These 9 Movies Have Very Weird Premises, But Are Still Extremely Entertaining

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Some oddball films with bizarre plots can provide exceptional entertainment. These outlandish stories, which may initially appear too fanciful and confusing, frequently result in surprising depth and enjoyable viewing. However, not all movies are equally captivating; many are simply strange, while others with potential for greatness fail to deliver. Yet, it’s not uncommon for a seemingly trivial and insignificant plot to produce a truly memorable film that continues to entertain us throughout the years.

Sometimes, the funniest film characters may appear unintentionally amusing and not necessarily contribute to a movie’s quality, but deliberate silliness can make for an engaging storytelling approach. Indeed, many intended-to-be-scary moments in horror movies can accidentally turn out comical, but skillfully blending laughter with fear can result in delightful outcomes, as shown by the most hilarious horror-comedy films that keep audiences laughing nonstop. Consequently, movies with peculiar storylines can be surprisingly entertaining.

9. Ratatouille (2007)

Directed by Brad Bird

In simpler terms, suggesting a story about a rat with extraordinary cooking abilities who manipulates a struggling chef’s hair to act as a puppet, leading him to fame and success based on his inherited talents, might initially seem absurd. However, against all odds, Brad Bird and the talented team behind “Ratatouille” managed to create one of the most beloved animated films in recent years.

The bond between Remy the rat and his human companion, humorously named Linguini, is heartwarming and seems perfectly fitting within an animated setting. The stunning visuals enhance the tale of rags-to-riches, as the rodent, who should be scavenging in sewers for rotten food, instead transforms into a master chef through Linguini. Moreover, the son of renowned chef Gusteau, despite his questionable lineage, manages to uphold his father’s culinary legacy. With its emotive soundtrack, engaging character dynamics, moments of chaos, and outrageous plot twists, Ratatouille stands as one of Pixar’s most exceptional films.

8. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Directed by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan

The plot of “Everything Everywhere All At Once” initially appears too outlandish and humorous, suggesting a film lacking in depth or importance. However, contrary to expectations, it ranks among the greatest movies ever made.

In simpler terms, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” is an exceptional martial arts adventure film that emphasizes the confusing aspect of being able to inhabit other bodies and remember different selves. It’s a playful movie that journeys through numerous alternate realities, focusing on the strong bond between the main character and her daughter. The emotional heart of the story also revolves around her relationship with her husband. Despite its seemingly bizarre premise, the film successfully delivers an engaging experience across all aspects.

7. White Chicks (2004)

Directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans

Not many movies epitomize early 2000s humor like White Chicks, which has become a cherished relic of that period. In this film, Shawn and Marlon Wayans portray FBI agents who must impersonate two white women after they’re injured in a car accident and refuse to be escorted by anyone else. Although the raceplay and genderplay aspects may appear outdated today, the movie demonstrates an unexpected level of sensitivity and awareness for its time.

In a satirical take on upper-class society, America’s deeply rooted issues with systemic racism and transphobia, the film White Chicks stands as a timeless classic that deserves more recognition than it currently has. Initially met with harsh criticism, evidenced by its 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has been reappraised in recent times and boasts a Letterboxd rating of 3.54. Remarkably, despite an unusual plotline, it’s one of the funniest comedies from the 2000s, featuring one of Terry Crews’ most iconic scenes ever.

6. Cocaine Bear (2023)

Directed by Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks is frequently underestimated as a director due to the perceived lower quality of the two sequels to Pitch Perfect she directed and the fact that her Charlie’s Angels remake, a fresh interpretation with a female perspective, was met with critical disapproval. Surprisingly, even her recent release, Cocaine Bear, which initially garnered a lot of attention, seems to have faded away. However, it holds promise and could potentially evolve into an enduring cult classic that will stand the test of time.

Cocaine Bear” – This quirky creature feature revolves around a bear that became addicted to cocaine in a 1995 incident. The film combines humor with horror effectively, turning a bizarre headline into a captivating story. It balances the absurdity of the situation with the gravity of its impact. Packed with gory kills, hilarious one-liners, and an unforgettable finale, this monster movie offers an entertaining twist on the genre.

5. The Lobster (2015)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Yorgos Lanthimos, known as one of the pioneering directors in the Greek Cinema of Weirdness, is renowned for his unconventional storylines. This makes it no wonder that his Hollywood projects often feature bizarre plotlines. For instance, the film “The Lobster” takes place in a bleak future where individuals who are not in relationships are sent to a resort, and they’re given a strict deadline to find a romantic partner. If they fail, they are transformed into animals.

