The 10 Best Movie Trailers of the Last 10 Years

I find trailers are more like previews rather than long-lasting structures. They’re essentially advertisements meant to pique interest for upcoming movies. Once the movie they promote is released, a trailer loses its initial purpose. Why settle for a sneak peek when you can enjoy the full film? A trailer then transforms into a cinematic supplement; it’s there but without a specific objective after the main event.

Regardless, the current era finds us inhabiting a digital landscape where virtually every movie trailer endures indefinitely on platforms such as YouTube. Thus, given the right motivation, an individual could conveniently binge-watch numerous trailers from the past decade and subsequently compile a list of their top ten favorites.

Reader, my strong inclination leads me to this: Over the past ten years, these, in my modest view, have been the top-tier trailers. Continue scrolling to enjoy them all.

10. Logan

In this decade, we’ve seen an overwhelming number of trailers that pair melancholic music with grand, action-packed visuals. While this convention can sometimes feel out of place, it still resonates effectively, such as in the somber advertisement for Logan. Considering that the character who can mend any wound has endured countless beatings, shootings, and deaths over the past century, the use of depressing music here isn’t quite so jarring.

9. Longlegs

Horror trailers are masterfully crafted to create tension, choosing when to prolong a shot for suspenseful effect, and when to swiftly switch scenes to avoid violating the Motion Picture Association’s guidelines. The trailer for Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins, is an excellent demonstration of this technique. The film centers around a monstrous serial killer, whose appearance is only hinted at in brief flashes. Many of the images shown are puzzling on their own – what lies beneath that enshrouded figure? – but this ambiguity adds to the eeriness and nightmare-like quality. After all, our nightmares don’t always make logical sense either.

8. Suicide Squad

Although the film itself didn’t live up to expectations, it seems that in 2016 there were rumors suggesting that the trailers were so captivating because they oversold the movie as an action-packed adventure featuring iconic rock music. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, when the director failed to deliver a film matching the trailers, the studio even asked the trailer company to help create a version of the movie that would align with their commercials. This approach might have actually hurt the movie. However, it’s hard to deny that the trailer itself was top-notch.

7. Jackie

The tune from Lerner and Loewe’s musical “Camelot” might appear an unusual selection for a biographical film about Jackie Kennedy’s life. However, considering the era, and the symbolic demise of hope that JFK’s assassination embodied, it fits perfectly. This choice is daring, reflecting many such bold decisions in the movie.

6. Mission: Impossible — Fallout

Tom Cruise is the ideal subject for a trailer editor. He consistently performs his own stunts, which are abundant in each film he stars in. By packing 150 seconds of Cruise’s action-packed scenes, adding a catchy tune, you have a guaranteed hit.

5. A Star Is Born

I don’t have a convincing argument for why this trailer is one of the top ones from the last decade, but I’ve watched it an astonishing 300 times. Whenever ‘Maybe It’s Time’ comes on, I think of it instantly. And just before hitting play, I often say something like ‘Hey, let me take another look at you.’

4. Nope

Observe how the on-screen area is utilized effectively in this video. All characters persistently tilt their heads skyward, as if expecting something. The title card “FROM JORDAN PEELE” also appears to descend from above the scene, resembling a UFO hovering over the Southern California desert. The trailer for Nope skillfully sets up the chilling tension that this horror movie promises. However, they don’t reveal the central creature or disclose the true nature of the film in the entire clip.

3. Hail, Caesar!

Following the preview, having the entire movie be Ralph Fiennes coaching Alden Ehrenreich on portraying a socialite would have been entirely satisfying for me. If only it were as straightforward as that.

2. The Brutalist

In the initial trailer for “The Brutalist,” the movie’s unique side-scrolling credit sequence is accompanied by Director Brady Corbet’s striking visuals and Daniel Blumberg’s powerful, award-winning score. This amalgamation evokes the feeling of a grand, sweeping dramatic production. Additionally, a single quote, “MONUMENTAL,” attributed to five separate sources, serves as an intelligent decision. It implies widespread critical acclaim while also playing on the idea that a film about a brilliant architect is like a monument itself.

1. La La Land

In the trailer for “La La Land,” an iris shot, a solitary whistle, and a wistful piano note quickly set a tone that is both enchantingly romantic and poignantly sorrowful. Within mere seconds, you can sense this movie will tug at your heartstrings, trample on them, and then obliterate the fragments, all while keeping you captivated throughout. That’s truly effective film promotion.

