Ryan Izay lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for lists and rankings in all categories

Ryan Izay - Lists at Ranker

Lists of great, unforgettable, and weird scenes in film and TV - and how they got made.

And... Scene

Total Nerd

Characters in movies often consciously make bad choices, leading to trouble that's entirely their own fault. In some instances, however, it only takes a minor inadvertent mistake to ruin everything. This tiny error is not a moral choice or intentional decision but simply an absent-minded blunder that has a large impact on the outcome of the plot. Even the best-laid plans quickly unravel due to these seemingly insignificant moments.&nbsp;A minor mistake often leads to criminals' capture or demise, and similar issues occur when it's law enforcement agents. In horror movies, a small slip-up could also have deadly results. Even when the impact of the accidental mistake is not life-threatening, the results always overshadow the size of the error. These could be cinematic depictions of Murphy’s Law or perhaps the characters were simply destined to fail. Which of these small mistakes had the biggest impact? Vote up your favorites below! Warning: Spoilers ahead!

Absent-Minded Oopsies In Movies That Ruin Everything

Film

Ryan Izay

Entertainment

Some movie villains have the ability to make an impact as great as the protagonists, occasionally becoming the most memorable aspect of the film. This is notable when it’s a bad guy who shares much of the screen time with the hero, but even more impressive when the villain only appears for a small portion of the film. Whether they are only onscreen for a couple of scenes or even just a few minutes, these iconic movie villains steal the spotlight and leave a lasting impression on the audience.&nbsp;These characters may be <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-hatable-secondary-antagonists/williamsbrianjake">secondary antagonists who appear for a specific purpose</a> somewhere in the middle of the movie, only to be dispatched or disappear prior to the resolution of the narrative. In other films, they may be the closest thing the story has to a true bad guy, but their time is limited in the plot. Either way, these villains are depicted or portrayed in an impactful manner. However limited their screen time, the bad guys on this list are often well remembered.

Minor Movie Villains Who Only Show Up For A Few Minutes - But Make A Major Impact

General

As audiences have become more adept at anticipating the direction of movie narratives, filmmakers have learned ways to subvert expectations. One of the ways this is achieved is by introducing a character as a potential hero who will save the day, only to have them killed off long before the threat has been eliminated. The time spent establishing these characters as potential heroes is nothing more than misdirection, making their death more impactful through the unpredictable nature of the events.&nbsp;This death may provide an opportunity for another character to step up as an unlikely hero or could be a way to continue the narrative in a surprising new direction. Sometimes the death is just a way to pull the rug out from underneath the audience, making the death more effective than if it were easy to anticipate. This is even more successful when the films take the time to build up expectations about the potential characters, establishing their skills and/or heroic qualities before they are unceremoniously dispatched from the film.&nbsp;Which of the following would-be heroes have the most unexpected deaths? Vote up your favorites below!Warning: Major character death spoilers ahead!

16 Times A Character Shows Up To Save The Day - But Gets Killed Instead

Movie Characters Who Show Up To Save The Day, But Get Killed Instead

Taking a look at the funniest, most frightening, most unforgettable scenes in our favorite '90s flicks.

'90s Movie Moments

1990s

Ruthless behavior is expected from the villains in action movies, giving the audience even more reason to root for the heroes they are up against. These moments from movie villains in ‘90s action films, however, go above and beyond the typical bad-guy behavior. More than the corrupt and duplicitous conduct expected of villains, certain instances contain notably evil acts carried out by antagonists. These situations aren’t just necessary for the villain to get what they want, but they are also notably nefarious and often show a complete lack of compassion, if not a sadistic enjoyment of the pain they inflict.&nbsp;Following the iconic larger-than-life action movies of the 1980s, movie villains in the ‘90s needed to be truly unseemly to stand out. Below is a collection of some of the most ruthless moments by bad guys from the action films of the decade. What they do to make their mark varies, but each is memorably malicious. Which of these brutal bad-guy moments from the last decade of the 20th century left the greatest impression? Vote up your favorites below!

The Most Ruthless Moments Of '90s Action Movie Villains

Ranking the plot twists that got us good. Warning: Spoilers ahead.