As a cinephile, I can confidently say that Yorgos Lanthimos’ film, “The Lobster,” stands tall among the most gripping thrillers of the 2010s, much like his previous Hollywood venture, “The Killing of a Sacred Deer.” While its premise might seem whimsical and amusing, leading to comedic situations, the film’s core is a nail-biting suspense. The absurdity of the storyline and Lanthimos’ signature awkward and transactional dialogue make for an engaging watch, filled with scenes that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll, causing a palpable sense of unease.

4. Swiss Army man (2016)

Directed by Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan

Prior to achieving widespread recognition with their extraordinary third film, “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” directed by Daniel Scheinert together with Daniel Kwan, they had already made two other well-regarded movies. However, it’s their unique and eccentric production, “Swiss Army Man,” that has earned a reputation as one of the strangest films ever crafted. This film also highlighted the acting abilities of Daniel Radcliffe, who has been expanding his repertoire since 2011, following the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II.

In this reimagined scenario: Radcliffe portrays a deceased individual found by Paul Dano, who is stranded on an island. Despite his death, this corpse exhibits some form of consciousness, and the decay in its body grants him unusual powers. His decomposed state allows for unique abilities, such as propelling the man across distances if he clings to the body, and the interior acts as a water storage system. With its versatile constitution, the corpse has one limitation: it appears lifeless and is unable to communicate. The man decides to address this issue. The film’s offbeat and dreamlike quality adds to its overall appeal and longevity in memory.

3. Being John Malkovich (1999)

Directed by Spike Jonze

Known for helming the sci-fi romantic drama “Her“, which may give pause to those wary of AI, Spike Jonze’s initial directorial work, “Being John Malkovich“, might leave you equally perplexed if the concept of people inhabiting a famous actor’s body and accessing his resources seems preposterous. The film features the title character portrayed by John Malkovich himself.

In the movie, the situation where characters enter John Malkovich’s consciousness and control his body is likened to a mind-bending trip. What makes it even more peculiar is that John Malkovich himself is there, but as a spectator while someone else uses his body for actions he wouldn’t normally perform. This thought-provoking film, conceived by the imaginative screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, skillfully delves into themes of physical autonomy and physical absurdity. The intriguing dynamics between characters misusing this ability to control others results in an unforgettable viewing experience filled with drama.

2. The VelociPastor (2018)

Directed by Brendan Steere

As a cinephile, if the concept of a pastor transforming into a velocipastor to combat church-employed ninjas peddling drug addiction, with the intention of drawing more people to church for salvation, doesn’t strike you as peculiar, then I can’t imagine anything that would. His ally and romantic interest in this crusade is none other than a self-styled medical professional, legal expert, and martial arts maestro who goes by the title of hooker-doctor-lawyer. The VelociPastor is about as normal as a three-headed dragon, and on the surface, it appears to be a dreadful film.

In a unique and unconventional manner, the film lacks any commitment to traditional filmmaking standards, with its director showing an unrestrained flair for doing as he pleases. This results in it being one of the standout examples of low-budget movie making. From start to finish, it’s an entertaining ride that never fails to deliver on its bizarre charm, providing moments of humorous, blue-collar entertainment that are hard to forget. Despite my initial skepticism, I found VelociPastor to be a captivating movie that I can’t help but recommend, especially for the “Car on fire” VFX scene and many other reasons.

1. Rubber (2010)

Directed by Quentin Dupieux

In the movie “Rubber,” a tire seems to gain consciousness and exhibits behaviors that suggest attraction towards a woman. Viewers watch this strange series of events unfold, much like they would a film. The unique, self-referential humor in “Rubber” is something that must be experienced to truly appreciate it. Although it’s often criticized as a horror movie, I admire “Rubber” for its unconventional approach and its dedication to an unusual premise.

Kicking off with a musing about the unpredictable nature of actual life events, where things happen seemingly without rhyme or reason, the film titled “Rubber” embarks on a wild ride that leaves viewers guessing what’s next. The plot twists and the films-within-a-film can blur together at times, making it challenging to differentiate between reality and the screen. Some might find this movie overly self-indulgent with its commentary and intellectual airs, but if you let yourself be swept away by its quirkiness, it will certainly provide an entertaining experience.

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2025-05-04 21:22