These 11 Movies Are As Unrealistic As You Can Get, But We Love Them Anyway

When watching movies, the audience is always expected to suspend their disbelief in one way or another. And, this does not just apply to films that feature wizards, superheroes, or spaceships. Stories about regular people and their mundane exploits can feel incredibly unrealistic too. Certain historical dramas omit so much factual accuracy, that they should come with disclaimers. Any action film that is meant to take place within the rough present also seems to focus on improbable inventions, and gravitational anomalies that leave the audience scratching their heads.

A genre that is notorious for creating unrealistic expectations is that of the romantic comedy. There are all too many last-minute airport confessions of love, car chases through traffic-jammed cities, and meet-cutes that sadly do not happen that often. Whatever the situation may be, a viewer can only immerse themselves so far in a scenario before being pulled out of it by something jarring. However, despite the big gaps in realism, some of these films remain fan favorites, and viewers tend to just grin and bear it.

11

The Accountant (2016)

The Mystery Of The Jackson Pollock

Ben Affleck with his mouth slightly agape as Christian Wolff in The Accountant

Ben Affleck’s movie career is an interesting one. While some of his choices feel self-indulgent, like the decision to play Batman, others are absolutely spot on. He has shown prowess as an actor, director, and writer, winning awards for his various roles. The Accountant is a great example of an action film that was the right choice for his career. It is thrilling, suspenseful, and filled with twists that some people will never see coming. The supporting cast is also packed with some great names like Anna Kendrick and Jon Bernthal.

But, if the viewers are to believe that the story takes place in the real world, there are too many issues to ignore. If Christian is such a genius at what he does, having the police figure out his not-so-genius code does not seem plausible. The fact that he has a priceless painting is quite baffling, but the way he manages to gift it to Dana is even more of a head-scratcher. Then there are his physical abilities and he and Bernthnal’s characters come face-to-face the way that they do.

10

The Holiday (2006)

The Timeline Feels A Bit Unrealistic

Cameron Diaz smiling in The Holiday (2006)

Rom-coms are known to create scenarios that make many people idolize romance and the possibility of a magical relationship. While there are certainly couples who must have experienced some cinematic moments together, these sorts of expectations need to be taken with a grain of salt. Even people who look like Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet have their romantic ups and downs, but them both having such an over-the-top reaction that sees them abandon their entire lives over the festive period in The Holiday feels like a bit much.

Then, of course, comes the premise that they both manage to meet their soulmates in a matter of days, and change their lives forever. While many would dream of having a 2006 Jude Law stumble into their lives on a whim, that is rarely the case. It also seems like not enough time could have passed for the emotions to be that high and for so many events to have occurred. And Cameron Diaz’s footwear, which she somehow runs across snowy fields in, is perhaps the most unrealistic thing of all.

9

Deep Blue Sea (1999)

Those Sharks Are Too Smart

Aida Turturro As Brenda Kerns in Deep Blue Sea

Most films that feature a humanity vs. natural world plot are set in a reality close to the one viewers are used to as possible. Recent monster films like Godzilla and The Meg have come up with scientific explanations for something that does not appear to be scientifically probable. Radiation, prehistoric beings hidden deep within uncharted waters, and genetic modifications have all been the reasoning behind some truly terrifying beasts.

The latter is the choice of exposition for a host of super-smart sharks that turn on the scientists who created them and plan a very coordinated attack in Deep Blue See. The film does not take itself too seriously, and that is the key to enjoying it for what it is. However, it is still not set in the distant future and tries to apply the studies conducted on these animals to real life. That being said, once the genius shark storyline is accepted, the movie becomes a fun adventure. At least it’s not as preposterous as Sharknado.

8

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

A Lot Was Changed

Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury Singing on Stage in Bohemian Rhapsody

Biopics can be tough to maneuver, especially when they focus on beloved celebrities. Even those as successful as the Oscar-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody have their naysayers who can pick up many inconsistencies. While Rami Malek’s performance is moving, nuanced, and charismatic, the story omits many of the real Freddy Mercury’s experiences. There is a huge focus on his romance with Mary Austin, with his true self only being shown in smaller doses.

Many viewers believed it was to make the story more universally appealing, but true Queen fans know how much the film managed to get wrong. While the Live Aid performance is a highlight of the movie and works well within its narrative, the timeline of the events that surrounded it was all wrong. Many viewers will have opted to watch the movie without doing any form of research about the real people behind it, and may now think that this is what actually happened.

7

Sicario (2015)

The Lawlessness Of It All

Daniel Kaluuya in Sicario

This high-octane action film is filled with, what seems like, gritty realism and naturalistic violence. These devices serve to set the story of the Denis Villeneuve-directed Sicario in a believable reality. But, the plot goes too far into unlawful tactics and brutal executions that would be unbecoming if at all possible. The secret team seems to operate with no rules and consequences for their actions, which are very often public and indefensible.

Many other films fall into this unrealistic trap where a hero manages to destroy a whole building and injure or kill multiple civilians just to save one person. Here, the villains are shown as disposable, even though the supposed military affiliations would come with many more rules and regulations. But, the intensity and hard-hitting subject matter make Sicario an entertaining watch, and viewers can choose to ignore any outstanding court-marshals that may be on the way.