Didn't See That Coming

Plot twists are often used in movies to surprise audiences who may think they have the entire narrative figured out. The twists in these films all involve the reveal of a huge family secret. Depending on how they are handled, plot twists can have a huge impact on the audience’s overall impression of a film. If audiences dislike the twist, it can ruin an otherwise enjoyable narrative. Other times, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/plot-holes-that-save-the-movie/jonathan-kantor">plot twists can redeem otherwise forgettable movies</a>.&nbsp;Twists involving family secrets tend to reveal connections previously unknown to the audience and/or the characters. Often the protagonist discovers they are related to another character, which could be a joyous or horrific revelation depending on the circumstance. Which family secrets make the best plot twists? Vote up your favorites below!

18 Movies Where The Big Twist Is A Huge Family Secret

Movies Where The Big Twist Is A Huge Family Secret

Horror

Storylines involving people being replaced in their own lives have become commonplace in sci-fi and horror movies, though the explanation for the phenomenon varies from film to film. Whether the imposter is the result of an alien invasion, robot uprising, or some form of doppelgänger, they are malevolent in nature. These narratives instill a sense of paranoia, as the outward appearances are often identical before and after the replacement, resulting in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movies-where-no-one-can-be-trusted/alex-kirschenbaum">characters questioning if anyone can be trusted</a>.&nbsp;Often in these films, a character’s physical body is either overtaken or replaced by the new being, though sometimes the details are kept purposefully unexplained. Ambiguity in the plot allows for allegorical interpretations, beyond the obvious fears of being replaced in our own lives. It can also be helpful in representing a societal distrust of others, as anyone can be an imposter when the outward appearance remains unchanged.

15 Movies Where People Are Getting Replaced In Their Own Lives

Movies Where People Get Replaced In Their Own Lives

As long as there has been sound in film, there have been musicals, and Hollywood has often looked to Broadway for inspiration. Unfortunately, even <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-musicals">the greatest Broadway musicals</a> can result in bad movies. Some of the most beloved stage shows have failed to translate in their cinematic adaptations, leaving audiences and critics alike wondering what went wrong. Fans of the original Broadway version are disappointed and those unfamiliar with the stage show are likely confused why it was popular in the first place.While some of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-20-best-musical-movies-of-all-time">the best movie musicals</a> have resulted in successful stage adaptations with long runs on Broadway, the process of adapting the stage experience to film has often proved more challenging. Occasionally, it is the casting of film stars ill-equipped to handle the material which results in an inferior cinematic adaptation, but even some of the movies keeping original Broadway cast members have failed miserably. Although it would seem freeing to remove the restrictions brought by the stage, the directors of these films struggled to bring the same stories to life onscreen. Whether it is the performances, the direction, or the story itself, these movie musicals fail to capture the essence of the original stage show. Plainly put, regardless of success in another medium, these are simply bad movies.&nbsp;Which of these movie musicals based on Broadway shows left you longing for an early curtain call? Vote up the biggest failures below!

Movie Musicals That Should Have Stayed On Broadway

Action

It takes a parent or a guardian to purchase tickets to R-rated films before the age of 17, which makes that birthday a rite of passage for teenage film fans. Once this restriction is lifted, it is often the violently over-the-top action movies that are most enticing. Bloody battles, brutal fights, and sequences of gory violence tend to take precedence over good filmmaking when it comes to the grown-up experience of watching an R-rated action movie you wouldn’t previously have been allowed to see on your own.&nbsp;What was the most gleefully violent R-rated action movie the year you turned 17? If that birthday came between 1980 and 2010, chances are you can find it below. They may not be <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-action-adventure-movie-year-your-were-born/jonathan-kantor">the best action film of the year</a>, but they are the ones most willing to push the limits of what is acceptable. These are the movies to take delight in the joys of creatively orchestrated violence, above all else.&nbsp;

The Most Gleefully Violent R-Rated Action Movie From The Year You Turned 17

The Challenge

It isn’t uncommon for competition reality TV shows to have smart players who are willing to pull off sneaky or duplicitous moves to increase their chances of winning, but on The Challenge, it is nearly a requirement. It is no coincidence that some of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-the-challenge-contestants-that-ever-played/ranker-tv">the best players on The Challenge</a> also happen to be among the craftiest. Since the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-mtv-original-shows/tvs-frank">MTV show</a>’s beginnings as a competition between former cast members of The Real World and Road Rules, it has been normal to hear the players discussing how the social and political aspects of the game are as important as the challenges themselves.&nbsp;Like many other reality shows, alliances are a normal part of The Challenge, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. The truly crafty players get more creative, learning how to lie and manipulate to get others to advance their game. The sneakiest of the bunch are always finding new ways to get an advantage, which can be the most entertaining aspect of the show and often leads to some of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-season-of-the-challenge/ranker-tv">the best seasons of The Challenge</a>. Contestants pulling a fast one over on their competitors are celebrated and often rewarded with a trip to the notoriously difficult final challenge.&nbsp;Which of The Challenge players are the craftiest?

