I haven’t seen
Sexy Beast
Snatch
Layer Cake
Pumpkin
because of their titles.
It took me a while to listen to anything by A Place To Bury Strangers because it sounds like the name a terrible metal band would choose, but turns out that they’re post-punk revival and pretty decent.
The group or performer recording under the name “MC 500 Foot Jesus.” It just seemed like it would be the worst possible combination of MC Hammer-type rap and bad Christian rock.
And, mind you, I actually bought the Megapussy album despite that off-putting name!
Add “Whore” (1991, starring Theresa Russell). I remember when she was promoting it and was on David Letterman, and he played all embarrassed and said “Theresea Russell’s new movie is called…uh…” and she enunciated, “Whore. Whore, Dave.”
For movies I have to say that the title “The Long Kiss Goodnight” gave me no clue as to what a great, kick ass film that was. Someone had the video and I was like “Why the f**k would I want to watch that? Sounds like some sloppy romantic comedy BS.” I was persuaded to watch it and glad I did.
Similarly, The Abyss, though this was more like “What is that?” than “Sounds terrible.” Another awesome movie.
But, yeah, some of the bands listed above I would have some trouble being interested in based on the name: Butthole Surfers? Really? I have been shaking my head at that name for many years now. Still have no idea what they play.
For me, it was “A River Runs Through It”.