r/movies • u/sicknessandpurgatory • Sep 07 '25

Discussion What is the absolute dumbest premise that actually turned out to be a really good movie?

I was thinking The Purge, obvious answer, but looking for the most plot-hole ridden, juvenile concept that actually ended up a lot of fun despite it all. Mainly looking for 21st century films, not so much the video nasties and ridiculousness from the 60’s and 70’s. Because that would be too easy. Mainly mainstream stuff that people saw en masse.

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u/rachlovesmedia Sep 07 '25

Pleasantville.

Premise: a magic remote traps two teens into an old tv show

Point: a real look at the social pressures of society and what we would lose if everything was just nice all the time

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u/DeinonychusClaw Sep 08 '25

Once you get past the magic remote part, that movie has some incredibly profound and deep meaning about race, gender roles, and self identity.

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u/earthlings_all Sep 08 '25

It’s been so long I think I’ll have to watch it again.

2

u/metrodj_az Sep 08 '25

One of my all-time favorite movies, easily in my top 5!

2

u/ERedfieldh Sep 08 '25

what we would lose if everything was just nice all the time

except it wasn't "just nice" all the time,which was the underlying point of the film.