A subplot is often just as important as the main plot of a story. Not every movie in the world has its own subplot, but when it is there, it serves a purpose in trying to elevate the main plot. At the very least, subplots provide a side story that gives viewers a break from the main story, all while simultaneously providing something equally interesting.

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In rare cases, however, the subplot is even more interesting and entertaining than the main plot. That doesn't always mean that the main story is lackluster or lesser than, but often it is the case that the subplot is simply good enough to hold its own weight in a standalone movie.

10 The Godfather Part II - A Young Vito Corleone Steals The Show

robert de niro as young don vito corleone in the godfather part ii 2

Truth be told, the flashbacks showcasing how Vito Corleone rose to power are compelling enough to deserve its own standalone movie. The present-day scenes revolving around Michael Corleone trying to salvage what's left of his family are excellent in their own right, but it's hard not to be compelled by Vito's story.

Especially when that story is carried by a magnum opus of a performance that is on par with Marlon Brando's Oscar-winning performance from the original movie, hence why Robert De Niro won an Oscar of his own for this movie.

9 Captain America: Civil War - Black Panther Will Have His Revenge

Black Panther, Iron Man, Vision, War Machine and Black Widow

The bulk of Captain America: Civil War is about the emerging conflict between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers that was culminating into a larger battle between two teams. In the background, though, the movie concerned itself with the onscreen debut of T'Challa, the Black Panther. Specifically, how he is left reeling from the murder of his father and the vengeance he seeks under the impression that the murder was committed by Bucky Barnes.

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T'Challa's misguided and blind rage ties into the themes of the movie and especially the ending, showcasing how vengeance could compel even the noblest of men to do heinous things if he lets it blind him.

8 Napoleon Dynamite - Kip's Love For LaFawnduh Surprisingly Ages Well

lafawnduh and kip in napoleon dynamite ending

In 2004, the topic of online dating was far more taboo than it is today. Nowadays, online websites and app services are how some people exclusively try to find love. As a result, Napoleon Dynamite's subplot revolving around the title character's older brother, Kip, starting an online relationship with LaFawnduh was a source for the movie's comedy.

Now, as online dating is far more widely accepted, seeing the two meet up and eventually get married by the movie's end holds up as surprisingly sweet to a modern audience. It's even more memorable than the central plot of Napoleon trying to get his best friend elected class president.

7 Superbad - McLovin's Run-Ins With The Police Give The Movie Its Biggest Laughs

seth rogen in superbad

Though funny, Superbad's main plot about teens trying to lose their virginity may read as too shallow. It follows the quintessential teen comedy storyline, but that may not hold up as well to certain audiences in 2021. McLovin's run-ins with Officers Slater and Michaels, however, should hold up for everyone.

What starts off as a simple side plot where the police offer to give McLovin a ride to the party after a failed liquor store run quickly turns into an adventure of its own that somehow manages to be even wackier than what Evan and Seth are up to throughout the movie.

6 Inglourious Basterds - Shosanna's Revenge Is More Watchable Than The Title Characters

a scene from inglourious basterds

The main plot of Inglourious Basterds concerns itself with the title characters on a hunt for Nazis, but the driving force that anchors the movie is a subplot revolving around Shosanna. Years after narrowly escaping a Nazi attack that killed her family in the opening scene, Shosanna takes the steps to exact vengeance against Col. Hans Landa.

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The plot revolving around the Basterds isn't bad, but for most audiences, they are unglued for everything revolving around Shosanna. Her story is often the audience's biggest takeaway and a big reason why Inglourious Basterds became so beloved. It's a shame those main characters never actually met.

5 Batman Returns - Catwoman Steals The Show

Catwoman Returns From The Grave

There's something about vengeance that really captivates audiences. The theme is once again on full display in Batman Returns. It also helps that the title character himself doesn't have too much going on, from a personal perspective. Especially because of Tim Burton's interest in his own villains, Batman serves as more of a flat character while characters like Catwoman are given actual arcs.

While Batman is mostly enthralled in stopping The Penguin, Catwoman is focused on exacting revenge on the man who tried to murder her. As a result, she steals the show to the point that to this day, people still want a Catwoman spin-off movie.

4 Jungle Fever - Samuel L. Jackson's Addiction Is An Emotional Rollercoaster

samuel l jackson and halle berry in jungle fever

Although staying true to its title, the main plot of Wesley Snipes pursuing an interracial relationship with Annabelle Sciorra feels a little dated and over the top by modern standards. Not to mention, Snipes does so by cheating on his in-movie wife, Lonette McKee, so it doesn't exactly endear his character to the audience.

The real emotional drive of the movie is a subplot revolving around his brother, played by a young Samuel L. Jackson in a breakout role. Watching this character struggle with a crack addiction is tragic to watch and far more interesting than a romance/infidelity storyline.

3 Addams Family Values - Wednesday At Summer Camp Is A Highlight

Addams Family Values

While the Addams family deals with a greedy serial killer who marries Uncle Fester for his money, Wednesday and Pugsley themselves get into their own shenanigans at summer camp. Some of the biggest laughs and most memorable moments stem from Wednesday terrorizing her fellow campers.

It gets to the point that for some, the main plot that centers around Uncle Fester seems to be forgettable compared to the summer camp scenes. It's not necessarily poorly executed as much as it simply pales by comparison to the change of scenery and Christina Ricci's performance.

2 The Suicide Squad - Harley Quinn Finally Grows As A Character

Harley Quinn says no to personalized license plates in The Suicide Squad

While the title character squad is on an expedition to stop Project Starfish, Harley Quinn gets her own solo story that starts with her getting romanced by Corto Maltese's dictator, Silvio Luna. Harley Quinn is enticed until he reveals his plans for Project Starfish.

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It is at this moment that Quinn kills Luna and expresses her own self-respect upon recognizing red flags. Quinn's journey towards self-love started when she was dumped by The Joker earlier in the DCEU franchise and now, this is the first time that Quinn feels like a fully realized character. Her development comes full circle and pays off for fans who've watched her journey unfold since 2016's Suicide Squad.

1 The Princess Bride - Maybe Inigo Montoya Should've Been The Main Character

Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride

A large portion of The Princess Bride is about Westley trying to rescue Princess Buttercup from a horrible prince named Humperdinck, but the main thing everyone remembers from the movie is Inigo Montoya. "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die" is often considered the most memorable and quotable line out of an already quotable movie.

The character of Montoya and his quest for vengeance (there goes that revenge theme again) is heavy enough to generate its own main plot. Given the character's popularity, maybe he should've been the main character from the start.

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