15 Dumb Movies Which Are Secretly Smart

1. Candyman

Bernard Rose's 1992 cult classic horror usually gets lumped in with all the other gimmicky horror movies of the late-80s/early 90s, but unlike the overwhelming majority of them, it's a film that actually has something to say.

As much as the shell of the story revolves around the titular hook-handed figure who will murder anyone who utters his name in a mirror five times, Rose opted to tell a far more socially conscious story than that, uh, hook, might have you believe.

Clive Barker's Liverpool-set short story examined the British class system, but Rose decided to shift the setting to Chicago, specifically its infamous Cabrini-Green housing project, and re-imagine the folkloric figure as a victimised black man (Tony Todd).

The result is an incisive and literate film which sharply engages with themes of racism, class differences, the importance of urban legends and so, so much more. Deeply symbolic and skirting far clear of the expectations associated with slasher movies, Candyman is one of the most erudite and thoughtful films of its kind.

As such, it's precious little surprise that Jordan Peele is set to produce a remake due for release next year.

Which of these "dumb" movies are your favourites? Got any other secretly smart movies to add? Shout them out in the comments!