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 processleads 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.
Related:These Were Some of the Most Misleading Movie Trailers
We’ve decided to sum up movie titles that are thecinematic 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.
17The Lone Ranger (2013)
The Lone Rangersuggests 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.
16Don’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 Darkis 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.
15Fargo (1996)
Fargosuggests 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.
Related:The 10 Most Underrated Movies From the Coen Brothers
14The 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 titleexaggerates the story’s definitive staturein the film series.
13Happiness (1998)
Happinessis 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 atragic comedy that will rattle youand make you laugh at things you probably shouldn’t be laughing at.
12Terminator 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 Dayfeatures 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.
11Not 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.
10Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
The slasher film franchise has had a couple interesting entries under its belt, so when you hearFriday 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 Voorheesreturns 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.
9John 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 movieJohn Dies at the Endfollows 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.
Related:8 Great Movies With Non-Linear Narratives
8Tangled (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,Tangledis 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.
