Popular movies and movie franchises attract long-standing and dedicated audiences that know what to expect when they go to theaters time and time again. Establishing movies with layered plots, dynamic characters, and immersive storylines are some of the best forms of entertainment. However, it is time we show some love to the low-budget films that closely resemble the movies we already know and love.
Mockbustershave been made throughout film history, and we cannot seem to get enough. Think about the off-brand version of your favorite clothing brand or the shabby replacement for your favorite restaurant. Mockbusters take an established storyline and dumb it down for the sake of exploiting the original. With that in mind, if you are looking for a mockbuster that won’t be a waste of time, we have you covered. Here is our list of 10 mockbusters that are actually good.
10The Final Level: Escaping Rancala (2019)
The action-adventure mockbuster,The Final Level: Escaping Rancalais a tale as old as time, just a little different. This film follows a manager of an arcade who finds out that she has to enter the virtual world of a video game with her friends in order to save her stranded and trapped brother.
A Jumanji Knock-Off
The Final Level: Escaping Rancalais no masterpiece in any way shape or form. However, like many mockbusters out there, this film is full of charm. There is something so ridiculous about this off-brand recycling of a beloved plot, paired with some blunt humor that makes it a worthy watch. The adventure and wholesome fun are still present in thisJumanjirip-off. If you area fan ofJumanjiorSpy Kids 3: Game Over(a deep cut), then this film is bound to be a good time.Stream for free on Tubi.
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9Dauntless: The Battle of Midway (2019)
2019’sDauntless: The Battle of Midwayis an action war film that follows two men on a U.S. Navy dive bomber that crashes during the Battle of Midway. Now adrift, the men must place their fate in a team that set out to find survivors. The film is based on a true account of U.S. Navy aviators and is one of those films that is more popular with audiences rather than critics.
Impressive Visuals and Camera Work
This film has its flaws. The pace of the movie, which is integral in keeping audiences interested, is slightly questionable at times. However, this harrowing account and story are backed up immensely by some impressive visuals and achievements in the realm of CGI. Especially in the age of film where more low-budget films need to rely on digitally enhancing or creating shots using technology,Dauntless: The Battle of Midwaywill impress you in more ways than one.Stream for free on Tubi.
8Bound (2015)
IfFifty Shades of Greypiqued your interest before, we have a mockbuster for you. The popular erotic book-to-film franchise clearly inspires the 2015 filmBound. Although there are a few changes to the original, Bound cannot escape theFifty Shadescomparisons. The film follows the daughter of a wealthy real-estate broker who finds herself falling for a younger man. However, in this blooming discovery, she is also thrown into the world of BDSM.
A Hidden Treasure Inspired by at 50 Shades of Grey
Oddly enough, the aspects of this film that you might think could not possibly be done right, it manages to do just fine. Mockbusters are known to be bad. However, there are hidden treasures if you look hard enough. The acting in the film is questionable, and the storyline is nothing special. However, there is something so satisfying about watching a movie that is not trying to be more than just what it is.Bounddoes not have all the big names attached to it. However, it is still a decent mockbuster watch.Stream for free on Tubi.
7Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies (2012)
Sure, let’s keep sensationalizing the 16th President of the United States by putting him up against monsters. We rememberAbraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. However, did you know that he fought ANOTHER horror movie monster? For this entry, we haveAbraham Lincoln vs. Zombies.Taking place during the Civil War, this horror action film follows Abraham Lincoln, played by Bill Oberst Jr., as he faces a Confederate army that looks much different than in the history books. He is going up against an army of zombies.
A Compelling Performance from Bill Oberst Jr. That Takes Off Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
This movie is here to fulfill all your thoughts about what it’s like to see Abe Lincoln go up against the undead. In true mockbuster fashion, the “walking dead” version of Abraham Lincoln’s supernatural battles came out the same year asAbraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.Between these two, picking your poison is more or less a fun game where you get a fun movie with a ridiculous yet entertaining plot.Stream for free on Tubi.
6Ghosthunters (2016)
Ghosthuntersis a 2016 mockbuster that follows the death of a wife and a daughter after being the latest victims of a serial killer’s rampage. In order to help the spirits find peace, a team of paranormal investigators/ghost hunters attempt to make contact. They instead come across a much darker presence that puts them all at risk.
An Alternate Reality Ghostbusters?
