Traditionally speaking, movie titles are supposed to lead the audiences’ expectations regarding the basic plot. Sometimes, it’s a single word, a catchphrase from the script, or a condensed and clever synopsis. Movie titles help us test the waters when it comes to the tone and setting of a movie. But sometimes, for better or worse, film titles can mislead.
Sometimes, however, the movie title is decided prior to shooting, and the production process leads to improvisation, which leads to the movie ending up in an entirely different direction, and the movie still retains the original title. But whether a title is purposefully misleading to stun the audience and exceed their expectations, and only make sense when they truly sit and watch the movie to see the themes unfold into something very beautiful is a tactic used by mainstream cinema. On the other hand, some movies use titles as false advertising to win interest – you know, by lying.
We’ve decided to sum up movie titles that are the cinematic equivalent of a bait and switch. Their names suggest one thing and the movie delivers something rather peculiar – whether it is surprising, confusing, or blatantly frustrating, is mostly subjective.
With that said, as with any striking, smokescreen book jacket or album title, an oddly misleading title isn’t always a bad thing. If done well and for the right reasons, the end result may be pretty good and leave audiences bewildered and impressed. These movies may end up being more memorable and thought-provoking than one with a transparent and straightforward title. But as you keep reading, you’ll see that this isn’t the case with the craft and downright duplicitous titles on this list.
17 The Lone Ranger (2013)
The Lone Ranger suggests a faithful, lonesome adaptation of the iconic and beloved Wester hero. But in reality, the film is a brilliant absurdist action-comedy where the ranger is accompanied by his sidekick Tonto. In fact, in no iteration of the story – whether it is the classic shows, the TV movie, or the one in question – is John Ried ever alone. In the 2013 big-screen version, The Lone Ranger and Tonto, played by Johnny Depp, hunt down a bunch of outlaws led by Butch Cavendish. Unlike the dated, long-standing source material, the film takes a mocking tone toward hunting villains and the Western tropes by using needless violence and strange humor. Whether the movie ends up being too presumptuous or enjoyable is for you to decide.
16 Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (2011)
The title suggests a mildly spooky, friendly affair that you could probably watch at night with a bunch of friends. But instead, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is as horrifying a film as they come. The movie delivers some really good scares which make you think that you should, in fact, definitely be afraid of the dark. The story follows a troubled young named Sally, who is sent to live with her father (Guy Pierce) and his new girlfriend. They live in a grand and spooky mansion creeping with evil forces. The unsettling tone and intense scenes might be a treat for horror fans, but for those expecting a softer fantasy thriller? Not so much.
15 Fargo (1996)
Fargo suggests a typical crime thriller movie set in the rich, somewhat quaint city of Fargo, North Dakota. But the only time we see Fargo in this classic Coen Brothers movie is when the protagonist hires the two hitmen to plan a scheme involving his wife being kidnapped. Otherwise, the movie is filmed entirely in Minnesota and Brainerd. Fargo is the perfect example of a dark comedy drama that subverts the norm. The events that take place in rural Minnesota when the kidnapping goes out of control is gripping and hilarious. Interesting characters and subtly on-point humor with the shocking insertion of violence is sure to bring you on the edge of your seat. While deceptive, the movie title does end up making the movie quite brilliant with a twisted sensibility.
14 The Last Exorcism (2010)
The title implies a final and conclusive confrontation with the Devil in an intense, soul-stirring moment of truth. But, in fact, the found footage horror movie only opens the doors for more movies to follow because we do get a sequel. Reverend Marcus travels to rural Louisiana for what he believes is just another ritual he has to perform in the name of an exorcism. And he agrees to let it be filmed. But when he’s faced with a teen girl’s chilling demonic possession, what follows is terrifying. Going to unimaginable lengths to cleanse the girl of the evil proves to be dangerous. Regardless of the haunting visuals, the title exaggerates the story’s definitive stature in the film series.
13 Happiness (1998)
Happiness is a dark satire that explores the minds of highly dysfunctional characters and touches on themes like pedophilia. The movie, while controversially provoking and daring, might be off-putting to some people who read the title and expected something upbeat and light. The title is clever and crafty – ironic, even – considering the movie features nothing feel-good for it to be called Happiness. Instead, the movie is a tragic comedy that will rattle you and make you laugh at things you probably shouldn’t be laughing at.
12 Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Following the successful and thrilling science-fiction events of the first movie, the title of the sequel suggests a post-apocalyptic judgment day is inevitable. But in reality, the movie revolves around the stars trying to prevent such a future. Terminator 2: Judgment Day features a more advanced Terminator, played by Robert Patrick, who travels back in time to kill a young John Connor. But the original Terminator, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, becomes the good guy here as he tries to protect him. The title, however electrifying, is ultimately a lie because the judgment day is stopped.
11 Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
While the title sounds like it is mocking the comprehensive term ‘teen movie’, you would expect this one to toss the formulaic clichēs aside and reveal a newer side of the genre. Regardless of the comedy spoofing the general teen tropes and highlighting them in the title, it displays some expected scenes like the prom and the anticipation, sex bets and confusions that ensue, stereotypical teenagers, and not very funny laughs in the name of fresh satire. The title sounds promising enough for the big screen to deliver an original teen comedy, but unfortunately, it falls short.
