10 Movies That Looked Bad in Trailers But Were Brilliant
Trailers can make or break a movie’s first impression, and sometimes they miss the mark, selling a film as something it’s not or failing to capture its magic. Yet, some of these misfires hide gems that surprise and delight when you give them a chance.
I’ve picked 10 films that had lackluster or misleading trailers but turned out to be brilliant, delivering powerful stories, stunning visuals, or unexpected depth. These movies prove you shouldn’t always trust the preview.
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
The trailer for Wes Anderson’s ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ leaned heavily on quirky humor, making it seem like a lightweight comedy. It didn’t hint at the film’s rich storytelling or emotional core.
Ralph Fiennes’ charming concierge leads a vibrant caper with heart and tragedy, revealed on rewatch to be layered with Anderson’s signature style. The film’s meticulous sets and sharp script make it a delightful surprise.
Drive (2011)
Trailers for ‘Drive’ pitched it as a generic action flick, focusing on car chases and Ryan Gosling’s stoic driver. They missed the film’s moody, artistic vibe entirely.
Nicolas Winding Refn’s direction, paired with Gosling’s quiet intensity, crafts a slow-burn neo-noir with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack. A second viewing reveals its emotional depth, making the trailer’s misfire laughable.
The Nice Guys (2016)
The trailer for ‘The Nice Guys’ played up slapstick gags, suggesting a forgettable buddy comedy. It failed to capture the film’s sharp wit or gritty 1970s crime vibe.
Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling’s chemistry as mismatched detectives shines in Shane Black’s clever, action-packed story. Rewatching highlights the clever dialogue and plot twists, far richer than the trailer suggested.
Annihilation (2018)
Trailers for ‘Annihilation’ sold it as a generic sci-fi thriller, emphasizing action over its cerebral weirdness. They barely hinted at the film’s haunting, philosophical core.
Alex Garland’s direction and Natalie Portman’s raw performance create a visually stunning meditation on loss and transformation. A second watch reveals layered themes and eerie details, making the trailer feel like a disservice.
The Tree of Life (2011)
Terrence Malick’s ‘The Tree of Life’ had trailers that felt vague, showing pretty visuals without a clear story. They made it look like a pretentious art project.
The film’s poetic blend of family drama and cosmic imagery, led by Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, is breathtaking on rewatch. Its meditative pace and emotional weight reveal a masterpiece the trailer couldn’t capture.
Swiss Army Man (2016)
The trailer for ‘Swiss Army Man’ leaned into its bizarre premise—Daniel Radcliffe as a farting corpse—making it seem like a crude gimmick. It hid the film’s heartfelt soul.
Paul Dano and Radcliffe deliver a weirdly moving tale of friendship and survival, with inventive visuals. Rewatching shows how its absurdity masks deep themes, far beyond the trailer’s goofy pitch.
Spring Breakers (2012)
Trailers for ‘Spring Breakers’ marketed it as a trashy party flick, focusing on bikinis and wild antics. They ignored its dark, satirical edge.
Harmony Korine’s neon-soaked crime drama, starring Selena Gomez and James Franco, critiques excess with hypnotic style. A second viewing reveals its biting commentary, making the trailer’s shallow sell a total miss.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The ‘Fury Road’ trailer showed endless explosions, suggesting a brainless action fest. It didn’t capture the film’s relentless energy or visual storytelling.
George Miller’s post-apocalyptic chase, led by Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, is a masterclass in action and world-building. Rewatching highlights its choreography and themes of survival, far deeper than the trailer implied.
It Follows (2014)
Trailers for ‘It Follows’ made it look like a generic horror flick with a spooky gimmick, downplaying its unique dread. They failed to convey its atmospheric brilliance.
David Robert Mitchell’s slow-burn horror, with Maika Monroe facing a relentless entity, builds tension through eerie visuals and a synth score. A second watch reveals its clever metaphors, outshining the trailer’s bland pitch.
Hereditary (2018)
The trailer for ‘Hereditary’ leaned on jump scares, selling it as a standard horror movie. It missed the film’s gut-wrenching family drama and psychological depth.
Ari Aster’s debut, led by Toni Collette’s devastating performance, blends grief and terror into a slow-burn nightmare. Rewatching uncovers subtle clues and emotional layers, making the trailer’s generic vibe a disservice.
Which of these movies surprised you after a bad trailer, or is there another film that won you over despite its preview? Drop your thoughts in the comments!