Unexpected Masterpieces: Movies We Thought We'd Hate But Ended Up Loving
In film, as in life, sometimes our assumptions lead us astray. We decide, often at first glance—based on a trailer, a poster, or even just a passing mention—that a particular movie isn’t for us. Perhaps we’ve heard mediocre things from friends, or we remember an uninspiring marketing campaign. However, every once in a while, one of these “probably-skippable” films sneaks onto our screens and completely upends our expectations.
In the latest episode of The Films That Ruined Us, we delve into these rare cinematic experiences that surprised us by delivering powerful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and lessons that linger long after the credits roll.
Miles, one of our beloved co-hosts, kicks things off by opening up about his initial resistance to watching Peter Jackson’s King Kong (2005). As a major fan of Jackson’s work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Miles was hesitant at first—maybe it was skepticism about rehashing a classic monster tale, or perhaps he was wary of yet another CGI spectacle. But once he sat down to watch it, he found himself drawn into the grand adventure. The enormous scale of Skull Island, the enthralling performances by the cast, and the poignant bond between Kong and Ann Darrow combined to create an unexpectedly emotional journey. What began as a reluctant viewing turned into an experience that altered the way Miles perceived “blockbuster” cinema, proving that even larger-than-life Hollywood epics can spark profound emotional responses.
Meanwhile, Katy takes us on her personal journey with The Shawshank Redemption, a film she intentionally avoided for years. Maybe it was the serious prison setting that deterred her, or the seemingly grim story of two inmates forging an unlikely friendship. The irony, of course, is that The Shawshank Redemption has quietly become one of the most beloved films of our time, widely praised for its themes of hope, endurance, and humanity. Once Katy finally decided to give it a chance, she discovered a story that resonated with nearly everyone who saw it. It’s not just a film about life behind bars; it’s a testament to the human spirit—reminding us that, even in the darkest places, hope can flourish and transform people in extraordinary ways.
What’s particularly fascinating about these revelations is how they underscore the powerful influence of preconceived notions. Sometimes, we judge a movie by its poster—or its runtime, or the hype (or lack thereof)—and fail to recognise the potential hidden beneath. As Miles and Katy discuss in depth, confronting and then overcoming our bias can yield some of the most deeply moving cinematic experiences of our lives.
So, the next time you find yourself dismissing a movie before you’ve given it a fair shot, consider King Kong (2005) and The Shawshank Redemption. Both are prime examples of why those first impressions don’t tell the whole story. Tune in to this episode of The Films That Ruined Us as we celebrate these unlikely gems, and join us in embracing the possibility that the film you’ve written off as “not your thing” might just become your new favourite. After all, you never know which movie is waiting to surprise you with heart, depth, and a fresh perspective on the world.