30 Most Confusing Movie Titles

The Ghost And The Darkness (1996)

Sounds Like: A haunted house scare-fest in the classic style, as a young governess finds herself stalked by things that go bump in the night.

Actually Is: The story of a pair of rogue lions in 19th century Africa.

Traffic (2000)

Sounds Like: A mind-numbing documentary on road safety, with voiceover work courtesy of John Craven.

Actually Is: A twisty-turny tale of the drug industry. Does contain some cars, in fairness.

Cinderella Man (2005)

Sounds Like: A Rob Schneider vehicle, in which he plays an average slob who accidentally gets transformed into a fairy.

Actually Is: Russell Crowe playing a washed-up boxer on the road to redemption. Who knew?

The NeverEnding Story (1984)

Sounds Like: A refuge for those wishing to opt out of life entirely and dedicate the rest of their days to a whimsical fantasy adventure.

Actually Is:
Less than two hours long. We want our money back!

Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)

Sounds Like: The story of a young boy who is left at home in New York by his family when they head off on vacation.

Actually Is: The story of a young boy on a parent-free jaunt to NYC. Come on now, is he home alone or is he lost in New York? You can’t have it both ways.

The Aristocrats (2005)

Sounds Like: A glossy period drama starring Colin Firth and Keira Knightley and including a snarky cameo from Maggie Smith.

Actually Is: The repeated telling of an exceedingly dirty joke. Julian Fellowes would not approve.

Snowtown (2011)

Sounds Like: A festive romp for all the family, set in a magical nether-land where it’s Christmas 365 days per year!

Actually Is: The horrifying account of the real-life “Bodies In The Barrels” murders that rocked South Australia throughout the ‘90s. Not so family-friendly after all…

Happiness (1998)

Sounds Like: A bright and sunny romp, possibly a rom-com, possibly starring Zooey Deschanel.

Actually Is: Todd Solondz’s ultra-bleak tale of perversion and heartbreak. There had already been a film titled Misery you see…

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Sounds Like: A comedy caper about a wilful infant who suddenly finds himself in charge of a million-dollar company. Hilarious antics ensue.

Actually Is: A heartbreaking boxing drama about an under-appreciated trainer and his feisty young protégé.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Sounds Like: A gentle, feature-length nature documentary about a rare species of water-dwelling canines.

Actually Is:
A blood-spattered crime flick in which a man has his ear brutally parted from his head. Whatever would Attenborough make of it?

George Wales

George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.