11 films that became hits despite the fact that there is not a single star actor in the frame (11 photos)

The world of cinema is ruled by movie stars. It is they who, with their presence in the frame, on posters and in trailers, lure viewers to film shows, enriching film companies, which is an incentive for studio bosses to continue creating new projects.





But we, ordinary viewers, know that we can do without superstars. There are films that you can watch and rewatch, the last thing you think about is who is in the credits. In the films that we will list, the bet is not on the stars, but on the idea and story. Well, and strong directing, where would we be without it.

City of God (2002)



An exemplary excursion into the life of Brazilian favelas.

Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Felipe Hogensen (we introduce this item under each film so that you wonder “who are all these people?”).

IMDb: 8.6

District No. 9 (2009)





What would happen if completely peaceful refugee aliens landed on our planet? How would humanity interact with an alien ghetto called "District 9"? This South African science fiction film answers.

Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James.

IMDb: 7.9

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)



The story of a young man whose life events surprisingly intersect with the questions of the game “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”

Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor.

IMDb: 8.0

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)



The Spanish Civil War and the magical world where the main character Ophelia finds herself. Guillermo del Toro's calling card, the role of monsters in which is played by the famous and always made-up actor Doug Jones. We will quite legitimately not take into account his status, as well as the great name of the director.

Starring: Ivana Baquero, Sergi Lopez, Maribel Verdu.

IMDb: 8.2

Clerks (1994)



A film about two store workers and their endless conversations about everything. The directorial debut of Kevin Smith and the first film appearance of this entire company from the so-called “View Askew Universe”.

Starring: Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Marilyn Gigliotti.

IMDb: 7.7

Ove's Second Life (2015)



The film is about the events in the life of probably the grumpiest old man in Sweden.

Cast: Rolf Lassgaard, Bahar Pars, Ida Engvall.

IMDb: 7.7

Apocalypse (2006)



Mel Gibson in the director's chair and many descendants of indigenous peoples of the USA, Mexico and Canada in a film about a sacrifice to the gods back in 1517.

Starring: Rudy Youngblood, Dalia Hernandez, Jonathan Brewer.

IMDb: 7.8

Fires (2010)



Denis Villeneuve's film is about a brother and sister who, at the request of their deceased mother, are looking for their father and another brother. Oh, what discoveries await them!

Starring: Lubna Azabal, Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin, Maxime Gaudette.

IMDb: 8.3

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)



Stanley Kubrick's legendary film about an extremely realistic depiction of space travel.

Cast: Keir Dulley, Gary Lockwood.

IMDb: 8.3

The Blair Witch Project (1999)/ Paranormal Activity (2007)



Let's combine two films at once in one point. Their ratings are not the most outstanding, but you have definitely heard about them, since they became box office breakthroughs of their time - this is also a clear indicator of a hit. And again, not a single at least somewhat familiar name in the shooting ranges.

Box office: $248 million/$193 million