The Craftiest Players In ‘The Challenge’ History

Person

Box-office results aren’t always an accurate indicator of a film’s value, as some movies now considered to be classics initially failed to make a profit. The films on this list flopped when they were first released in theaters, despite being <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-underrated-comedies-of-2000s/ryan-izay">underrated comedy gems</a> worthy of reaching a wider audience. Even if it is too late to give them the ticket sales they deserved, these films can be discovered by audiences that missed the opportunity to see them on the big screen. Streaming services make it easier than ever to find underrated treasures like these for a laughter-filled viewing experience.&nbsp;Comedy is inherently subjective and what each individual finds funny can vary greatly. There are a variety of different styles and approaches, and often a film’s success depends on its ability to find the right audience. These comedic movies couldn’t attract the attention needed to succeed at the box office initially, but it isn’t too late for them to find an audience now. There are sophomoric, sophisticated, satirical, and dark underrated comedies. Which of these underrated films should have done better at the box office? Vote up your favorites below!

Underrated Comedies That Flopped At The Box Office

Film narratives often contain many working parts, and certain storylines may contain loose threads that aren’t resolved by the time the credits scroll. Sometimes these unresolved or underdeveloped plot points are interesting enough to make good spinoff stories of their own. Whether these are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movie-subplots-better-than-main-storyline/ryan-izay">subplots more interesting than the main story</a> or simply areas of the plot that deserve more exploration, audiences are left wanting more.&nbsp;Some of these are brief detours in the main plot of the protagonist, while other times they are the supporting characters whose involvement in the narrative is interesting enough to fill their own film. The open-ended nature of these storylines can leave the audience with unanswered questions, and the effectiveness of the performances and filmmaking creates the demand for a spinoff.

Loose Threads In Movies That Deserve Their Own Spinoff

Although most likely credit George A. Romero and The Night of the Living Dead with the creation of the zombie film, the horror sub-genre has been around since the 1930s. Along with these forgotten early classics, there are many underrated zombie movies that are deserving of being revived from the cinematic cemetery. Romero’s influence resulted in other zombie movies being made, just as the creation of the first Resident Evil video game in the 1990s paved the way for a similar explosion of the sub-genre that has yet to completely subside. With the onslaught of zombie releases during these waves of popularity, many have failed to receive proper credit and attention. Others have simply been left for dead in the collective memory of film fans, though it is time they are unearthed again.&nbsp;Many of the underrated zombie films have followed in the flesh-eating path set out by Romero’s definitive classic, though some have returned to the sub-genre’s roots in voodoo and the dark arts. Others have revised the zombie narrative even further with new elements and reasons for the attacks, though all share the common quality of the dead rising up to attack humanity. There are many variations of zombie films, with some even combining comedy and romance, leading to the term “Rom-Zom-Com.” While some <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-supernatural-unexplained-epidemic-movies/ryan-izay">films with unexplained supernatural phenomena infecting humanity</a> clearly seem influenced by zombie movies, these are more straightforward in their portrayal of the undead, despite differences in details and tone.&nbsp;Which of these underrated zombie films deserve to be brought back from the dead? Vote up your favorites below!

20 Underrated Zombie Movies That Deserve To Be Brought Back From The Dead

20 Most Underrated Zombie Movies

Mythical Creatures

The roots of the vampire in popular culture can be traced back to 19th-century literature, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they found their way into cinema early on. Although there are many popular and well-remembered vampire films, there are also plenty of underrated vampire movies forgotten or dismissed unfairly in their initial release. Because the vampire is a monster that never truly disappears from the screen, only occasionally slumbering to rise up again in later decades, the plethora of options can prevent some from receiving the attention they deserve. The undying popularity of the subgenre even precedes the classification of the horror genre itself, with Tod Browning’s 1931 adaptation of Dracula marketed by Universal as a love story and released on Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;Some of these underrated cinematic vampire gems follow traditional storylines and creature characteristics, while others are a revision of the monster’s mythology, making it <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/vampire-movies-about-other-things/orrin-grey">debatable whether they are actually vampire movies</a> at all. Some also land distinctly and exclusively in the horror genre, and others creatively blend with genres like comedy or sci-fi to create a hybrid variation. While the elements of the films and the characteristics of the monster may vary, each of these vampire films are worth keeping alive for future audiences to discover.