The Best Fake Movie Trailers From Actual Films

15. “Three Chairs For Lefty,” From Loose Shoes (1980)

Over the years, several movies have been created entirely using mock trailers. The 1980 production, “Loose Shoes,” is not one of the strongest examples within this genre. Most of the trailers are mediocre or offensive in nature. For instance, the parody of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” titled “Invasion of the Penis Snatchers” sets the tone for the humor you’ll encounter. However, one exceptional trailer is “Three Chairs for Lefty,” a satire on prison dramas featuring Bill Murray in his Saturday Night Live days as death row inmate Lefty Schwartz. In just a few minutes of screen time, Murray manages to elicit more laughter than every other trailer in “Loose Shoes” combined, particularly during the scene where he complains about the food in prison. (“Is this quiche?!? And this bouillabaisse! It’s tripe!”) To watch this hilarious fake trailer, click here.

14. “Zero Hour,” From Movie Movie (1978)

1978 saw director Stanley Donen unveil a unique cinematic experience, titled “Movie Movie“. This double feature film starred none other than George C. Scott in both parts. Sandwiched between these captivating tales was a sneak peek at another movie, a World War I aviation thriller called “Zero Hour“, distinct from the 1957 Dana Andrews picture of the same name that later became the basis for “Airplane!“. In this trailer, George C. Scott donned an amusing mustache and a sophisticated accent as he soared into the skies, promising “war at its best!” The propeller-shaped transitions between scenes added a charming touch to this exciting preview.

Here’s where you can catch the intriguing trailer for “Zero Hour“. Enjoy!

13. “Catholic High School Girls in Trouble,” From Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

Prior to creating their own full-length satirical films, the Zucker brothers first found success in Hollywood by writing “Kentucky Fried Movie,” a sketch film based on their “Kentucky Fried Theater” comedy show. This movie contains various parodied trailers, such as the timeless sexploitation spoof “Catholic High School Girls in Trouble,” which boasts “Never before has the beauty of the act been so crudely exploited!” A subsequent title card exclaims “BEYOND PERVERSION!” followed by a scene of someone tossing a pie at a horse’s rear end. Samuel L. Bronkowitz was truly a groundbreaking filmmaker.

You can watch the fake trailer here.

12. “Scorcher VI: Global Meltdown,” From Tropic Thunder (2008)

In the opening of Ben Stiller’s comedic take on Hollywood, “Tropic Thunder,” a string of amusing commercials and film trailers are presented. Among these is Stiller’s own creation, Tugg Speedman, who stars as the lead in the mockbuster “Scorcher VI: Global Meltdown.” This parody skewers mindless blockbusters, with Speedman now trapped in an ice age instead of his usual global warming predicament. The line, “Here we go again… again,” is a memorable quote from this film. You can watch the mock trailer here.

11. “Trio,” From An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn (1997)

Almost without exception, “An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn” is considered one of the poorest films from the 1990s. This movie, whose director detested it so much that he withdrew his name from it, is associated with the pseudonym “Alan Smithee.” The plot revolves around a director named Alan Smithee who hates his latest project so intensely that he wants to disassociate himself from it. However, since his name is already Alan Smithee, he’s stuck. In an attempt to prevent the movie from being released, he steals the negative. The film he wishes to suppress is titled “Trio,” a blockbuster epic featuring Sylvester Stallone, Jackie Chan, and Whoopi Goldberg. Interestingly, the mock trailer for “Trio” is one of the few comedic elements in “An Alan Smithee Film” that actually works. Unfortunately, after this, the film takes a turn for the worse.

For your viewing pleasure, here’s the fake trailer.

10. “Deception,” From The Holiday (2006)

In my opinion, Cameron Diaz’s character in “The Holiday” creates captivating movie trailers. A prime example of her talent is a gripping thriller titled “Deception,” featuring Lindsay Lohan and James Franco. The dialogue is typical movie trailer hype (“Rebecca Green was just an ordinary 20-year-old, until the father she never knew left her something unexpected”) and the presence of legendary voiceover artist Hal Douglas adds authenticity to this clever imitation.

You can check out the fake trailer here.

9. “Thanksgiving,” From Grindhouse (2007)

To offer viewers a genuine grindhouse atmosphere during their Grindhouse double feature, directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, they included several fictitious movie trailers before and in between the films. Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving takes a humorous jab (or a sharp jest) at the countless slasher films that were inspired by Halloween in the late ’70s and early ’80s. The recurring joke of the teenager whose romantic partners are beheaded mid-act is so absurd, it seems almost shocking that it isn’t from an actual slasher movie. You can watch the fake trailer here.

8. “The Fatties: Fart 2,” From Tropic Thunder (2008)

In a hilarious twist, the comedy classic “Tropic Thunder” outshines Eddie Murphy’s “Nutty Professor” series. The character played by Jack Black, Jeff Portnoy, a drug-addled comedian, portrays an entire flatulent family using remarkable makeup effects. The humor, centered around fart jokes, is potent and powerful. Frankly, it’s high time we got a genuine movie titled “Fart 2”. It’s surprising that such a film hasn’t been made yet. To get a sneak peek, check out the fake trailer here.

