1. Transformers 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 680000, ID: 0418279 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers’ dazzles with stunning CGI and explosive action, yet the unnecessary hacker subplot featuring Anthony Anderson weighs it down. Even though the Autobots and Decepticons are beautifully animated, this subplot unnecessarily extends the film by 15 minutes without enhancing the narrative, showcasing it as a prime example of how a subplot can detract from an otherwise stellar film experience.
2. Jurassic World 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 685036, ID: 0369610 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 While ‘Jurassic World’ successfully brings a thrilling dinosaur park to life, the subplot involving two young boys navigating their parents’ divorce feels disjointed. Viewers tuned in to experience heart-pounding dino action, not an emotional family saga, and this subplot took away from the excitement the film promised.
3. The Amazing Spider-Man 2012，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 709194, ID: 0948470 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The subplot about Peter Parker’s parents in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ was a distraction from the main story. While the movie had potential, this subplot felt shoehorned in and ultimately detracted from the overall experience. Fans were left wanting more focus on Spider-Man’s adventures rather than his family history.
4. Crazy, Stupid, Love. 2011，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 571157, ID: 1570728 Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Despite its charm and stellar cast, ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love.’ was bogged down by the subplot involving the teenage babysitter’s crush on Steve Carell’s character. This subplot felt unnecessary and detracted from the main story, making it a less enjoyable experience overall.
5. Booksmart 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 132650, ID: 1489887 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Olivia Wilde’s witty and heartfelt ‘Booksmart’ shines as a high school comedy, but the stop-motion drug hallucination scene disrupts its otherwise seamless flow. Although the film marks a brilliant directorial debut, this out-of-place subplot overshadows the overall enjoyment, leaving viewers wanting a more cohesive experience.
6. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 711411, ID: 1170358 Photo by filmwonk.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a thrilling sequel that improves on its predecessor, but the unnecessary love triangle subplot involving Tauriel, Kili, and Legolas detracts from the main narrative. This subplot feels forced and adds little to the story, making the film longer than necessary. Despite this, the movie excels in its action sequences and visual effects, capturing the magical essence of Middle-earth.
7. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 577564, ID: 2310332 Photo by wikimg.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Battle of the Five Armies serves as an exhilarating conclusion to The Hobbit trilogy, yet the love triangle subplot involving Tauriel, Kili, and Legolas feels forced and distracts from the core narrative. While the film features epic battle scenes and emotional moments that resonate, the added melodrama takes away from the story’s primary focus.
8. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 879781, ID: 0903624 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 An Unexpected Journey is a visually stunning introduction to The Hobbit trilogy, but the inclusion of unnecessary subplots, such as Radagast’s escapades, detracts from the main narrative. These subplots feel like filler and slow down the pacing of the film. Nevertheless, the movie successfully captures the charm and adventure of Tolkien’s world.
9. The Dark Knight Rises 2012，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1845507, ID: 1345836 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Dark Knight Rises is a powerful conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, but the subplot involving Miranda Tate’s betrayal feels contrived and weakens the overall impact. This subplot adds unnecessary complexity to an already intricate plot. Despite this, the film’s intense action sequences and emotional depth make it a memorable finale.
10. Spider-Man 3 2007，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 644832, ID: 0413300 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Spider-Man 3 is an ambitious superhero film that suffers from an overabundance of subplots, particularly the inclusion of the Sandman and Venom storylines. These subplots overcrowd the film and detract from the central narrative. However, the movie still delivers exciting action scenes and memorable moments.
11. Iron Man 2 2010，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 876362, ID: 1228705 Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Iron Man 2, while a thrilling sequel, is bogged down by the unnecessary subplot of Tony Stark’s rivalry with Justin Hammer. This subplot detracts from the main narrative and feels like a filler, making the movie less cohesive. Despite Robert Downey Jr.’s charismatic performance, the subplot’s lack of depth and relevance hampers the overall enjoyment of the film.
12. The Matrix Reloaded 2003，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 635825, ID: 0234215 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 In The Matrix Reloaded, visual splendor abounds, but the subplot involving the Merovingian and his wife Persephone feels tangential. Although it introduces some philosophical ideas, this subplot ultimately diverts attention from the main storyline and disrupts the pacing. The film dazzles with remarkable action sequences and stunning special effects, yet the subplot’s presence makes the overall narrative feel somewhat disjointed.
13. The Matrix Revolutions 2003，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 547647, ID: 0242653 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Matrix Revolutions, the final installment of the trilogy, is marred by the subplot involving Neo’s coma and his time in Mobil Ave. This subplot feels like an unnecessary detour that detracts from the film’s climactic battle. While the action sequences are impressive, the subplot’s lack of relevance to the main plot makes the film feel less focused.
14. Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones 2002，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 767085, ID: 0121765 Photo by sstatic.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Attack of the Clones suffers from the forced romance subplot between Anakin and Padmé. This subplot, filled with clichéd dialogue and awkward interactions, detracts from the film’s epic storyline. The subplot’s lack of chemistry and depth makes it hard to invest in their relationship, ultimately weakening the overall impact of the movie.
15. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith 2005，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 854328, ID: 0121766 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Revenge of the Sith is a dark and thrilling conclusion to the prequel trilogy, but the subplot involving General Grievous feels unnecessary. This subplot, while providing some exciting action sequences, does little to advance the main plot and feels like a distraction. The film’s emotional core and dramatic moments are overshadowed by this subplot’s lack of significance.
16. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 2008，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 494254, ID: 0367882 Photo by cortecs.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a rollercoaster of nostalgia and action, but the subplot involving the crystal skulls and aliens felt out of place and detracted from the film’s charm. While Harrison Ford’s return as Indy is delightful, the convoluted plot and unnecessary elements make it less enjoyable than its predecessors.
17. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 756503, ID: 2975590 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had the potential to be an epic showdown, but the subplot involving Lex Luthor’s convoluted schemes and the introduction of Doomsday felt forced and detracted from the main conflict. The film’s dark tone and lack of coherent storytelling made it a missed opportunity for a truly great superhero film.
18. Justice League 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 481361, ID: 0974015 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Justice League aimed to unite DC’s greatest heroes, but the subplot involving the resurrection of Superman and the rushed introduction of new characters felt disjointed. The film’s uneven pacing and reliance on CGI over character development left it feeling like a missed opportunity to create a cohesive and engaging superhero team-up.
19. Thor: The Dark World 2013，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 730855, ID: 1981115 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Thor: The Dark World had the potential to be a thrilling cosmic adventure, but the subplot involving Jane Foster’s possession by the Aether felt unnecessary and detracted from the main storyline. The film’s lack of focus and underdeveloped villain made it one of the weaker entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
20. Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 930586, ID: 2395427 Photo by goodfon.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Avengers: Age of Ultron brought together Earth’s mightiest heroes once again, but the subplot involving Black Widow and Hulk’s romance felt forced and out of place. The film’s overstuffed plot and lack of character development made it less impactful than its predecessor, despite its thrilling action sequences.
21. X-Men: The Last Stand 2006，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 545902, ID: 0376994 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 X-Men: The Last Stand delivers mutant mayhem, but its cluttered plot, particularly the ‘mutant cure’ subplot, undermines its potential. The film attempts to juggle numerous characters and narratives, leaving scant room for emotional resonance or character growth. Despite some thrilling action moments, the film feels rushed and lacks the coherence that made its predecessors shine, with the ‘mutant cure’ subplot adding unnecessary layers of confusion.
22. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest 2006，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 774571, ID: 0383574 Photo by blogger.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest is a visual spectacle, but its convoluted subplots, particularly the love triangle between Jack, Elizabeth, and Will, bog down the narrative. The film’s attempt to outdo its predecessor results in a cluttered storyline that sacrifices character development for action. The subplot about the love triangle feels forced and detracts from the film’s adventurous spirit.
23. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 699726, ID: 0449088 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is an ambitious finale, but its numerous subplots, including the Brethren Court and Calypso’s storyline, overwhelm the main plot. The film’s overreliance on spectacle and complex narratives makes it difficult to follow and emotionally connect with the characters. The subplot about the Brethren Court feels unnecessary and detracts from the film’s core adventure.
24. The Godfather Part III 1990，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 427427, ID: 0099674 Photo by mojnews.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Godfather Part III attempts to conclude the epic saga, but its subplot involving Michael’s relationship with his daughter Mary feels out of place. The film struggles to match the brilliance of its predecessors, with the subplot about Michael and Mary’s relationship adding an uncomfortable and distracting element. Despite its strong performances, the movie’s overstuffed plotlines hinder its overall impact.
25. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 2003，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 420865, ID: 0181852 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines delivers high-octane action, but its subplot about John Connor’s romantic relationship with Kate Brewster feels unnecessary. The film’s focus on action over character development results in a less engaging narrative. The subplot about John and Kate’s relationship adds little to the overall story and detracts from the film’s core themes of survival and resistance.
26. Terminator Salvation 2009，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 379484, ID: 0438488 Photo by arcadeclub.co.uk, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Terminator Salvation, despite its thrilling action sequences and impressive visual effects, is marred by a convoluted subplot involving Marcus Wright’s identity crisis. This subplot detracts from the main narrative, making the film feel disjointed and less impactful. While the movie expands the Terminator universe, it ultimately falls short of its predecessors due to this unnecessary complexity.
27. Terminator Genisys 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 294342, ID: 1340138 Photo by deepestdream.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Terminator Genisys attempts to reboot the franchise with a fresh timeline, but the subplot involving John Connor’s transformation into a Terminator is a major misstep. This twist undermines the character’s legacy and confuses the plot, making it difficult for viewers to stay engaged. Despite some nostalgic moments and decent action, the film’s convoluted narrative fails to deliver.
28. Alien³ 1992，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 322643, ID: 0103644 Photo by wikimg.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Alien³ ventures boldly into new narrative territory, yet the subplot of Ripley’s alien queen impregnation comes off as forced and superfluous. This distracting subplot undermines the film’s tension and emotional weight, ultimately rendering it a less satisfying installment in the Alien franchise. Even with its striking visuals and strong performances, the narrative choices in this film leave much to be wished for.
28 Subplots That Dimmed the Shine of Iconic Movies Revealed by Reddit
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