18 Underrated Vampire Movies That You Should Really Sink Your Teeth Into

The Most Underrated Vampire Movies

Heist movies may belong to the action genre but include specific elements like a well-thought-out plan and a crew to carry it out. There are many beloved films belonging to this sub-genre, from the numerous installments in the Ocean’s Eleven franchise to Michael Mann’s highly praised Heat, but these underrated heist movies are worthy of being included in the conversation. Much like the issues that inevitably arise in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-planned-movie-scenes/alex-kirschenbaum">planning of a heist</a>, something went wrong to prevent these films from being as successful as they deserve. Some are classics that have been forgotten over time and others never received the attention they deserved. Whatever the reason, these underrated heist films are good enough to earn a second chance at winning over audiences.&nbsp;Heist films often fool the audience into thinking the plan can’t work, either because the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movie-characters-whose-jobs-get-sabotaged/ryan-izay">characters are set up to fail the job</a> or simply the seemingly impossible odds that must be overcome to make it work. Often this is because details of the plan have been withheld from even the audience, leading to a clever reveal in the climax or resolution of the narrative. Even when the heist goes terribly wrong and the protagonist does end up unsuccessful, these are rare films where the audience is encouraged to root for the criminals. And when the plan does come together, the audience is allowed to feel as though they have joined the crew, living vicariously through their clever actions.&nbsp;Which of the following heist films are most deserving of scoring a second look? Vote up your favorites below!

20 Underrated Heist Movies That Make Us Wish We Were Part Of The Crew

Underrated Heist Movies That Make Us Wish We Were Part Of The Crew

As actors age, they are often relegated to supporting roles as grandparents and wise old sage characters. Age can often help actors appear unthreatening or comfortingly kind, but these senior actors defied stereotypes by playing cold-blooded villains in the twilight of their careers. Despite all appearances, these actors managed to give terrifying performances. The unexpected ruthlessness of the characters can even make them more frightening than villains of a more traditional variety.Each of the actors included here was at least 60 years old at the time and had already established themselves in illustrious careers. Most became famous for playing traditionally heroic roles in their youth, which adds to the juxtaposition of having them play bad guys in old age. Not only do the evil attributes of the characters seem out of place for the actors playing them, but these skilled veterans of performing were able to convincingly bring to life memorable villains onscreen.

15 Times Old Actors Played Cold-Blooded Villains - And Nailed It

Actor

How do you feel about a little lite apocalypse?

It's the End of the World

Much of the panic surrounding the coronavirus pandemic when it first began in 2020 was a lack of knowledge about the contagion. This anxiety is captured perfectly in these films about unexplained supernatural phenomena infecting humanity. Whereas narratives involving traditional viral outbreaks or zombie-type contagions tend to follow a familiar pattern and narrative formula, the infections in these films are more mysteriously presented. Their originality lends to unpredictability, making the threat even more unsettling.&nbsp;Not only are these films about supernatural phenomena unique, but they also often remain unexplained in the resolution of the narrative. Although some provide some clues to the origins of the infection, even these answers tend to be rather abstract and purposefully unfulfilling. However, many of the films provide no answers by the time the credits roll. This allows for the events to take on symbolic meaning, and for the story to remain focused on the effect of the phenomena on the characters and humanity as a whole.

15 Movies Where An Unexplained Supernatural Phenomenon Infects Humanity

Movies About Unexplained Phenomena That Threatens Human Life

Stranger Things has been a massive success for Netflix, while introducing many younger audience members to the cinematic sub-genre of cosmic horror. Less popular are these underrated <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-cosmic-horror-movies/grayson-titan?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">cosmic horror movies</a>, either because they have been forgotten or never received attention matching their quality in filmmaking. Whatever the reason, these underrated cosmic horror classics deserve a revival in pop culture, much like Kate Bush.&nbsp;Cosmic horror is also often referred to as Lovecraftian horror, because of the influence and themes borrowed from author H. P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft and cosmic horror both focus on the horror of the unknowable and incomprehensible, often dealing with forbidden knowledge and otherworldly entities intruding on our sense of reality. Sometimes these entities are extraterrestrial or demonic in nature, while other times their origins are a complete mystery. The sub-genre takes the themes of gothic and supernatural horror and elevates them to a “cosmic” level.