7. “Machete,” From Grindhouse (2007)

Initially, Robert Rodriguez envisioned making a movie about Danny Trejo as an indomitable slayer since their collaboration on “Desperado” in 1993. However, he didn’t get the chance to produce this film. Instead, he utilized the idea for one of the mock trailers in “Grindhouse.” The positive response to the trailer allowed Rodriguez to transform “Machete” into a real movie in 2010, followed by a sequel in 2013 – each having their own mock trailers for other films, including “Machete Kills Again… in Space.” As of now, Rodriguez hasn’t turned the latter into a full-length feature. You can watch the mock trailer here.

6. “Conan the Librarian,” From UHF (1989)

In the late 1980s, “Weird Al” Yankovic, a leading humorist in the music industry, was well-known for creating humorous versions of popular songs. Consequently, it was only fitting that his first movie, titled UHF, would incorporate film parodies. These parodies are shown as commercials on the TV station where Al’s character works, with standout pieces such as Conan the Librarian. This parody features a Schwarzenegger look-alike wielding an enormous sword to protect the Dewey Decimal System from being disrespected. The scene showing Conan cutting a man in half likely contributed significantly to the movie’s PG-13 rating. If you’re interested, you can watch the mock trailer here.

5. “History of the World, Part II,” From History of the World, Part I (1981)

In the concluding scenes of Mel Brooks’ “The History of the World, Part I,” a teaser for a potential second installment is presented. Although a follow-up was never made, the humor remains top-notch, featuring amusing segments such as “Hitler On Ice” and “Jews in Space.” In this latter segment, astronauts who are Hasidic men maintain kosher practices across the cosmos. The repeated exclamation of “JEWS! IN! SPAAAAACE!” by Brooks’ voice might just be the funniest moment throughout the entire film. You can enjoy the fictitious trailer here.

4. “Satan’s Alley,” From Tropic Thunder (2008)

In the mock trailers for the hit movie “Tropic Thunder”, there’s one titled “Satan’s Alley”. This spoof of pretentious Oscar-winning films depicts Robert Downey Jr. and Tobey Maguire as medieval monks, hinting at a secret relationship. The narrator ominously warns that in their time, being different meant condemnation, and condemnation meant death. The funniest moment comes when the trailer reveals “5 Time Academy Award Winner Kirk Lazarus” (Downey’s character) followed by “MTV Movie Award Best Kiss Winner Tobey Maguire”. You can watch this amusing trailer here.

The film Tropic Thunder has a funny fake trailer called Satan’s Alley. It makes fun of serious Oscar movies. In it, Robert Downey Jr. and Tobey Maguire act as gay monks in the Middle Ages, suggesting they had a secret relationship. The narrator says that back then, being different meant getting in trouble, and getting in trouble could lead to death. The best joke is when the trailer shows “5 Time Academy Award Winner Kirk Lazarus” (Downey’s character) and “MTV Movie Award Best Kiss Winner Tobey Maguire”. You can watch this funny trailer here.

3. “That’s Armageddon,” From Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

In my opinion, as a fan of witty humor, I find the trailer for “That’s Armageddon” from “Kentucky Fried Movie” to be a hilarious take on the overused tropes that dominated disaster movies throughout the ’70s. A standout scene features George Lazenby and Victoria Carroll exchanging stilted romantic dialogue, completely oblivious to the chaos of explosions, cars careening out of control, sirens blaring, smoke, and flames all around them. This moment, I believe, was the epiphany for the Zuckers in finding the perfect tone for their later disaster spoof, “Airplane!”. The ZAZ trio then built an entire career on this unique blend of humor and absurdity. So, if you’re up for a laugh, check out this hilarious fake trailer here.

2. “Hamlet,” From Last Action Hero (1993)

Instead of pondering “To be or not to be… not to be,” witness for yourself the evidence that proves “Last Action Hero” surpasses its reputation! Marvel at the ingenious trailer of “Hamlet,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, as envisioned by the film’s hero, young cinephile Danny Madigan. Can you resist the temptation to watch a full-length version of this unique blend? If you decline, you’re missing out on something truly spectacular. Click here to see the trailer.

[massive explosion] added for emphasis and action movie atmosphere

1. “Don’t,” From Grindhouse (2007)

The pinnacle of the mock trailer within Grindhouse, a film that honors and lampoons ’70s horror movies, is undeniably Edgar Wright’s masterful creation. It commences with a caution to viewers and escalates into a whirlwind of cuts, shrieks, and gore as the announcer (Will Arnett!) repeatedly barks “DON’T!” The climax, “If you are considering watching this movie alone… DON’T!” would have left horror movie pioneer William Castle in tears of admiration.

Why not give it a watch right here: [Link to the fake trailer]

2025-05-28 15:56