6

How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003)

An Interesting Insight Into The World Of Marketing

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days Ben and Andie first date

One of the most beloved romantic comedies of the 21st century, this charming film is filled with many hilarious moments that aren’t even meant to be that funny. The two leads have great chemistry and are very charismatic, which is especially evident in the scene where they meet for the first time. But, all the shenanigans that are connected to the bet take the action out of the realm of reality and into slapstick territory. That poor dog should never have been part of this tumultuous relationship.

The biggest issue with the premise of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is how unprofessional the whole “bet” situation is. Even if both of the characters weren’t unwittingly trying to sabotage each other, the plot then becomes even more problematic. The man is trying to make an unsuspecting woman fall in love with him just so he can win an advertising account, and a woman is taking her close friend’s dating drama and using it to toy with someone’s emotions. Additionally, it seems unlikely that Andie will ever get her luggage back.

5

Braveheart (1995)

A Highland Mess

Mel Gibson as William Wallace leading an army on the battlefield in Braveheart.

It is crucially important to remember just how bad Mel Gibson’s accent was in this film, and how few Scottish historians he apparently consulted. At its core, Braveheart may be a rousing film about “freedom” and bravery, but it is such a simplistic retelling of an ancient story that has not resonated with the very nation it is supposedly celebrating. The anachronisms pile up one on top of each other, with inaccurate costumes, face paint, and even William Wallace’s age.

But, all that said, the film itself is filled with pathos, inspirational speeches, and some very epic battle scenes, even if barely any of them actually happened in real life. As long as Braveheart is not taught in history classes and viewers are made aware of the artistic liberties taken with the facts, then this wartime epic remains a great example of Hollywood magic. The magic, of course, being taking an event from history and completely changing it to make a more entertaining movie.

4

Speed (1994)

There Is No Way That Bus Never Went Below 50

Sandra Bullock drives the bus and Keanu Reeves guides her in the movie Speed.

A thrill from start to finish, the classic action movie Speed is one of the best examples of the genre. It has it all: high-speed chases, evil villains, some sad losses, and plenty of unrealistic moments. Perhaps only those who lived in Los Angeles at the time this film is set will be able to know just how probable it would be for a large bus to make its way through the city without breaking the limitation imposed by the “whim of a madman.” Both the plans devised by Howard Payne are full of holes and seem improbable to carry out.

If he always wanted to kill the elevator hostages as said by Jack, then the reasons behind the whole attack are very flimsy. Then, when he decides to get back at Traven and Harry, his knowledge of all their movements is much too unrealistic to achieve in the short space of time he had. Especially as he knows to call the exact phone booth next to the explosion site that Jack happens to be by. CCTV was not quite as advanced in 1994 as it is today, and Howard does not seem like much of a hacker.

3

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Friendships Are Not Realistic

Nigel (Stanley Tucci) and Miranda (Meryl Streep) sitting next to each other on a couch during a fashion show in The Devil Wears Prada.

The Devil Wears Prada is extremely beloved but extremely infuriating at the same time. While the performances by Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are delicious, the film paints a very one-dimensional picture of the fashion industry. Miranda’s choices are explained away by her heartlessness and need to stay relevant, Nigel complains about the fact that he has his dream job, and Emily has no right to be mad at Andy for doing something she would 100% also do. Not to mention, it is unlikely that an assistant would have quite as much access to the Runway closet.

One of the most unrealistic parts of the story has to do with the friend group. The audience is led to believe they all know each other from college and are all now working “jobs that pay the bills,” but they are so unsupportive of each other and extremely judgmental. Lily gladly takes the Marc Jacobs bag, but in the same breath makes fun of Andy for needing to take a work call. Nate is a full-blown nightmare, and it seems as though a close friend group in their 20s would not be quite as villainous as the one depicted in this film.

2

Love Actually (2003)

Rowan Atkinson’s Character Aside

Rowan Atkinson in Love Actually

This moving film is often revisited by people at different stages of their lives. Some watch Love Actually every year, some take breaks, and then realize that they no longer identify with Keira Knightley but are suddenly much more connected to Emma Thompson. For the most part, the story is set in reality, with Richard Curtis confirming that while Rowan Atkinson’s character is a guardian angel of sorts, any explicit supernatural reference was purposefully excluded. There are many unrealistic moments in Love Actually, a lot of them involving the airport.

Not only would it be impossible for Sam to run through the entirety of that Heathrow terminal without being caught, but the scene illustrates how far he had to run to get to Joanna’s gate. She somehow pops out to give him a kiss, even though her plane is boarding. Jamie and Aurelia’s story also seems like a stretch. There is no reason for a whole non-descript village to follow a stranger into a restaurant on Christmas Eve, and wherever his cottage was, very few places in Europe allow for swimming in a lake in December.

1

Forrest Gump (1994)

He Seemed To Know Everybody

Tom Hanks with his mouth agape during a peace march in a scene from Forrest Gump

While it is clear that the main character of Forrest Gump serves as a conduit for many people to connect to, and is the thread that ties various decades together, it is impossible to accept everything that happened to him at face value. The film is meant to depict life in America at various stages of its history and manages to insert this simple man into almost every huge event. From Watergate to the invention of Apple, Forrest Gump managed to be involved with several of the most important historical events.

As one of the most beloved films of all time, with countless accolades and a lot of success at the box office, this Tom Hanks vehicle has been seen by generations of viewers many times over, so here’s hoping some of them don’t think that Elvis got his moves from a young boy with leg braces. It was a clever way of presenting events of the past in a palatable manner, but almost nothing about this man’s life is realistic.