10 Movies You Were Shocked To See Didn’t Totally Suck

8. John Wick

This might seem ridiculous in 2019, but believe it or not, there was substantial negative buzz surrounding the original John Wick, with many commenting how the trailers made the movie look like a generic, direct-to-VOD schlock-fest that somehow slid its way into cinemas.

Above all else it felt like Keanu Reeves, who hadn't had a hit film in quite some time prior to this, was entering the VOD action-thriller stage of his career alongside Nicolas Cage and John Travolta.

After all, who among us hasn't seen more than their fair share of tiresome movies where a hitman comes out of retirement for one last revenge-fuelled mission?

The marketing for the first John Wick sadly focused more on selling the premise than showing off the gorgeous fight choreography or Reeves' icy composure, likely because Summit Entertainment had no idea the smash hit they were sitting on.

With its beautifully shot action sequences, cracking ensemble cast and exemplary world-building, John Wick went down a treat with critics and audiences alike, and of course led to two spectacular sequels that did everything better.

But back in 2014, it would've surprised nobody if John Wick landed a cool 27% Tomatometer and sank like a stone at the box office.