14 Movies That Lost Their Main Stars and Still Survived (Or Not!)

1. Shrek 2001，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 743121, ID: 0126029
Photo by gosc.pl, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Shrek is a delightful animated film. The movie’s vibrant animation and witty dialogue make it a joy to watch, while its message about accepting oneself and others is timeless. The voice cast, including Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, bring their characters to life with charm and energy. Shrek’s journey from a grumpy ogre to a hero who finds love and friendship is both entertaining and touching.
2. Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 499669, ID: 2527338
Photo by olivian.ro, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Rise of Skywalker attempts to wrap up the Skywalker saga with a mix of nostalgia and new revelations. While it struggles with pacing and plot coherence, the film delivers on visual spectacle and emotional moments. The return of Emperor Palpatine adds a layer of intrigue, though some fans found it forced. Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver’s performances stand out, providing depth to their characters’ final arcs.
3. Diamonds Are Forever 1971，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 114922, ID: 0066995
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Diamonds Are Forever brings Sean Connery back as James Bond in a film filled with action, wit, and a touch of camp. The plot, involving diamond smuggling and a space laser, is outlandish but entertaining. Connery’s suave performance and the film’s glamorous settings make it a memorable entry in the Bond series, despite some dated elements.
4. Never Say Never Again 1983，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 73602, ID: 0086006
Photo by coveralia.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Never Say Never Again sees Sean Connery return to the role of James Bond in a non-Eon production. It is about James Bond being recalled to a mission to stop a plot by a criminal organization to steal and threaten to use a nuclear bomb. The role of James Bond offers another interesting perspective and the cast gives great performances.
5. The Return of Jafar 1994，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 31861, ID: 0107952
Photo by lepaysdumanga.fr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Return of Jafar continues the story of Aladdin with new adventures and challenges. While it lacks the magic of the original film, it offers entertaining moments and character development. The animation quality is lower, but the voice cast, including Dan Castellaneta as the Genie, brings energy to the sequel. It’s a fun watch for fans of the original.
6. Aladdin and the King of Thieves 1996，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 38452, ID: 0115491
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Aladdin and the King of Thieves concludes the Aladdin trilogy with a story about family and adventure. The return of Robin Williams as the Genie adds humor and heart to the film. The plot, involving Aladdin’s search for his father, is engaging, and the animation is a step up from the previous sequel. It’s a satisfying end to the series.
7. Fast & Furious 7 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 417537, ID: 2820852
Photo by newsfilter.gr, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Fast & Furious 7 is a high-octane action film that pays tribute to the late Paul Walker. The story of Dominic Toretto and his team as they face a new foe, Decca Shaw, who is out to avenge her brother’s death. The cast’s rapport and heartfelt farewell to Walker’s character add depth to this adrenaline-pumping, exciting movie.
8. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 699229, ID: 0304141
Photo by blog.hu, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban brings a darker tone to the series with Alfonso Cuarón’s direction. Harry learns that dangerous fugitive Sirius Black is after him and reveals more truths about the deaths of Harry’s parents. It’s a pivotal entry that deepens the story and characters.
9. In Bruges 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 465072, ID: 0780536
Photo by bp.blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

In Bruges is a dark comedy that combines humor and tragedy in a story about two hitmen hiding out in Belgium. The film’s witty dialogue and strong performances from Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson make it a standout. The picturesque setting of Bruges adds to the film’s charm, while the exploration of guilt and redemption gives it depth.
10. Moon 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 378664, ID: 1182345
Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

In ‘Moon,’ Sam Rockwell delivers a mesmerizing performance as a lone astronaut grappling with isolation and identity on a lunar base. The film’s minimalist approach and philosophical depth make it a standout in the sci-fi genre. Despite its low budget, ‘Moon’ captivates with its emotional resonance and thought-provoking themes, making it a must-watch for fans of intelligent cinema.
11. Margaret 2011，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 18486, ID: 0466893
Photo by foodista.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Kenneth Lonergan’s ‘Margaret’ is about a teenage girl, Lisa, who, after witnessing a fatal car accident, is tormented by guilt and tries to seek justice for the victims. It is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that delves into the human psyche.
12. Locke 2013，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 160701, ID: 2692904
Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0

Tom Hardy’s riveting solo performance in ‘Locke’ transforms a seemingly mundane car ride into a gripping psychological drama. The film’s unique premise and tight script keep viewers on the edge of their seats, exploring themes of responsibility and personal crisis. ‘Locke’ is a masterclass in minimalist storytelling and character study.
13. Under the Skin 2013，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 159958, ID: 1441395
Photo by bfoliver.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

‘Under the Skin’ is about an alien creature, played by Scarlett Johansson, who hunts humans in Scotland. She seduces men as a human woman and gradually questions human emotions and identity. The film’s striking visuals and eerie atmosphere create a unique cinematic experience that challenges traditional narrative approaches.
14. The Guest 2014，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 108327, ID: 2980592
Photo by strangera.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Adam Wingard directs The Visitor, about a mysterious man named David who visits a family claiming to be a comrade-in-arms of their late son. At first he is welcomed by the family, but as strange things happen, the family grows suspicious of David’s true identity. Through its tense plot and suspenseful atmosphere, the movie presents a thrilling story full of danger and mystery.