theatrical landscape.

Modern “Godzilla” movies have ranged from entertaining escapism to… Matthew Broderick. Either way, the franchise had generally forgotten that Godzilla started as an allegory for the atomic bomb. “Godzilla Minus One” recaptures the series’ roots, presenting the King of the Monsters in a more grounded light. What’s more, it offered a personal story that had us emotionally invested in the humans, in turn making Godzilla more intimidating. We wouldn’t just rank this among the best Godzilla films, but also the best recent war movies. While the spectacle doesn’t overshadow the drama, the effects are nonetheless extraordinary, bringing the franchise its first Oscar. The fact this was accomplished on a budget of no more than $12 million set a new standard, and not just for “Godzilla.”

“Top Gun” is a perennial 80s flick, although throughout the decades, it became best known for the infamous volleyball scene and other erotic undertones. “Top Gun: Maverick” seemed like evidence that the industry will make a legacy sequel out of anything. With the effects of COVID still felt, nobody expected “Maverick” would be the blockbuster that “saved Hollywood.” Nobody except maybe Tom Cruise, who fought to preserve the film’s theatrical release. Paramount owes Cruise a debt of gratitude, as “Maverick” soared to nearly $1.5 billion and even scored a Best Picture Oscar nomination. While Cruise delivered on the exhilarating aerial sequences, “Maverick” caught us off guard with its story about the old guard passing the torch while still proving they have more to offer.

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

“Wonka” (2023)
Timothée Chalamet + Paul King + Roald Dahl = Surprisingly Scrumdiddlyumptious

“Bad Boys for Life” (2020)
Just When You Thought the Franchise Was Dead, It Slapped Back With This Sequel

“Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020)
That Ugly Initial Design Is Now a Distant, Disturbing Memory

“Anyone but You” (2023)
We’ll Never Underestimate Sydney Sweeney & Glen Powell’s Star Power Again

“Smile” (2022)
Keeping Audiences Screaming & Executives Smiling

By 2022, multiverse movies were nothing new. Some might even say they were growing redundant. That made it all the more astonishing when the Daniels delivered this jolt of originality. Living up to its title, this movie has everything: inventive martial arts, a heart-tugging mother-daughter relationship, a raccoon mimicking a beloved Pixar character, you name it! What may seem like a jumble of random genres, tones, and ideas beautifully comes together in a universal story about family, identity, and existence. For all the critical love it amassed, some feared whether or not the masses would embrace such a unique experience. The most pleasant surprise is just how hard everyone went for “Everything Everywhere,” turning it into A24’s highest-grossing film and a Best Picture winner.

Which movie exceeded your expectations the most this decade thus far? Let us know in the comments.