In the realm of movies and TV, there have been several unexpected crossovers that left a mark on audiences. From Freddy vs. Jason, which pitted two iconic horror villains against each other, to Alien vs. Predator, merging two legendary sci-fi franchises, these unexpected combinations provided thrilling and sometimes terrifying entertainment. Nailing crossovers is not easy, but when done right, the result is positive.

These unique collaborations captivate audiences by offering fresh and imaginative experiences. Whether it's the meeting of superheroes from different comic book realms, the unlikely blending of sci-fi and horror icons, or animated characters stepping into the real world, these crossovers provide a thrilling mix of nostalgia and innovation. The concept of unexpected unions in movies and television challenges the boundaries of creativity, often redefining the way we view and engage with beloved characters and universes from some of the best TV shows and movies.

10 Family Guy Season 13, Episode 1, "The Simpsons Guy"

The Simpsons and Family Guy crossover event is solidified as a groundbreaking moment in television history. Airing in 2014, this television moment redefined the boundaries of animated comedy by bringing two beloved, yet distinctly different, animated series together. The crossover caused some controversy, especially for bringing Family Guy's more adult humor into The Simpsons, but it was largely a fun experiment that certainly made a lot of sense for Fox at the time.

9 Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Horror fans all over were able to place their bets on who is the king of slasher films when Freddy vs. Jason hit theaters in 2003. It was a significant moment for both A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th, especially as the return of the former (it had been dormant for almost a decade by this point, whereas Jason X released only a year before). Thankfully, it managed to balance the distinctive styles and mythologies of both franchises and their lead villains, while still delivering a unique experience to audiences. Viewers clearly responded well to it, too, as the movie brought in an impressive $116 million at the box office, making it the highest grossing movie of either franchise.

8 Alien vs. Predator (2004)

Another crossover of iconic horror villains, 2004's Alien vs. Predator merged two otherworldly species, the Xenomorphs and Predators, in a battle on Earth. The film introduced a novel concept that excited fans of both series, firing up endless debates and discussions about who would be the victor. While it may not have been critically acclaimed, the movie was at least an interesting attempt at bringing together the universes, and certainly had an impact upon both futures. It inspired numerous spin-offs, including video games, comics, and novels, although whether Alien vs. Predator is canon to the Alien movie timeline is a tricky question, especially after Prometheus.

7 Space Jam (1996)

A unique entry in the pantheon of crossovers, in that one part isn't a movie or show, Space Jam changed the lives of cartoon and sports fans everywhere when it first hit the screen in 1996. This innovative concept brought together beloved animated characters from the Looney Tunes universe, with the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan. The movie's blend of animation and live-action, which had already been seen in earlier films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, paved the way for other future animated crossovers with human characters and, eventually, a sequel in the form of Space Jam: A New Legacy, with LeBron James as its human basketball star.

6 King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)

King Kong vs. Godzilla marked a groundbreaking moment in the realm of television and film upon its release in 1962, which continues to impact cinema even now. After two films apiece, the crossover brought together two of cinema's biggest monsters in an epic clash of the titans, setting up even bigger futures for both. The film's popularity led to various sequels and remakes, including 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong. The upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong 2 will continue this tradition.

5 The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones (1987)

Hanna-Barbera characters are known for being classic and timeless cartoons. Two beloved and distinctly different animated families from different time periods were brought together in 1987 with The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones. The meeting of the futuristic Jetsons and the prehistoric Flintstones showed the successful potential of animated crossovers. It had both humor and nostalgia.

4 The X-Files, Season 7, Episode 12, “X-Cops”

The X-Files is a sci-fi television series that follows FBI agents as they investigate unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Cops is a reality television series that features real-life police officers as they engage in law enforcement activities. Creating a crossover, for these two opposite, yet equally popular shows was a defining moment in the early 200s. The "X-Cops" episode of The X-Files blended the paranormal and supernatural themes of the series with the format of a reality TV show, seen in Cops. This bold experiment had a unique hybrid of horror and documentary-style television.

3 Power Rangers in Space Season 6, Episode 4, "Shell Shocked"

The Power Rangers in Space episode "Shell Shocked” brought in the universe of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Airing in 1998, this crossover brought together two iconic teams in a wild collision of two beloved franchises. The episode offered a blend of martial arts, teamwork, and sci-fi elements that are present in both Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles. The seamless interaction between characters from different worlds showcased their strengths while delivering epic battles. This crossover episode not only surprised audiences but also marked a significant moment in the history of both franchises.

Related: Power Rangers In Order: How To Watch Every Series Chronologically & By Release Date

2 Scandal Season 7, Episode 12, “Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself”

The crossover event between How to Get Away with Murder and Scandal marked a significant moment in television, bringing together two of the most powerful women on primetime television. The chemistry between Viola Davis and Kerry Washington in their respective roles added an electrifying dynamic to the crossover. It broke new ground by merging two popular and distinctly different series within the ShondaLand universe. The crossover gave a compelling blend of legal drama and political action, featuring powerhouse characters Annalise Keating and Olivia Pope. Seeing these two characters come together resulted in some memorable scenes and great dialogue.

1 Archer Season 4, Episode 1, “Fugue and Riffs”

The crossover of FX’s Archer and Fox’s Bob’s Burgers gave audiences an ingenious masterpiece of animated television. Combining the two shows removed the boundaries of animated humor by seamlessly merging the distinct styles and characters of both series. This episode remains compelling due to its clever storytelling, humor, and fun interactions between characters. The world of Archer and Bob's Burgers merged into a unique adventure as these characters shared the screen. This crossover exemplifies how humor and storytelling can transcend individual series, exciting audiences and breathing fresh life into the animated genre.