Movies have a way of surprising us. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, something unexpected comes along to shake things up. This happened plenty of times in 2024. Expectations were shattered as some of the year's biggest underdogs rose to shine, proving fans and critics wrong. Films that skeptics doubted turned into box office sensations, and stories that seemed risky on paper won over audiences in theaters around the world. What makes these surprises so memorable is their ability to remind us of cinema’s magic. There’s nothing better than walking into a theater with low expectations and walking out completely blown away.

Let’s take a closer look at ten films from 2024 that exceeded predictions, delighted fans, and turned into much bigger successes than anyone could have imagined.

1. Inside Out 2

We expected this one to be good, but this good? Nah. Following Riley as a teenager navigating the chaos of growing up, the film introduced new emotions like anxiety and envy to add to her inner landscape. Its emotional storytelling spoke to generations, making parents reminisce about their own teen years and kids feel seen. Add some stunning visuals and heart-pulling moments, and it’s no wonder the film smashed box office records with $1.6 billion globally. By the way, did we mention that Inside Out 2 became the highest-grossing animated movie of all time?

2. Deadpool & Wolverine

Marvel’s been going through a rough patch, but pairing Deadpool and Wolverine was like striking gold. Seeing Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman bicker on screen was a gift that kept on giving. The film became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, raking in $1.3 billion. Audiences couldn’t get enough of the explosive action, razor-sharp humor, and surprisingly emotional moments sprinkled throughout. It certainly turned out to be much, much better than anyone thought.

3. Terrifier 3

Who would have guessed that a low-budget horror film with extreme gore would become a box office phenomenon? Yet Art the Clown returned to theaters and turned the world upside down. Terrifier 3 became a Christmas-themed slasher masterpiece that stayed true to its gritty roots while expanding its audience. Fans loved the unapologetic bloodbath, and the movie smashed the record for the highest-grossing unrated film with $89 million worldwide. Not bad for a film made on a $2 million budget.

4. Longlegs

Horror often flies under the radar, but Longlegs grabbed everyone’s attention thanks to a brilliant marketing campaign. Nicolas Cage played a chilling serial killer in this indie thriller, and the movie’s cryptic trailers teased just enough blood-curdling terror to spark curiosity. Audiences clamored to see the film, turning it into the highest-grossing independent release of the year. Earning $126 million on a sub-$10 million budget, it was a resounding success for the genre and proof that good storytelling and creative marketing can lead to massive payouts.

5. Wicked

Adapting a Broadway classic into a blockbuster film comes with risks, but Wicked soared to success. The dazzling sets, incredible music, and enchanting performances captivated both fans of the musical and first-time viewers. Splitting the story into two parts allowed for deeper exploration of its beloved characters. Its box office haul made it one of the most successful non-franchise releases of the year, showing that sometimes magic really can transfer from stage to screen. Not only did it do well at the box office, but fans were left wondering why it didn't kill at the Oscars. Honestly, I'm wondering the same. It should have swept, but here we are.

6. Furiosa

Stepping into the shoes of an action icon like Furiosa is no easy task, yet this Mad Max prequel managed to leave audiences stunned. Critics celebrated the bold storytelling and spectacular visuals, but the movie’s real win was its unique take on an already beloved universe. Though it didn’t crush box office records, it still impressed with its daring approach and proved George Miller knows how to make a thrilling cinematic experience. Fans couldn’t stop talking about its jaw-dropping scenes and epic world-building.

7. YOLO

A comedic remake of Japan’s 100 Yen Love may have sounded niche, but YOLO became one of the year’s biggest sleeper hits. Its mix of underdog humor, heartfelt drama, and cultural wit resonated on a global scale. What could’ve been a small-scale, forgettable movie turned into a box office smash, landing in the top 10 highest-grossing films of 2024. It was a reminder of how universal great storytelling can be, no matter where it’s from or who it’s about.

8. Dune: Part Two

Dune's sprawling epic continued its visual and narrative greatness with Part Two. Building on the first installment’s foundation, this sequel dove headfirst into political intrigue and the brutality of intergalactic wars. Many doubted its broad appeal due to its dense themes, but it ended up crossing the $700 million mark. The film benefited from breathtaking moments designed for IMAX, and it delivered one of 2024’s most ambitious cinematic experiences.