10 Movies That Started Great But Went Downhill

Some movies grab you right from the opening scene, pulling you in with excitement or intrigue. But not every film can keep that energy going, and a great start can sometimes lead to a disappointing finish.

Here is a list of 10 movies that began with promise but lost their way as the story unfolded. These films, spanning different genres, hooked audiences early only to stumble later with weak plots, odd twists, or rushed endings. Let’s dive into what went wrong.

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

‘The Good Dinosaur’ opens with a clever twist—dinosaurs never went extinct, and a young Apatosaurus named Arlo lives on a farm. The lush visuals and heartfelt setup make you care about his journey.

But the story soon feels aimless, leaning on cliched adventures with a human sidekick. The emotional depth fades, leaving a forgettable tale that doesn’t match its stunning start.

Sucker Punch (2011)

‘Sucker Punch’ starts with a gripping, stylish sequence as Baby Doll, played by Emily Browning, is thrown into a grim asylum. The vivid dream worlds and action-packed visuals promise a wild ride.

The film falters as the fantasy sequences grow repetitive and the plot becomes muddled. By the end, the heavy-handed metaphors and weak resolution leave you confused rather than satisfied.

The Village (2004)

M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Village’ begins with an eerie, isolated community living in fear of mysterious creatures. The tension and period setting draw you in instantly.

As the story unravels, the twists feel forced and the pacing drags. The final reveal undermines the early suspense, turning a creepy tale into something far less compelling.

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

‘Law Abiding Citizen’ kicks off with a brutal home invasion that sets up Gerard Butler’s quest for justice. The intense premise and his character’s cunning keep you hooked.

The second half veers into absurd plot holes and over-the-top schemes. The ending feels rushed, wasting the strong setup and leaving you frustrated with its lack of closure.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ starts as a gritty crime thriller with George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino as fugitive brothers. The tense, character-driven opening is classic Tarantino flair.

Halfway through, it abruptly shifts into a vampire horror flick, abandoning the crime drama’s depth. The tonal switch feels jarring, making the second half less engaging than the first.

In Time (2011)

‘In Time’ grabs you with its sci-fi concept—time is currency, and Justin Timberlake’s character fights to survive in a world where the poor die young. The sleek visuals and fast pace shine early.

The story stumbles with a predictable romance and simplistic action. By the end, the intriguing premise flattens into a generic chase movie that doesn’t deliver.

Spectre (2015)

‘Spectre’ opens with a stunning Day of the Dead sequence in Mexico City, showcasing Daniel Craig’s Bond at his best. The action and cinematography set high expectations.

The plot grows convoluted with a weak villain twist and bloated pacing. The second half struggles to maintain the early thrill, making it a low point in Craig’s run.

Downsizing (2017)

‘Downsizing’ starts with a fresh idea—people shrink to save resources—and Matt Damon’s character dives into this tiny world. The satirical tone and unique premise feel promising.

The film shifts to a messy mix of social commentary and odd subplots. The ending feels unfocused, squandering the clever setup with a lack of clear direction.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

‘The Matrix Revolutions’ begins with high stakes as Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, fights to save humanity. The action-packed opening builds on the franchise’s iconic style.

The story drowns in dense lore and lackluster battles, losing the philosophical edge of the first film. The finale feels flat, failing to match the early intensity.

Hancock (2008)

‘Hancock’ hooks you with Will Smith as a flawed, drunken superhero saving Los Angeles. The fresh take on the genre and sharp humor make the first half a blast.

The second half introduces a bizarre mythology and a rushed romance that feels out of place. The shift derails the fun, leaving a messy finish to a great concept.

Which movie’s downfall disappointed you the most, or is there another film that started strong but crashed? Share your thoughts in the comments!