10 Recent Movies That Never Should've Worked (But Did)

10. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

The track record of belated comedy sequels speaks for itself, and so why would anyone think a 35-years-in-the-making Beetlejuice follow-up could ever be any good? Plus, given the generally lackluster quality of director Tim Burton's output over the last 15 years, would his heart really be in it so long after the fact?

The answer, shockingly, was a resounding "yes," for while Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is certainly a mess in the storytelling department, it succeeds largely on the strength of its charm, its visual creativity - defined largely by practical sets and effects - and the game performances of its ensemble cast, especially a terrific Michael Keaton.

Given the tendency for legacy sequels to look back over their shoulder at what came before with a dew-eyed sentimentality, it was enormously refreshing that Beetlejuice 2 forewent this in favour of another wacky, delightfully unhinged comedy-horror romp that absolutely lived up to its beloved predecessor.

And as if that wasn't a good enough outcome, it even turned a hefty profit at the box office, having easily tripled its budget already.