It can be tough distinguishing between a trailer that’s legitimately exciting and well done versus one with inherent appeal to a segment of the movie-going public, regardless of the trailer’s quality. The trailer for Man of Steel was can’t-miss for the latter reason, though the one on this list (trailer #3) also met the parameters of the former. (No surprise there—Zack Snyder’s a master of the movie trailer.) Still, for whatever reason—and often for a combination of them—some trailers stand out. Here are twenty of the best from 2013.
5. Man of Steel (#3)
The third trailer gets it right. It’s a shame the movie as a whole couldn’t, but this trailer allowed us to hope for a little while longer.
4. Gravity
The opening moments of this trailer capture the sheer terror of the film’s premise to phobia-inducing effect. As a result, it may have the distinction of both attracting an audience and ensuring some people would not be seeing it despite its quality.
3. Days of Future Past
The dramatic voice-over from a familiar voice. The building musical score reused from other movies. The prospect that one of Marvel’s most exciting teams will fully regain its film footing in the presentation of one of the comic’s most beloved storylines. The film may fail, but this trailer doesn’t.