24. The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PYYfHcE28o I remember seeing this trailer in theaters not knowing what is was, and being caught completely off guard when the Earth exploded. After I floated back down to my seat, I was interested in seeing the movie. I still haven't gotten around to seeing the movie, but when I began to write this list this was one trailer that came immediately to mind. It is certainly memorable, and the juxtaposition of "What a Wonderful World" and something horrible happening is done much better here than in some other cases. I love Douglas Adams' humor, and this teaser does it justice.
23. Taken (2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APLd-GO3aZM&feature=related We all know why this is on here. It's because of this:
"I dont know who you are. I dont know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I dont have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, thatll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you dont, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you."
This teaser started the action heavy part of Liam Neeson's career that's become very successful, and this first glimpse at it made everyone pretty excited. Did the movie look good? Not particularly. But seeing Liam Neeson deliver those lines and knowing he was going to make good on his promise grabbed my interest.