If a film fails to attract audiences at the ticket counter, we often refer to it as a flop, a fizzle, a letdown, or in extreme cases, an catastrophic failure.
The brutal nature of these phrases clearly conveys the message; it’s ironic that something born out of creativity could be described so negatively. This sentiment rings true for Hollywood, where a film that is innovative, breathtaking, and revolutionary can be criticized as a “flop” if it doesn’t sell enough tickets. A movie might rake in hundreds of millions, win Oscars, but still be remembered as a failure. There’s no industry quite like show business when it comes to harshness.
Today, we’re giving a slight balance by honoring the successes of ten remarkable movies that bombed at the box office over the past decade. Despite being financial flops for their studios, as per numerous online reports, these films might have been disappointments or even sources of shame for the executives who approved them. However, to the viewers, they continue to be cherished cinematic gems from the last ten years.
The 10 Best Box Office Bombs of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)
10. Gemini Man (2019)
Financial Analysis for “Gemini Man”
In the global box office, “Gemini Man” amassed a total of $173.5 million. Conversely, its reported production cost was $138 million. This suggests that Paramount Pictures allegedly incurred losses exceeding $100 million on this film.
The increased budget allowed for innovative techniques such as the use of high-frame-rate (HFR) technology, five times greater than standard motion picture frame rates, to create realistic scenes featuring Will Smith interacting with his younger digital counterpart. Critics who dismiss HFR as a mere gimmick might have reconsidered their stance upon witnessing its application in “Gemini Man”, which boasted stunning cinematography and exceptionally clear fight sequences between 2019 Will Smith and a CGI version of his younger self, remarkably similar to how he appeared 25 years prior.
Admittedly, the film’s narrative had some implausible twists revolving around an older soldier battling a clone of himself. Nevertheless, on the basis of its technical aspects alone, “Gemini Man” could become one of those films that audiences find captivating and in 20 years, marvel at how it underperformed financially.
9. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
8. The Fall Guy (2024)
This version maintains the original’s humor and informative nature, while using more conversational language to make it easier for readers to understand.
7. Beau Is Afraid (2023)
6. The Last Duel (2021)
Analysis of “The Last Duel” Box Office Performance and Overview
In box office terms, “The Last Duel” grossed $30.6 million, while its production budget was reportedly $100 million. Ridley Scott attributed the film’s underperformance to disengaged millennials captivated by their mobile devices. However, it seems more likely that the film’s lackluster performance stemmed from the fact that the project initially started at Fox, which was later acquired by Disney, who appeared to show minimal enthusiasm for promoting the movie.
Regardless of its commercial failure, “The Last Duel” represented one of Scott’s most impressive works in recent years. This thought-provoking drama recounts a true historical conflict between Matt Damon’s Jean de Carrouges and Adam Driver’s Jacques Le Gris set in medieval France. Initially a rivalry over wealth and power, the dispute escalates into a matter of life and death after de Carrouges’ wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer) accuses Le Gris of rape.
The screenplay by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Nicole Holofcener follows a Rashomon-inspired structure, with the central narrative being retold from each of the three main characters’ perspectives. This approach highlights the differing interpretations (or intriguingly, similarities) in their recollections of the same events. The film’s striking candlelit cinematography by Dariusz Wolski was visually stunning, and the final duel scene stands among the best action sequences in recent memory.
5. Tár (2022)
As a film enthusiast, I must express my admiration for the intriguing drama “Tár” that has captivated critics and topped numerous best-of lists. It even bagged prestigious awards such as those from the New York Film Critics Circle and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, including their top honors. However, despite all these accolades, it seems that audiences haven’t quite warmed up to this compelling tale of a renowned symphony conductor (portrayed brilliantly by Cate Blanchett) whose life spirals out of control amidst a series of public scandals. It’s truly disheartening to see such a remarkable film struggle to find its audience in theaters.
4. Annihilation (2018)
Title Analysis:
– Global Box Office Earnings: $43.1 million
– Reported Production Budget: $55 million
Thematic Observation:
Several films on this list seem to share a common theme – thought-provoking science fiction. It appears that audiences often have mixed feelings towards such movies, as they come with significant financial risks. However, when the right talents are involved, these projects can yield remarkable creative outcomes. One such instance is the profoundly unsettling film “Annihilation”, based on the works of Jeff VanderMeer and directed by Alex Garland. Known for his innovative approach, Garland has a knack for pushing viewers’ emotional boundaries – even if some might not be eager to spend money experiencing it.
3. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023)
Title Analysis: A Film Worth Watching – Box Office and Budget Review
In a surprising twist, the box office earnings for this film amounted to $21.4 million, while its production budget was reported at $30 million. Despite being based on a well-loved bestseller, featuring an impressive cast, and boasting an esteemed director, this movie was truly exceptional, standing among the top films of 2023.
