10 Movies That Started Great But Went Downhill

Certain films captivate you from their very first moments, stirring your curiosity or adrenaline. Yet, not all movies sustain this intensity throughout, and an impressive beginning might end up leading to an underwhelming conclusion.

Here’s a look at 10 movies that started off strong but eventually veered off course as the narrative progressed. These films, representing various genres, initially captivated viewers, but ultimately faltered due to weak storylines, unexpected turns, or hasty conclusions. Let’s delve into the reasons behind their downfall.

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

‘The movie ‘The Good Dinosaur’ begins in an intriguing manner – dinosaurs didn’t become extinct; instead, a youthful Apatosaurus named Arlo resides on a farm. The beautiful scenery and emotional introduction draw you into his adventure.’

However, the narrative quickly loses direction, relying on overused adventure tropes and a human companion character. The emotional resonance diminishes significantly, resulting in an unmemorable story that fails to live up to its captivating opening act.

Sucker Punch (2011)

‘Sucker Punch’ initiates with an engaging, fashionable scene where the character Baby Doll, portrayed by Emily Browning, finds herself confined in a dismal asylum. The colorful dreamscapes and dynamic imagery foreshadow an exhilarating journey ahead.

The movie loses its pace as the magical scenes start repeating too often, and the storyline gets complicated. In the end, the forceful symbolism and unsatisfactory conclusion leave you more puzzled than content.

The Village (2004)

In the opening scenes of ‘The Village’ by M. Night Shyamalan, we find a chilling settlement existing under constant apprehension from unseen beasts. The atmosphere and historical vibe immediately grip your attention.

As the plot unfolds, the turns of events seem contrived, slowing down the pace considerably. The climactic disclosure weakens the initial intrigue, transforming an eerie narrative into one that is significantly less captivating.

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, let me share my take on the gripping opening scene of ‘Law Abiding Citizen’. This chilling home invasion not only grabs your attention but also sets the stage for Gerard Butler’s relentless pursuit of justice. The intricate plot and Butler’s sharp-witted portrayal of a man seeking vengeance keep you on the edge of your seat throughout this thrilling ride.

In simpler terms, the latter part gets rather implausible with gaping plot inconsistencies and exaggerated plans. The conclusion seems hurried, undermining the initial promise and leaving you disgruntled due to its unsatisfactory resolution.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ initially unfolds as a gripping crime drama featuring George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino portraying criminal siblings. The taut, character-focused introduction showcases Tarantino’s signature style.

Midway through, there’s an unexpected transition into a chilling vampire thriller, leaving behind the richness of the initial crime drama. This sudden change in tone seems abrupt and discordant, resulting in the latter part being less captivating compared to the beginning.

In Time (2011)

‘Time’s intriguing sci-fi premise immediately captivates – time serves as currency, and the story follows Justin Timberlake’s character as he struggles to endure in a society where the less fortunate age rapidly. The movie’s stylish aesthetics and swift tempo catch your attention right from the start.

The narrative struggles with a formulaic love story and basic action sequences. Ultimately, an intriguing concept devolves into a run-of-the-mill chase film that fails to impress.

Spectre (2015)

‘Spectre’ commences with an impressive Day of the Dead scene in Mexico City, featuring James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, performing exceptionally well. The action and camera work establish lofty anticipation.

The story becomes complicated due to a poorly executed villain reveal and excessive speed, causing a decline in tension. Unfortunately, the second part fails to sustain the initial excitement, resulting in a less engaging period in the Bond series featuring Daniel Craig.

Downsizing (2017)

In ‘Downsizing’, the innovative concept is that people can reduce their size to lessen resource consumption, and Matt Damon’s character embarks on an adventure within this miniature universe. This intriguing idea, presented with a witty touch and original perspective, holds great potential for an engaging tale.

In my perspective, the movie transitions into an intriguing blend of societal critique and peculiar side-stories. Regrettably, the conclusion seems to lack a definitive focus, which somewhat diminishes the promising beginning by not providing a clear path forward.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

‘The film titled “The Matrix Revolutions” commences with a tense scenario where Keanu Reeves’ character, Neo, is engaged in a crucial battle to secure humanity’s survival. This thrilling initial phase continues the distinctive action-oriented style that the Matrix franchise is known for.’

The narrative becomes bogged down with heavy backstory and underwhelming fight scenes, losing the thought-provoking essence that marked the initial movie. The climax falls short, not living up to the early buildup.

Hancock (2008)

‘Hancock’ grabs your attention with Will Smith portraying a flawed, intoxicated superhero who saves Los Angeles. The unique twist on the genre and clever wit make the initial half incredibly enjoyable.

In the second part, an unusual mythology and a hurried love story are introduced which seem incongruous. This sudden change disrupts the enjoyment, resulting in an unsatisfying conclusion for what was initially an intriguing idea.

2025-07-30 00:45