Underrated Cosmic Horror Movies Where The Abyss Stares Back At You

The Most Underrated Cosmic Horror Movies

As with every decade, the 1990s saw the arrival of new starlets catapulted to fame in career-defining roles. While these “it girls” are best known for the films that made them famous, they also appeared in forgotten and underrated gems during the ‘90s. Some of these movies have fallen out of favor in the decades since their initial release, while others never received the attention they deserved in the first place. Along with containing performances by these extremely popular actresses, the films themselves are worthy of praise and recognition.Even the casting of an “it girl” isn’t always enough to draw the attention of audiences, resulting in unexpected box office failures. Other times, the initial critical reception may be poor, though highly praised and award-winning films have also been forgotten over time. Whatever the reason for being underrated, the films on this list are worth revisiting and/or reconsidering.

Underrated Movies Starring '90s It Girls

Lists about action stars and characters who are eternally sweaty and smeared with dirty blood, having just leapt out of reach of another fiery explosion.


Yippee-Ki-Yay, Mister Falcon

Movie stars tend to get stuck playing roles in genres that align with their established screen personas. Action stars especially tend to get cast as characters capitalizing on their physical attributes and abilities, but occasionally play against type to show their range and prove dramatic abilities. These films include underrated performances from action stars who took a break from their usual tough-guy (or girl) roles for something more serious. Often, these movies are underrated because they are so different from what audiences expect from the star, but are worth revisiting in consideration of an actor's full body of work.&nbsp;Some of these films took advantage of the audience’s expectations from the star, subverting them for impact within the narrative. Other times, the actors known for action attempted to leave behind their screen persona and reinvent themselves in an unexpected role. Whether or not the performances were successful enough to change the trajectory of their career, these films are stronger because of the unexpected casting. Each star proved capable of more than just impressive physicality and stunt work with these dramatic roles.

Underrated Performances Where An Action Star Gets Serious

Superheroes

Superhero movies have become so saturated in modern culture, it's easy to forget there are narratives involving characters with superpowers that don’t fit into that popular sub-genre. Even without containing the expected tropes of the superhero genre, these films often share similar story elements. The most significant of these is a character with a special gift or ability distinguishing them from others. Sometimes they are the only ones with superhuman skills, while other times there are opposing forces or individuals with the same powers.&nbsp;Some superhero narratives approach the subject non-traditionally, with more realism or subtlety than usual. Unbreakable initially presents the superpowers ambiguously and Chronicle depicts them in a found-footage format, but both are still framed with superhero terms and tropes. On the other hand, these films have few official connections to the sub-genre beyond the remarkable abilities the characters possess. Some of them were made before the popularity of superhero films had exploded in pop culture, while others intentionally avoid similarities. Even when the reason for a character’s superhuman abilities has similar explanations, such as being an alien or the subject of scientific experiments, the narratives take a distinctly different path from traditional superhero films.

Non-Superhero Movies About Characters With Superpowers

Even disappointing and mediocre movies have notable qualities, and it is the villain that impresses in these not-so-great films. Despite shortcomings in the movie surrounding them, the bad guy is undeniably great. This may be due to the strong writing or a memorable performance from the cast member making the villain effective - however unmatched by the remaining elements of the movie.Occasionally, the strength of the screen villain is even enough to elevate the rest of the movie from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/great-characters-that-save-mediocre-movies/mike-mcgranaghan">being a complete waste</a>. The writing may be subpar, the protagonist may be forgettable, and there could even be an assortment of technical shortcomings, but a great villain can still leave a lasting impression on the audience. Some films have bland or underdeveloped bad guys who are little more than a device to move the plot forward, but these film antagonists are completely fleshed out and fully utilized.&nbsp;Which villains are great despite the mediocre movie they are in? Vote up your favorites below!

