Movie Sub-Plots That Are Stronger Than The Main Plot

A good secondary story can help to make or break a film. Whether it be an endearing romance, a supporting character with a great arc, or a hilarious diversion from the main story, a solid subplot can add a huge amount of complexity to a film.

Sometimes those subplots can even become the most popular part of their movies. Everyone remembers Inigo Montoya’s quest for revenge in The Princess Bride, or Vito Corleone’s rise to power in The Godfather Part II, proving that some side stories can even outshine their film’s main plots.

Wolverine and Sabretooth’s Backstory (X-Men Origins Wolverine)

X-Men Origins Wolverine may be one of the most despised entries into the franchise, but it does feature one of the most compelling ideas in the entire series in its opening credits. After an opening scene (which reveals that Wolverine and Sabretooth are brothers), the opening credits show the two fighting as soldiers through multiple major wars.

The pair of indestructible mutants battle through the American Civil War, both World Wars, and Vietnam side by side in the opening montage. It is easily one of the more memorable scenes in the movie as it had many fans asking for a prequel movie, focusing on whether the brothers’ relationship developed during these years or if the wars had affected their mental health.

Finn’s Defection (Star Wars: The Force Awakens)

The Star Wars sequel trilogy was polarizing among fans, but it did have its merits. One of those was John Boyega’s Finn, a former stormtrooper who defects to the resistance. While there have been several similar stories in the Star Wars series, Finn’s was one of the strongest.

After taking part in a massacre, Finn escapes and goes on the run, meeting the other protagonists along the way. Going from a scared outcast who just wanted to get away to a capable and strong leader, Finn’s character was one of the best in the Star Wars franchise.

Kingo’s Bollywood Dynasty (Eternals)

The Eternals was not one of Marvel’s strongest superhero movies, but it did have a star-studded cast and some fun characters. One of the highlights of these characters was Kumail Nanjiani’s Kingo. It is revealed that each of the Eternals created a new life after going their separate ways, and Kingo’s was by far the most interesting.

Becoming a huge Bollywood star, Kingo created an entire acting dynasty for himself over the years, pretending to be a new member of the acting family each generation to hide the fact that he does not age. It is a fascinating concept that unfortunately is only ever a minor talking point in the film.

Doris Miller (Pearl Harbor)

Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor took a strange approach to its story of the attack that drew America into World War II. Instead of focusing on the battle itself, the event is framed around a love triangle between three fictional characters instead of any of the real figures involved.

This would work better if there were not several much more interesting real-life people portrayed in the movie, most notably Doris Miller. Doris Miller was a Navy cook whose heroism during the battle earned him the Navy Cross; he was the first Black American to win the award and was played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the film. Sadly, his story plays second fiddle to the leads.

McLovin and the Police (Superbad)

If someone asked anyone about the hilariously raunchy comedy Superbad, the first thing to come out of their mouths is likely to be “McLovin!” Christopher Mintz-Plasse’s lovable nerd has become one, if not, the most iconic part of the classic film.

Trying to buy alcohol with a fake ID, Fogell, A.K.A McLovin, runs into two incredibly irresponsible police officers. Throughout the movie they take “McLovin” on the worst ride-along ever, shooting up stop signs and even setting their own car on fire. Seth Rogen and Bill Hader are as funny as ever as the police, and their interactions have become one of the most famous parts of the movie.

Sandman’s Arc (Spider-Man 3)

Sam Raimi’s original Spider-Man movies have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Spider-Man 3 was unquestionably the weakest of the trilogy, but it did have one noticeable standout in the villain Sandman. Not only is his creation scene the best in the film, but he is also the best villain in the movie.

Sandman’s main reason for committing crimes is to help his sick daughter, who he keeps a picture of in his locket. Not only this, but it is also revealed that he is the one who killed Uncle Ben, albeit accidentally. After the typical superhero showdown, Sandman realizes what he has done to Peter, and asks for forgiveness. It is a redemption story that is far better than the movie around it.

Charles’ Car (Fast Times At Ridgemont High)

Fast Time At Ridgemont High is a beloved coming of age story and one of the most rewatchable films of the ’80s. There are several interweaving stories featuring its main characters, but one of the best stories is the one that centers around football star Charles’ Jefferson’s car.

Jefferson has recently purchased a fancy new Camaro, which his younger brother takes on a joyride and promptly wrecks, dropping one of the best lines in the movie. To cover up the crash, he blames the damage on the rival football team, which Jefferson takes hilariously violent revenge on in the next game. It is a relatively minor part, but is easily one of the best bits in the whole movie.

Murtaugh Shoots His Son’s Friend (Lethal Weapon 3)

The first Lethal Weapon is one of the most iconic action films of the ’80s. The third is less so, but it does have some good moments. The film’s villain is an ex-cop who is dealing police-grade weapons to local criminals and gangs. After running afoul of one of these gangs, Murtaugh is forced to shoot a young boy.

Murtaugh learns on examining the body that the boy goes to school with his son, and that the two are friends. The revolution devastated Murtaugh and forces him to have a touching but difficult conversation with his son. The son understands and the issue is finished by the end of the conversation, but it is a spectacular plot point that makes the film’s action hit much closer to home.

The Survival Flashback (Kong: Skull Island)

Kong: Skull Island received a mixed reception when it was released, but it is not a bad movie. One aspect of the film that has been almost unanimously praised is John C. Reilly’s performance as a World War II veteran, who has been stranded on the island for decades.

Upon meeting the rest of the cast, Reilly tells the story of how he became trapped on the island. He had crash-landed along with a Japanese pilot during a dogfight, and the two were forced to learn how to work together to survive. The story of survival is such an interesting concept that it led some fans and critics to argue that the movie should have been made about this story instead.

Lt. Dan’s Story (Forrest Gump)

Forrest Gump is an undeniable classic and one of Tom Hanks’ most iconic movies. Likewise, Lieutenant Dan Taylor, Forrest’s former commanding officer turned business partner, is one of the best supporting characters ever written. While Forrest ends up unwittingly making his way through the plot, Dan goes through physical and emotional turmoil and comes out on top.

After losing his legs in Vietnam, Dan has a character journey of his own as he is shown to struggle with his recovery. However, when he reunites with Forrest, Dan slowly begins to revaluate his life and makes peace with himself and with his faith. Gary Sinise captures every side of Dan phenomenally, and in the end Lieutenant Dan’s journey is arguably even more impactful than Forrest’s.