Ghosthuntersis an oddly satisfying showing of horror. The plot itself has a few holes and a lot of things remain unexplained or just don’t make sense. However, the aura the film creates is just right for the genre. The “Ghostbustersfrom an alternate universe” film manages to execute tension and an eerie atmosphere. If you don’t pay too much attention to the plot’s faults,Ghosthunterswill actually be worth it in some capacity.Stream for free on Tubi.
5Troy the Odyssey (2017)
Troy the Odysseycame out in 2017. The mockbuster follows Odysseus’s harrowing journey to make it back home after the Trojan War. Through the incredible 10 years, he faces countless adversaries, from threatening opponents in battle to mythical creatures. Meanwhile, his wife Penelope and his son longingly await his return.
In this case, this film is just so bad, that it’s good. There’s a certain charm toTroy The Odysseythat can only be experienced by watching it. There is a sense of over-dramatic acting choices and lackluster execution. The visuals are shockingly horrendous and come off more like an early 2000s deep cut than a film produced in 2017.
However, it is still good for an odd reason. In fact, it is good beyond actual reason. Trust us with this one, even for just a good laugh, giveTroy The Odysseya chance.Stream for free on Tubi.
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4The Coed and the Zombie Stoner (2014)
Death will not keep us apart!The Coed and the Zombie Stoneris a 2014 film that follows a student who fatefully falls in love with a zombie. However, the happily ever after she was hoping for is thwarted by one thing: he’s undead and contagious. Not surprisingly, the zombie apocalypse dawns on the campus and the couple looks to find a solution to their problem. Well, cannabis is there to save the day.
A Ripoff of Warm Bodies
If you were a fan of the horror-comedy-romanceWarm Bodiesfrom 2013, this movie is right up your alley.The Coed and the Zombie Stoneris weirdly funny. Mixing horror with comedy is not always easy. However, this silly plot showcases a great way to mix the idea of a rom-com with the complications of the zombie apocalypse. As far as mockbusters go,The Coed and the Zombie Stonerhas enough of theWarm Bodiesessence to impress you.Stream for free on Tubi & Pluto TV.
3Village of the Giants
When it comes to mockbusters throughout film history,Village of the Giantshas been here for a long time, and it is here to stay. The 1965 sci-fi comedy film follows a group of curious teenagers who discover the “Goo.” The kids are way in over their heads when they soon learn that the mysterious substance makes them grow uncontrollably huge.
A Divide Between Critics and Audiences
Village of the Giantsis one of the few mockbusters that can be considered a cult classic. The film is a triumphant showing for the science fiction genre. The epic discrepancy between critics' scores and audience scores is applaudable. Sometimes, films are not meant to be full of dramatics and serious topics. Sometimes, some crazy kids and experiments gone wrong are all you need for a movie night you’ll remember.Stream for free on Pluto TV.
2Paranormal Entity (2009)
The found footage mega-hitParanormal Activityis one of the most definitive franchises for modern horror. However, have you heard ofParanormal Entity? Well, here it is. The horror mystery film came out in 2009 and follows an old murder case where a paranormal investigator is arrested for murdering her sister. However, the tapes they find reveal the horrific truth surrounding the sister’s true cause of death.
Good Quality, Despite its Unoriginal Story
On the surface, this film’s premise feels slightly repetitive and unoriginal. That’s because it is. However, the found-footage aspect of this film creates tension that elevates this movie’s quality. For the horror genre,Paranormal Entity’satmosphere succeeds at being creepy and ominous. If the found footage genre bores you, then maybe avoid this one. But, if this part of modern horror works for you, this film is a decent watch.Stream for free on Tubi & Pluto TV.
1Piranha (1978)
Piranha: After a sudden underwater disturbance sets free scores of prehistoric piranhas, a small lakeside town must contend with the consequences. As the fish wreak havoc, locals and visitors alike face a relentless struggle for survival. The film explores themes of community and resilience amidst chaotic and life-threatening events.
Piranhacould just be the holy grail of mockbusters out there.Piranhais almost, ALMOST,Jaws. From the movie poster design to the premise, this sci-fi horror film will look and sound familiar. The film follows a tragic accident that leaves thousands of hybrid piranhas loose in a river right where there is a children’s holiday camp.
The Greatest Mockbuster of all Time?
This horror survival film is gruesome and reinstates this fear of the unknown when it comes to a large body of water. The horror side of this film is fantastic, and the style of the film is perfect for the classic movie feel. Piranha on its own stands solid. Even without the mockbuster/Jawscomparison in tow,Piranhais just a great horror film that has to swim its way into your watch list.Stream for free on Tubi & Peacock.
