10 Movies with the Same Name, But Not the Same Movie

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Titles are one of the essential components of a film's success, yet are often overlooked. Some movies have their titles thought up before the script is even written, while others have to change titles after release. Compelling and informative, the title must catch the eye without giving away the plot.

However, not all movie titles are unique. Many movie titles have been used and reused by different movies over time. Spanning decades, actors, and genres, these movies may sound the same, but don't confuse them with each other.

'Bad Boys' (1983) and (1995)

Along with films like River's Edge and At Close Range, 1983's The Bad Boys defined '80s crime movies starring young, up-and-coming actors. Bad Boys was a modest commercial success, grossing $9.2 million on a $5 million budget, and starring Sean Penn as a teenage delinquent sent to juvenile detention after killing the brother of a rival gang leader face the challenge.

While 1983's Bad Boys had modest success, 1995's was a hit. Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the film follows two cops who assume each other's identities while investigating a drug deal. Huge success with over $140 million in gross Bad Boys has spawned two sequels so far, propelling Smith into the ranks of mainstream stardom. However, 1983's "Bad Boy" still holds the highest Rotten Tomatoes score of 90% among all "Bad Boy" movies and sequels.

'Night Moves' (1975) and (2013)

An indispensable modern detective film, 1975's "Night Action" is pretty cool. The film was not a success upon its release, and is considered one of the films that defined private eye and post-Watergate. Directed by Arthur Penn and starring Gene Hackman, the plot revolves around PI Harry Moseby, who is called to find out what happened to the daughter of an aging actress.

Likewise, 2013's Night Moves was not a commercial success, but has been well received since its release. From the minimalist, realist Kelly Reichardt, the film follows two environmentalists who bomb a hydroelectric dam, but things get complicated when someone hints at a change of heart . Although different styles of film, they are all slow burns and don't give back to the audience until the end.

'Missing' (1982) and (2023)

Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Missing was one of the most acclaimed films of 1982. From acclaimed director Costa Gravas, this biographical thriller stars Jack Lemmon and Sissy Spacek as parents of a child The American journalist who disappeared in Chile in the 1970s and searches for him.

Another suspense film, 2023's Missing, is similar to its 1982 predecessor. A stand-alone sequel to 2018's riveting Finding, the 2023 flick follows a woman on vacation who uses technology to find her missing mother. 2023's Missing has yet to be released worldwide, and there's a lot to look forward to just based on its title.

'Twilight' (1998) and (2008)

Robert Benton, best known for creating Bonnie and Clyde and writing and directing the Academy Award-winning film Kramer vs. Kramer, was one of the leading voices of New Hollywood. Returning to his roots, particularly on 1977's The Late Show, Benton's Twilight follows an aging private eye who stumbles upon a murder trap while living with a celebrity couple.

The first film adaptation of the Stephenie Meyer novel, The Twilight Saga, was released just 10 years later. Centered around a romance between a mortal woman and a vampire, the original film would become a phenomenon, grossing more than $400 million. Although the 2008 film was a huge commercial success and spawned four sequels, 1998's The Twilight Saga remains the highest-grossing film It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 60%.

'Possession' (1981) and (2002)

1981's Possession was not a commercial success in Europe or the United States, only a claim to fame. The film is now considered a cult classic and one of the most iconic psychological horror films of the 1980s, rivaling Lars von Trier and David Cronenberg ( David Cronenberg's work. Directed by Polish filmmaker Andrzej Zulawski, the film indirectly follows a couple who begin to show disturbing signs after filing for divorce.

Sitting alongside 2002's Possession, based on the novel by A.S. Byatt, is an unlikely romance directed by playwright Neil LaBute. This captivating film centers on scholar Rowland, who works with an expert to unearth hidden love letters belonging to a famous Victorian poet. Despite their namesake, the two films have little else in common but could constitute an eclectic double feature.

'Rush' (1991) and (2013)

1991's Rush was an intense and serial crime movie of the early '90s. Starring two of the best actors under 30 at the time, Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Lee, the film follows two drug agents who become addicted to a product they should keep off the streets. Although a commercial failure, the film received good reviews and Contains an A-List, unforgettable soundtrack.

In contrast, 2013's Rush was a box office success, taking in nearly $100 million. Directed by the prolific Ron Howard, the film revolves around a rivalry between Formula One drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt. While biopics are certainly better known, both are intense films that offer something different but worthwhile.

'Heat' (1986) and (1995)

Written by William Goldman and adapted from his own novel of the same name, 1986's Heat was Burt Reynolds' star car, which ended in a crash. Robert Altman was set to direct, but the famed director withdrew after Goldman was reluctant to change the commerciality of his script. The film, which was a poor box office hit, tells the story of a bladed weapons expert who works as a bodyguard to support his gambling addiction.

In stark contrast, 1995's Heat was director Michael Mann's obsessive project for many years. One of the top-grossing films that year grossing more than $180 million, the film follows Detective Hannah and his attempts to track down crime expert Neil Macaulay. Even though both films fall into the category of crime action films, they are pretty much the same in terms of quality.

'Kicking and Screaming' (1995) and (2005)

1995's Kicking and Screaming was Noah Baumbach's debut. Along with Singles and Reality Bites, Kicking and Screaming is one of the films that defined Generation X, however, it may be the most realistic of the series. Witty and charming, this film follows a group of aimless college graduates who struggle to make ends meet.

Ten years later, Will Ferrell would star in the sports comedy film of the same name. Nominated for a Razzie, the film follows a middle-aged man who becomes a youth football coach in the shadow of his competitive father. Although often unfairly considered one of Baumbach's lesser films, "Kick and Scream" is bright and insightful, even though its subject matter may not appeal to everyone. In contrast, 2005's "Kick and Scream" was completely ignored for not being a good movie.

'The Gift' (2000) and (2015)

Sam Raimi's The Gift is a supernatural suspense horror thriller, an interesting blend of Southern Gothic and standard detective fiction. The film, led by Cate Blanchett, revolves around a woman with psychic abilities who must solve the disappearance of a young socialite. Despite its top-notch performances and often dazzling Remy direction, the film still only garnered mixed reviews.

similar type to 2000 The 2015 film of the same name, The Gift, is the award-winning directorial debut of Australian actor Joel Edgerton. Starring Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall, the film tells the story of a married couple whose lives are uprooted when an old acquaintance re-enters their lives. While both offer something promising, 2015's The Gift is the best movie for viewers looking for a moody, compelling mystery.

'Crash' (1996) and (2004)

David Cronenberg's Crash, based on J.G. Ballard's novel of the same name, was overshadowed by controversy and under-appreciated. Lauded by directors such as Martin Scorsese and Bernardo Bertolucci, the film follows a filmmaker who becomes involved in a group of car-crash addicts after a car accident.

Likewise, 2004's Crash was controversial, not least because it unfairly won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Co-written and directed by Paul Haggis, the film follows a group of strangers in Los Angeles who come together in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. While each has its detractors, they're generally considered good movies that are strong in their own way.