10 Movies That Could Be 2018's Sleeper Hits

8. The Happytime Murders

The Predator 2018
STXfilms

The Happytime Murders has been in development for almost a decade, but after many stops and starts Brian (son of Jim) Henson's puppet noir will finally hit theaters on August 17. With a distinct aesthetic, curiosity factor, novelty value and a bankable star in the lead, Henon's movie could very well be the perfect antidote for those sick of $200m CGI-fests.

Although the recent Muppets movies didn't fare too well commercially, The Happytime Murders should market itself as unlike anything you've ever seen before. Because that's exactly what it is. A crime story that follows a hard-boiled puppet detective teaming up with his human ex-partner to find a serial killer sounds absolutely bonkers, so much so that people will genuinely want to see it.

And while some people may not care for her broad style, Melissa McCarthy is a proven draw, with six of her movies in the last five years earning at least $65m at the domestic box office. A late August release date will only help the movie's chances of success as blockbuster season draws to a close, leaving audiences craving something different, which The Happytime Murders most definitely is.

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