10 Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
The slasher film franchise has had a couple interesting entries under its belt, so when you hear Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, you expect the series’ definitive ending. However, the films continue on for years to come. In The Final Chapter, Jason Voorhees returns to camp for yet another killing spree, but the story does not end with a conclusive finale. So it turns out that the title overemphasizes the entry’s significance in closing the franchise, when in reality, the film is just another gruesome chapter and a red herring to grab audience attention.
9 John Dies at the End (2012)
A movie title in the form of a spoiler doesn’t entice an audience. But when it is a blatant lie? Maybe a little. The movie John Dies at the End follows a non-linear narrative and distorts both reality and timelines, ending up confusing the audience. In the movie, a drug gives its consumers psychic powers, taking them on to spatial boundaries, and when they return, they are unrecognizable and dangerous. Amidst it all, two friends deal with the chaos that ensues. The movie reveals a coy suspense by giving away a fake end, and while some people do enjoy absurdist comedies, some may find the plot frustrating. Especially after knowing John dies in the end. He doesn’t though. He dies somewhere in the middle.
8 Tangled (2010)
Despite being a Disney movie about a princess we all grew up reading about and watching iterations of, Tangled gives audiences an impression of a dark and dramatic thriller. Instead, Tangled is a lighthearted story of Rapunzel. The title softens the fairy tale by giving an intriguing nature to it. The movie features a colorful adventure full of humor and heart and snappy numbers that mesmerize the audience, even though nothing in the story is every tangled. Not even Rapunzel’s shiny mane of hair.
7 Clash Of The Titans (2010)
The title implies that there will be an epic battle between the Titans and an engrossing drama will follow. But the movie does not even feature the Titans. We see Perseus trying to save humanity from the wrath of the Gods by defeating the Kraken. The movie clearly focuses more on action and the visual spectacle than the depth of the story. The title oversells the epic but the movie delivers impressive action sets and creatures, even if the characters are a little too shallow.
6 The Karate Kid (2010)
While the original Karate Kid cannot be questioned in any way, the 2010 remake straight-up lies to you with its title. What looks like another underdog story like the original, which it is, lacks the very element that makes its title riveting – karate. Instead, The Karate Kid follows the story of a bullied teen who learns kung fu from the maintenance guy, who turns out to be an expert in martial arts. The focus on Chinese culture gives the story an interesting spin, but the title’s familiarity misleads those looking for an honest remake. However, the movie still manages to draw the goodwill from the original movie and deliver a unique film.
5 Man on Fire (2004)
Man on Fire is a vigilante action thriller movie starring Denzel Washington as an ex-CIA officer anmed John responsible for guarding an entrepreneur’s daughter. But when she is kidnapped, a disillusioned Jon seeks brutal revenge. While the movie delivers all the action and thrill it promises by raging scales, the title does downplay the violence to make the raging revenge seem lighter than it is. Moreover, at no point in the movie is Denzel Washington ever actually on fire.
4 Mission: Impossible (1996)
Nothing about Mission: Impossible and the movies in the franchise that follow is actually impossible. The quests are hard and unimaginable, yes, but they’re not impossible. Hence the movie. A blockbuster on the charts, the franchise launches itself with Impossible Missions Force agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) being framed for spy crimes. Hunt decides to expose the real mole and raises the stakes for himself by undertaking an unfeasible operation. The action scenes feature some unrealistic scenes, they are not entirely impossible with Hunt’s superior skills.
3 Goodfellas (1990)
From the title, you can expect Goodfellas to be a lighthearted mob comedy or a film with friends in the underworld. But instead what you get is a profound and intriguing and appalling crime thriller. Henry Hill, the protagonist, gains a higher status in the Lucchese crime family as he branches out. But with power and money comes greed, and Hill is increasingly consumed by fear and violence. The title is pretty ironic, considering the fellas here aren’t even remotely good. They’re bad fellas. The title suggests a light playfulness from the creators to contrast the harrowing nature of the organized crime— props to Martin Scorses for pulling off a masterpiece in the form of a modern gangster classic.
2 88 Minutes (2007)
A movie titled 88 minutes sounds like a high-stakes action-packed chase thriller packed under a striking hour and a half. But in reality, the story of 88 minutes is rather complex and difficult to follow. Al Pacino plays a college professor, who as an extracurricular activity acts as a forensic expert for the FBI. He is racing against time as he tries to find the person who framed him for multiple murders after receiving a death threat that says he only has 88 minutes to live. The plot is quite weak and the story relies heavily on plot twist – so much so that it gets frustrating to watch Al Pacino being loud and fumbly. The title clearly exaggerates the gimmick of having a timeline, turning into a red herring, much like the movie itself.
1 Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)
A movie with the word “final” in it sure suggests the end of a franchise. The movie promises that this will be the last film in the Elm Street series with Freddy Krueger’s (Robert Englund) death bringing an end to the killing spree. But that wasn’t the case. Well, the first part of the title is true because Krueger is dead, but the case here is that he probably won’t be coming back on screen anymore. However, after the sixth installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street film, there have been subsequent films, and Freddy did make a proper return in Freddy vs Jason. The title did a fantastic job in raising the stakes for the entry, while here we see Freddy preying on Elm Street children. The movie is full of intense over-the-top deaths and the signature dark humor.