18 Movies And TV Shows That Had A Rough Start But Surprised Viewers Who Stuck It Out

Not everything is an action flick.

Not every movie gives consistency. There are tons of movies out there that start off strong and taper off as they go along.

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More interesting, however, are movies and TV shows that start off awful — so much so that you definitely have viewers that give up — only to come back strong and really impress the people who stuck it out.

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Here are some movies and TV shows that I personally think redeem themselves after a weak start.

1. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)

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Fans have debated the quality of the first two seasons of ST: TNG, but overall, it's considered one of the best pieces of the Star Trek universe, as well as one of the best pieces of sci-fi TV and TV overall. 

2. Constantine (2005)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Viewers have discussed how the beginning of the film can be confusing, especially to those unfamiliar with the comic. Critics found it silly and mediocre at best, but it's got a devoted fan base that's praised it so much it's piqued interest in a sequel.

3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008–2014)

Disney+

Fans and Rotten Tomatoes agree that the first season of Clone Wars was a little too kid-friendly and shiny, which turned away some viewers. But the subsequent 100% seasons prove this is a real treat for Star Wars fans willing to stick it out.

4. Brother Bear (2003)

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Brother Bear was one of those Disney movies that just didn't hit for people, and fans who did enjoy the film have believed the beginning is to blame. The emotional core of the film really blossoms later on and that's what has made the film memorable to those who liked it.

5. Event Horizon (1997)

Paramount

A set-up-heavy beginning may be a lot for people who aren't die-hard sci-fi fans, but it's worth sticking out with this film. It still has a serious cult following to this day.

6. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)

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Parks & Rec's first season tried a little too hard to mimic The Office, and the first two seasons struggled to find a good footing for Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) to shine. 

7. Open Water (2003)

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Open Water's slow pace is meant to build dread, but can also lose viewers who need more action to stay engaged. The low-budget sea horror thriller also gave too many people anxiety to stick around, honestly.

8. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013–2020)

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Because early episodes had to manage not spoiling Captain America: Winter Soldier, they felt very tentative and lacking. 

9. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)

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Anchorman 2 feels a little forced and repetitive as a whole, but the fun and carefree vibes from the first film are majorly killed in the beginning of the second film, though it does rebound somewhat.

10. The 100 (2014–2020)

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A lot of people felt that the first few episodes were silly, bordering on campy, and over-exaggerated, but the show finds its pace and lasted seven seasons, which is no small feat these days.

11. Attack on Titan (2009–2021)

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Fans have lamented how much filler there is in early episodes of the popular anime series. Though the character set-up is given in early episodes of any series, there were viewers who found the main trio felt flat and not as complex as the situation they found themselves in, though those who committed to the slow-moving yet action-packed series.

12. Cloverfield (2008)

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Found footage-style films aren't for everyone and if you don't find the characters interesting or sympathetic, it's easy to see how you can walk away. 

13. The OA (2016–2019)

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It's easy to feel like you've missed something intrinsic in the first season of The OA. Things are a little all over the place and the story can be hard to follow, and a lot of viewers made it to the Season 1 finale and gave up. Season 2 gave a whole new dimension to the story and left many annoyed at its cancellation. 

14. The Conjuring (2013)

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The Conjuring was a call back to the horror movie style of the '70s and '80s, which didn't have enough moving parts and terrifying imagery to quell more modern fans' tastes. In fact, some felt it was a little too type-driven, making it almost formulaic.

15. Arrow (2012–2020)

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Arrow started off really gritty and it seemed like people didn't know what to make of it. Some fans even said it felt like a reductive, CW-ified Batman, but come season two made a lot of viewers come around to what was unique about the series. The show enjoyed a few solid seasons before taking a downturn again and ending with the 8th season.

16. Dark Phoenix (2019)

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Off-screen drama made the chemistry feel off in much of Dark Phoenix but did its job as the end of the series by providing some good moments that bought closure and gave something special to longtime comic fans.

17. Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines (2003)

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The gap between T2 and T3 made it awkward to get established at the beginning of the film, but it delivers the franchise's signature doses of action and adrenaline.

18. Doom (2005)

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Doom was much anticipated but still felt unsure of itself throughout a lot of the movie. Fans said it felt more like an action movie with loose ties to a video game than a video game turned film until the ending scene that mimicked first-person shooter action.

Have any other films or TV shows that fit the list? Think some of these picks are wrong? Let's talk in the comments.