Great Villains In Not-So-Great Movies

Gambling often appears as a plot device in movies, but there are some narratives that revolve entirely around a big bet. In these films, the story’s resolution is contingent upon the outcome of a wager made by a central character. Sometimes this may include traditional forms of gambling centered on sports or games of luck and chance, while others are focused on a more unique set of circumstances. Along with more traditional forms of gambling, there are bets involving traveling in a specific amount of time, wagers over romantic feelings, and some centered on a shift in social standing.&nbsp;Whether the reward for winning the bet is money or something less tangible, the outcome of each has a direct impact on the resolution of the plot. The protagonist often ends up victorious, even when the odds are stacked against them or cheating is involved. In a few rare instances, however, the wager results in the demise or degradation of the main character. Either way, the stakes are raised - and the resolution is determined - by the specifics of the bet.Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

17 Movies Where The Whole Plot Revolves Around A Big Bet

Movies Where The Whole Plot Revolves Around A Big Bet

Sequels

Movie sequels are in the difficult position of attempting to repeat what made the original successful, but this can be a difficult task when <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movie-sequels-that-switched-the-main-character/sergio-pereira">major characters are removed or replaced</a>. The sequels on this list ignore significant characters but still manage to work without them. Perhaps their absence is quickly explained in the dialogue, while other times they are just conspicuously missing, and the movie simply focuses elsewhere in hopes the audience doesn’t notice.In order to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movie-characters-who-were-originally-supposed-to-die/jacob-shelton">move a narrative forward without significant characters</a> from previous films, sometimes a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/movie-sequels-that-remove-previous-main-characters/jacob-shelton">sequel will unceremoniously remove characters by quickly killing them</a> at the start. In the films on this list, on the other hand, the character's absence is often unexplained. Occasionally, a bit of dialogue tells the audience where they have disappeared to, but the missing character often goes completely unmentioned. If the film is able to capture the audience’s attention despite a character’s absence, the narrative can continue without missing a beat.&nbsp;

Movie Sequels That Ignored A Major Character And Didn't Miss A Beat

Looking closer at the '80s movies you've probably already committed to memory.

'80s Movie Marathon

80s Movies

The 1980s were a great decade for comedy. On top of the teen and family films of John Hughes, the various releases launching the film careers of Saturday Night Live cast members, and the countless memorable parodies now thought to be classics of the genre, there are plenty of underrated comedies, as well. Some of these films were once beloved but have been forgotten over time, while others were lost in the shuffle and never got the attention they deserved. Whether underappreciated or overlooked, each of these 1980s comedies is worth revisiting.&nbsp;This was a decade of blockbusters, big names, and a preoccupation with consumerism. This led to multiple massively successful comedies, and even more imitators looking to capitalize on their success. Independent cinema would explode the following decade, filling the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-underrated-comedies-of-1990s/ryan-izay">1990s with plenty of its own underrated comedies</a>, but in the '80s, these were more typically passion projects funded by studios. They may have failed to make enough at the box office to be considered a success, but sometimes this was just a sign the films were ahead of their time. In an age where more and more of film history is becoming available through various streaming options, modern audiences can reevaluate and decide for themselves.&nbsp;

The Most Underrated Comedies Of The 1980s

Audiences often anticipate death scenes that occur in the final scenes of a film and are rarely attached enough to be affected by a character’s demise early in the story. However, when a character dies right in the middle of the movie, it can have a greater impact because the audience is unprepared. A death occurring at the end of the film often provides resolution, while mid-movie deaths typically serve a different purpose. Not only are these mid-film death scenes effectively an emotional gut punch, but they are also often a driving force to move the narrative forward.&nbsp;Death scenes in the middle of the movie often serve as a turning point in the story, impacting the direction of the remainder of the movie. Sometimes the protagonist perishes, and the narrative must shift focus to others following their passing. Other times it is merely a supporting character who dies, but the event inspires or motivates actions significant to the second half of the story. Either way, the death of these characters leaves a lasting impression.&nbsp;

16 Gut-Punch Death Scenes That Happen Right In The Middle Of The Movie

&quot;The trolley problem&quot;&nbsp;is a thought experiment often used in psychology as an ethical dilemma, asking the subject to choose between doing nothing and allowing five people to die or pulling a lever to be actively responsible for the death of one person. While surveys have shown that a large majority of people would make the active choice of killing the one person to save the other five, the gut-wrenching decision becomes more difficult when the solitary victim is a loved one. Each of the characters below&nbsp;are forced into similar life-or-death decisions, and in each case the choice is complicated by the specifics of the personal relationships between those involved. While the thought experiment is abstract, these dilemmas are fully fleshed out within the plot, complicating a difficult decision with specific details and context.