One might wonder if audiences felt the book was too sacred to be adapted effectively or perhaps they no longer seek character-driven films in theaters. Here’s hoping that’s not the case! This film deserves recognition and should ideally become a must-watch for every teenager. Let’s hope it finds its audience and establishes itself as a staple of their moviegoing experiences.
2. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Title Box Office: $267.7 million
Budget Reported: $185 million
Denis Villeneuve’s expansive, visually stunning continuation of Ridley Scott’s exploration of life in a devastated future successfully modernized its dystopian technology while maintaining the aesthetic of the original film. It also showcased an unexpectedly emotional portrayal by Harrison Ford as Rick Deckard. The initial Blade Runner didn’t exactly set box office records, so I’m not sure why anyone expected a different outcome for a sequel so closely linked to the first movie’s plot (and its enigmatic conclusion). However, I’m glad someone felt this project was worth investing a substantial amount into, as the final product was spectacular.
1. The Fabelmans (2022)
Global Box Office Collection: $45.6 million
Reported Production Cost: $40 million
Steven Spielberg’s personal life tale became one of his career’s finest works, albeit a rare box office disappointment. The film The Fabelmans delivers what audiences often complain is missing from modern cinema – it’s an adult-oriented movie with exceptional acting, compelling narrative, and stunning visual storytelling, devoid of any superheroes. Personally, I haven’t heard as many positive comments about a recent film as for The Fabelmans; everyone I recommended it to has appreciated it. However, the film failed to attract large audiences; The Fabelmans barely made back its modest $40 million budget.
As a movie buff myself, I’d say: If you managed to catch these films on the big screen, kudos! If not, don’t worry – many others missed them too. Just make it a point to watch them eventually. With patience and passion, even someone who misses out initially can end up adoring a cult classic.
90s Movies That Got Bad Reviews That Are Actually Good
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)
The Naked Gun 2 1/2 and Naked Gun 33 1/3 (1991, 1994)
The original “Naked Gun” film received generally positive reviews within the realm of broad, humorous movies, which are often underestimated by critics. However, the reviews for both sequels were met with mixed to negative feedback. Interestingly, critics seem to be even more lenient towards standalone comedies compared to their sequels. So, do “The Smell of Fear” and “The Final Insult” match the humor of the original “Naked Gun”? No, they don’t. But that doesn’t mean they are poor films. In fact, the “Naked Gun” series might be the most consistent comedy franchise ever made. It’s possible that the saying holds true; comedy movies and critics don’t usually mix well, much like consuming Drano – it may clean you out, but it leaves an empty feeling inside.
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
In its time, Sam Raimi was considered a groundbreaking filmmaker, but in the early ’90s, many critics dismissed his work as flashy without substance. This misjudgment extended to films like his unconventional Western, “The Quick and the Dead“, which some criticized despite its visually stunning western aesthetic reminiscent of Sergio Leone’s work, and despite boasting an impressive ensemble cast that included Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Pat Hingle, Keith David, Lance Henriksen, Tobin Bell, Gary Sinise, as well as Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio before they achieved superstardom.
G.I. Jane (1997)
The film “G.I. Jane,” despite being infamously known for Demi Moore shaving her head and playing a soldier, has been unfairly maligned over the years. Initially serving as a source of amusement, it’s still referenced in pop culture today, such as Chris Rock’s Oscar joke that ignited the infamous Will Smith incident. However, this Ridley Scott military drama surpasses its reputation, then and now. It serves as a counterpart to his brother’s most celebrated work; like “Top Gun,” “G.I. Jane” is a story of camaraderie and intrigue within a ruthless military academy. Despite the unusual hairstyles, Moore delivers a powerful, believable performance in a movie that was arguably ahead of its time.
Although “G.I. Jane” became famous for Demi Moore shaving her head and playing a soldier, it’s actually a good film that was misunderstood when it first came out. It’s similar to “Top Gun,” with stories of friendship and intrigue in the military. Demi Moore gives a strong performance, making the movie seem ahead of its time.
Sudden Death (1995)
Sudden Death (1995) Review
In the ’90s, there were numerous movies that mimicked Die Hard. It’s easy to dismiss these films as unoriginal when they blatantly copy another movie’s concept. However, sometimes a film can be so skillfully made that it transcends its formulaic foundation. Such is the case with Sudden Death, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, who endeavored to embody John McClane in a Die Hard clone set within an NHL playoff game.
This movie is self-aware and filled with action, making it an entertaining watch. Moreover, the title Sudden Death is fitting as a hockey game goes into sudden death overtime, while everyone in attendance could potentially meet their untimely demise. This concept alone earns it my approval.
