This year has already delivered films that have defied expectations, whether these are films that did not initially receive praise but eventually gained momentum, or others that overtook box office heavy hitters. This list highlights how 2025 has become a year for the unexpected in cinema and how movies keep finding ways to surprise viewers. Every year, certain films are a likely success with even some sportsbook promotions offering predictions for events like The Oscars.
Mickey 17
Director Bong Joon-ho had immense pressure on his shoulders coming into 2025. With the success of his previous films Parasite and Okja, moviegoers had very high expectations for his latest venture, Mickey 17. The film is based on a book written by Edward Ashton called Mickey7. The focus point is a man who becomes an expendable worker in space and is cloned whenever he dies. The standout performances come from Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo, and Naomi Ackie. Arguably, what surprised viewers most about Mickey 17 is its balance between dark humour and sci-fi setting. Critics had plenty of positive things to say, and the film exceeded its budget. Overall, Mickey 17 is not Joon-ho’s strongest movie, but it was definitely a success.
Sci-fi films are usually not something that fans think of when they think of deep character development and complex storytelling. Mickey 17 combines your classic sci-fi theme with a story that offers more and provides a viewing experience that hardcore sci-fi fans and general viewers will enjoy.
Knives Out 3: Wake Up Dead Man
Rian Johnson’s latest entry into his Knives Out series surprised fans with its shift in tone and added depth. The first two films follow your classic whodunit theme, with Daniel Craig in the leading role, portraying Benoit Blanc. The Knives Out franchise proved to be a success with a solid fanbase, but with the announcement of the third instalment, fans questioned whether the plot had become repetitive and played out. Knives Out 3 starts where the previous one left off, as another murder mystery movie with bonus comedic flair. But out of nowhere, the film makes a sudden shift in tone and begins to focus on topics such as morality and belief.
What makes Knives Out 3 so surprising is that even with the success of the first two movies, the director took a risk and decided to change the winning formula in an attempt to produce a more heavy-hitting feature. This film proves that a series can change and still keep its loyal fanbase while gaining new fans at the same time.
Dog Man
Animated movies aimed at children often follow the same predictable path that makes for an entertaining watch for children, but not necessarily for anyone else. Director Peter Hastings produced a film that defied expectations and redefined what a kids' film can be. Based on Dav Pilkey’s popular book, Dog Man stays true to the original material but manages to add even more. With a successful box office opening of $36 million, Dog Man surprised viewers with its humor and emotion.
What made Dog Man successful is that in the modern era of cinema, studios rely on sequels and re-releases. Dog Man is something completely new and unique; it did not have the backing of huge marketing.
Captain America: Brave New World
When Marvel announced they would be making a Captain America movie without Chris Evans as the lead, this had fans feeling very pessimistic about its release. The film focuses on Sam Wilson, played by Anthony Mackie, as the man who is tasked with becoming the new Captain America. Every MCU movie comes with big expectations, and this film is no different. Although the majority of fans did not initially like the idea, there were some loyal Captain America fans willing to give it a chance.
The film was not being heavily promoted, mainly due to fans not getting behind the idea when it was originally announced. But with any MCU title, there will be fans willing to give the film a chance. The opening weekend and following box office performances surpassed expectations, with Brave New World proving to be a hit. This film proved that audiences can adapt to big changes if the film is good enough to warrant the change.
Novocaine
Released in early 2025, Novocaine looked to be your classic goofy action comedy movie, with Jack Quaid in the leading role as Nathan Caine. He portrayed a bank employee who could not feel pain due to a rare condition, and he finds himself on a rescue mission. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, they managed to create a film that perfectly balances absurdity and grit.
Audiences were pleasantly surprised, as not only was Novocaine funny, it had plenty of emotion behind it. It explored topics such as vulnerability, risk, and heroism to tell the story of a man who, although he can’t feel physical pain, has to go through the most emotionally painful experience of his life.