Watching a movie without prior knowledge of its characters or universe can often lead to confusion. However, many franchise films successfully cater to both newcomers and seasoned fans alike. Notable examples include expansive franchises like Pokémon and Dungeons & Dragons, which manage to create accessible entry points while still appealing to die-hard followers.
Conversely, some films are intricately tied to their predecessors, requiring audiences to familiarize themselves with previous installments or related media, including TV shows. Although such films can be deeply satisfying for fans who have done their homework, they may leave newcomers feeling lost. Balancing enjoyment for a broad audience is a challenging endeavor in filmmaking.
8
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
Detective Pikachu Simplifies Pokémon Lore
The Pokémon franchise, while beloved, can appear daunting. Detective Pikachu addresses this by streamlining the narrative and omitting complex concepts such as evolution, gym battles, and the Elite Four. Loosely based on a spinoff game, this film primarily unfolds as an original detective story, making it highly accessible for newcomers.
This film effectively distills the essence of Pokémon into a kid-friendly detective narrative filled with imaginative creatures coexisting alongside humans. While sprinkled with nods and Easter eggs for hardcore fans, these elements are not integral to the storyline. Nonetheless, the anticipated sequel, Detective Pikachu 2, appears to be stuck in a development limbo.
7
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
An Accessible Introduction to D&D
Dungeons & Dragons can initially feel overwhelming due to its extensive lore and mechanics. Typically, players are best equipped to start by joining a knowledgeable group. However, Honor Among Thieves presents the rich lore of D&D in an accessible format, allowing newcomers to enjoy the film without prior experience.
The movie captures the adventurous and humorous spirit inherent in D&D sessions while avoiding unnecessary complexity. It showcases the unpredictability that makes the game so beloved while efficiently extracting the core essence of the franchise.
6
The Dark Knight (2008)
A Standalone Batman Experience
Starting to explore Batman can be daunting given the character’s extensive cinematic and comic history. Nevertheless, The Dark Knight is often hailed as a quintessential Batman film that stands apart from previous installments, including Batman Begins, which tells the character’s origin story.
5
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit (2005)
A Perfect Introduction to Wallace and Gromit
By the time Wallace and Gromit made their feature-film debut in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, they had already won acclaim for their short films. This movie is highly accessible, thanks to its well-structured narrative that quickly establishes the duo’s dynamic. Even if viewers haven’t seen their earlier shorts, they can easily grasp who Wallace and Gromit are.
4
Uncharted (2022)
A Standalone Adventure
The Uncharted franchise comprises several main series games, along with various spin-offs and other media. The 2022 film adaptation selectively incorporates iconic scenes from Nathan Drake’s journeys while standing independently as its own narrative.
Tom Holland’s casting as Nathan Drake sparked some debate among fans due to his youth compared to the character’s depiction in the games. However, the film captures the adventurous spirit and humor that are hallmarks of the franchise. While discussions about a sequel seem to have stalled, Uncharted sets the stage for potential further exploration in cinematic form.
3
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)
Edgar Wright’s Unique Style
Scott Pilgrim has transcended from graphic novels to include a video game and an animated series. Fortunately, Edgar Wright’s film adaptation is crafted in such a way that new audiences do not need prior knowledge to enjoy it. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World serves as a perfect gateway to the franchise, with its unique variations of a central narrative.
Despite initially underperforming at the box office, Wright’s film has since cultivated a dedicated cult following, demonstrating its enduring appeal. The film features distinctive comic book visual elements alongside nods to arcade gaming and manga culture.
2
A Haunting In Venice (2023)
An Invitation into Agatha Christie’s World
Agatha Christie’s extensive bibliography significantly shapes the mystery genre, with various adaptations of her works available. Kenneth Branagh’s recent adaptations, including A Haunting in Venice, exemplify his tribute to her storytelling style. This film serves as an excellent introduction to Christie’s work without requiring familiarity with Hercule Poirot’s character.
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Kenneth Branagh’s Poirot Movies |
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Movie |
Rotten Tomatoes Score |
Audience Score |
|
Murder on the Orient Express (2017) |
60% |
54% |
|
Death on the Nile (2022) |
62% |
82% |
|
A Haunting in Venice (2023) |
75% |
76% |
The film introduces Poirot as a brilliant detective who has withdrawn from society, making it an inviting entry point for those unfamiliar with his storied escapades. Additionally, A Haunting in Venice remains less plot-spoiled than many of Christie’s other well-known tales.
1
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
A Fresh Start in the Mad Max Universe
The original Mad Max films lay the groundwork for Max Rockatansky’s character transformation into a hardened survivor amidst chaos. Following a 30-year hiatus, Mad Max: Fury Road redefines the franchise with Tom Hardy stepping in as Max, while ensuring that new viewers can engage with the story without prior knowledge.
Fury Road minimizes its reliance on past movies, emphasizing a world built through intelligent and immersive storytelling without excessive exposition. As a result, it appeals to both newcomers and fans of the original trilogy, delivering a fresh, exhilarating cinematic experience.