The Most Straightforward Movie Titles of All-Time

Most films like to leave a bit to the imagination when it comes to their title. Even something as seemingly obvious as Sunset Boulevard isn’t really just about Sunset Boulevard. Other titles bend toward a more philosophical slant, such as Eyes Wide Shut. Then there are those movies that prefer to keep things completely straightforward. And though you would think the more straightforward the movie title, the worse the movie, there’s actually a few little gems on this list worth watching (hint: it’s not We Bought A Zoo or Zach and Miri Make a Porno).

Snakes on a Plane (2006): Leaving little to the imagination as to what this movie is about, the only piece of the storyline missing is that the snakes are released on a plane in order to prevent a witness from testifying at a court case in Los Angeles.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934): With the 1956 remake of this film being a bit more complex, it’s the original version that keeps it simpler with lead character Bob (Leslie Banks) knowing too much. What specifically? It doesn’t matter. He knows too much and it’s liable to get him killed.

Edward Scissorhands (1990): Could this movie be about anything other than a man with scissors for hands? No, no it could not.

Man on Wire (2008): Based on a memoir by Philippe Petit (the eponymous “man on wire”) titled more abstractly, To Reach the Clouds, Man on Wire is about a man who walks on a wire between the two World Trade Center towers.

Hot Tub Time Machine (2010): Arguably the main character of the film, the hot tub time machine transports some modern day schlubs (80s staple John Cusack included) back to the 80s for no apparent reason.

Zach and Miri Make A Porno (2008): Because this is something created by Kevin Smith, obviousness is to be expected. And yes, the movie is entirely about Zach (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) making a low-budget porno to secure some “quick, easy” cash.

We Bought A Zoo (2011): No shit? Tell us all about it in this really boring movie, Matt Damon.

Strangers on a Train (1951): One of Hitchcock’s more under rated films (that would later be remade into the creepy Danny DeVito/Billy Crystal movie, Throw Momma From the Train), Strangers on a Train is about two strangers who meet on a train…and then plot a little mutually beneficial murder. Though one stranger is a little more into it than the other.

Saving Private Ryan (1998): Who are we saving? Private Ryan! When are we saving him? Now!

Love Story (1970): It’s a sappy love story. It’s all built into the title. Though they wait to piss you off with the famous line, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” until you actually sit through it. And yeah, she’s got cancer, but whatever.