MouseHunt (1997)
In the 2010s, filmmaker Gore Verbinski built up a dedicated fanbase among critics who appreciated his diverse blockbusters such as The Ring, Rango, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series. However, Verbinski’s quirky directorial debut, MouseHunt, has not received the same level of acclaim – perhaps because it shares similarities with The Naked Gun in its slapstick humor. This film is about two brothers (portrayed by Nathan Lane and Lee Evans) attempting to capture a mouse causing chaos on their ancestral home. With hilarious physical gags and remarkable special effects, the movie feels like a real-life Looney Tunes cartoon. Verbinski’s usual level of technical finesse is present throughout the film. If you haven’t seen it yet, give MouseHunt a watch.
Alien 3 (1992)
Title Score: 44
Even though David Fincher, the director of Alien 3, gave it negative reviews, the film is surprisingly decent. Fincher was so disillusioned with the challenging production process of his Alien sequel that he distanced himself from the series completely afterwards. He’s declined opportunities to create a director’s cut for the movie and has refused to participate in documentaries about it or the franchise as a whole. However, even in its compromised form (or as an “assembly cut” made without Fincher’s involvement several years ago), Alien 3 still manages to impress. Despite Fincher’s dissatisfaction with the end result, the film’s grim portrayal of a woman entangled within a suffocating corporate system (and battling a deadly alien) clearly showcases his artistic influence.
Tommy Boy (1995)
In the ’90s, Saturday Night Live was met with cautious approval from TV critics, and its transition to films received a chilly reception from film critics. Some of these movies, along with other comedies featuring ’90s SNL stars, were indeed lackluster. However, there were some truly hilarious ones too, such as Tommy Boy, which showcased Chris Farley’s talent brilliantly as the heir to a brake-pad manufacturing company who embarks on a sales trip to save his family business with the help of a slick coworker (David Spade). It’s hard to give a negative review to Tommy Boy, or “Tommy want wingy!” I just can’t fathom it.
Last Action Hero (1993)
Title Score: 42 (Rotten Tomatoes)
Initially overshadowed by the box office sensation, “Jurassic Park,” which premiered a week prior and dominated the year of 1993, “Last Action Hero” has since been largely forgotten. However, it’s worth revisiting. Few blockbusters possess this level of self-critique, with screenwriter Shane Black poking fun at the action films that made him wealthy, and Schwarzenegger examining his own image as both character Jack Slater and real-life persona “Arnold Schwarzenegger,” who portrays Slater. In one captivating scene, he even encounters his own fictional counterpart.
While the cute sidekick in “Last Action Hero” may not be as strong as the same trope in “Terminator 2,” the satire and fake trailers are spot-on.
Guilty as Sin (1993)
Title Score: 38
Sidney Lumet, famed for his gritty New York crime dramas and socially conscious films, and Larry Cohen, master of exploitation movies, might seem like an unlikely pair. However, they successfully collaborated in the film “Guilty as Sin.” Cohen came up with a clever concept, essentially flipping the script of “Basic Instinct” where a female lawyer becomes captivated by the prime suspect in the murder of his wife. Lumet largely sticks to the script and allows his actors to lead the way. Interestingly, he uses the film as a platform for Don Johnson to shine as an unparalleled gigolo, making for an entertaining performance as one of cinema’s most frustrating characters. (In one scene, a woman offers to buy him a drink at a bar. He declines her offer, instead instructing her to pay for the drink he’s already consuming, then promptly leaves her with his empty glass and the bill.) The 90s’ erotic thriller genre didn’t receive much critical acclaim, often for valid reasons. However, “Guilty as Sin” is a delightfully wicked gem.
Congo (1995)
In this piece, I’ve extensively discussed the film “Congo,” an entertaining endeavor aimed at recreating the success of “Jurassic Park” by transforming another Michael Crichton novel into a cinematic experience. The script, penned by John Patrick Shanley, maintains a light-hearted approach, leading to a movie that’s intentionally absurd (featuring a terrifying hippo attack scene) and at times deeply emotional. (The moment when Tim Curry gazes upon the Lost City of Zinj… really now!) “Congo” is nothing but B-movie quality stuff – but it’s also undeniably B-movie quality stuff.
Dirty Work (1998)
Title Score: 14 (Rotten Tomatoes)
Regrettably, Norm Macdonald didn’t receive the recognition he deserved during his lifetime. His dismissal from SNL seemingly due to being too amusing, he continued to create quality content across various platforms until his passing in 2021. However, many of his works were met with critical disapproval, such as his one attempt at leading roles on the big screen.
One such example is “Dirty Work,” where Norm portrays a man who establishes a revenge-for-hire business alongside his friend (Artie Lange). Directed by another underappreciated ’90s star, Bob Saget, “Dirty Work” lacks a compelling narrative and contains some questionable humor. Yet, it is often uproariously funny, surpassing the majority of critically acclaimed comedies from the decade in hilarity. Norm’s performance is exceptional, even if his costumes are peculiar – why are his shirts so oversized???
Reminder to self: Re-watch “Dirty Work” this weekend.
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2025-05-19 14:27