Life-or-death decisions like these are common across genres. There&#39;s the action hero forced to decide between saving two innocent parties, with only enough time to choose one. There&#39;s the horror victim forced to decide between self-preservation and doing harm, a choice occasionally complicated by requiring self-harm to achieve the latter. And there are the dramatic narratives offering dilemmas grounded in real-life and historical scenarios. What makes these sequences narratively distinct is the fact that either option could be defended as the just or right choice. On the other hand, each un-chosen option often comes with a loss or sacrifice equally likely to create feelings of regret, doubt, or possible survivor&rsquo;s remorse. As we watch these films, each audience member is asked to consider the dilemma alongside the characters in the narrative.

Which cinematic decisions do you think are the most gut-wrenching? Vote up the films with choices you feel would be impossible to make. Warning: Most of the entries on this list contain spoilers of varying degrees!

16 Movie Characters Who Had To Make Gut-Wrenching Life-Or-Death Decisions

Ranking, deconstructing, and thinking about movies based on books, TV shows based on comics, plays based on cartoons, musicals based on toys, etc.

Great Adaptations

It can sometimes feel as though Hollywood has run out of original ideas, intent on pillaging films from the past. These remakes often pale in comparison, but occasionally they live up to the original classic, and in rare instances even manage to surpass it. Sometimes, the remakes take inspiration from films of the distant past, revised or updated for modern audiences. Other times, the original was a foreign film, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-underrated-movie-remakes/mike-mcgranaghan">the Hollywood remake</a> capitalizes on recognizable movie stars and strong production values, not to mention an alternative for those unwilling to read subtitles. Either way, fans of the original are often skeptical of plans for a remake, with good cause.Whether the remake remains faithful to the source material or takes a revisionist approach, the filmmaking on display in these movies is praiseworthy. Comparisons to the original are inevitable either way, but the films on this list are capable of surpassing even the highest expectations. A director with a distinct vision, increased production values, or actors who step into a role and make it their own are a few ways in which a remake can be elevated to unexpected heights, while other times the narrative is adjusted with themes of modern societal relevance. Whatever the reason, these films are capable of surprising and delighting audiences - even those familiar with the original classic.

19 Times A Remake Lived Up To The Original Classic

19 Times A Remake Was Just As Good As The Original Classic

Underrated

With the September 11 attacks, the Iraq War, and the Global Financial Crisis all taking place in the 2000s, audiences were in desperate need of some escapist entertainment. There were many highly successful and well-remembered films during the 2000s, but these are the most underrated comedies of the decade. They may have gotten lost amidst more popular releases, or they may have found some success only to be forgotten with time. Either way, these comedies deserve to be revisited and/or reconsidered.A sense of humor can be personal and vary from person to person, as comedy itself is highly subjective. What one person finds funny may be a mere annoyance to another. Some of these underrated comedies are silly and sophomoric in nature, embracing the more immature instincts of the genre. Others are more intelligent and rely on razor-sharp wit. Then there are the dark comedies that embrace the comic possibilities of controversial subject matter. Whether the humor comes from the physicality of slapstick, the cleverness of dialogue, or mere shock value, these comedies deliver the laughs.

The Most Underrated Comedies Of The 2000s

Looking closer at movies, TV shows, and even characters based on and "inspired by" reality.

Based on a True Story

Films often take inspiration from true stories, and sometimes two movies depict the same events without audiences realizing there is a connection. This may be partially due to the difference between a film based on real events and one inspired by them. When names are changed in films merely inspired by facts, references being drawn from are less clear. On the other hand, films based on true events tend to be more accurate in the details of re-creation, including names, locations, and dates.

Some films draw inspiration from true stories for a single scene, while the cinematic depiction of the same real-world events can be the primary or entire focus of another movie. This blending and balancing between fact and fiction is distinct for each film, often leaving audiences wondering what truly happened in real life. And when <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/surprising-same-character-different-actors/mike-mcgranaghan" target="_blank">two actors are essentially playing the same role</a>, it allows for direct comparison of performances, especially when the real-world inspiration is well known.

The following list includes the details of the actual events and the cinematic depictions they inspired. Vote up your favorite true stories and the movies that were inspired by them!

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