When it comes to Hollywood, not every movie is a hit. In fact, some of the best box office flops were considered to be cinematic masterpieces. The primary goal of any movie is to entertain the audience, but making enough money to recoup the production costs is just as crucial. Unfortunately, many movies fail to generate enough revenue, leading to the label of box office flops.
It’s important to note that a box office flop does not necessarily indicate a poor quality movie. Some of the most beloved films in cinematic history, such as “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Mulholland Drive,” flopped at the box office but received critical acclaim. In many cases, poor marketing decisions or lack of audience interest led to the failure.
However, some box office flops have become cult classics over time and are now regarded as some of the best films ever made. “Fight Club,” for example, grossed $101.2 million but is still considered a box office flop. These movies have earned a loyal fanbase and continue to be popular despite failing to meet box office expectations.
It’s important to understand that a box office flop’s success or failure depends on several factors, such as marketing, timing, and audience interest. However, the box office performance does not always reflect the movie’s quality, and some films have gained a considerable following long after their initial release.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes that the best box office flops are not always bad movies, and some of the greatest films ever made have failed at the box office. It invites readers to share their thoughts on why some movies fail to meet their break-even point and highlights that box office earnings are not always a reliable indicator of a movie’s success.
#1 Fight Club – $101.2 Million
1999 | 2h 19m | Directed by David Fincher
Starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Meat Loaf
Fight Club initially received mixed reviews from critics and underperformed at the box office compared to the studio’s expectations. Despite a production budget of $65 million and a marketing investment of $20 million, it only grossed $101.2 million at the box office. However, the film developed a significant following after its release on home video, becoming one of the most popular movies of all time.
#2 The Shawshank Redemption – $73.3 Million
1994 | 2h 22m | Directed by Frank Darabont
Starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and Bob Gunton
Upon its initial release, The Shawshank Redemption struggled at the box office, facing stiff competition from other highly acclaimed films of the time, such as Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the film fell short of recouping its budget and marketing costs. However, over time, it has gained a massive following and is now considered one of the greatest movies ever made. It has since become one of the most rented films in history.
#3 The Thing – $19.6 Million
1982 | 1h 49m | Directed by John Carpenter
Starring Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, and Keith David
Critics praised The Thing’s direction, music, and special effects, but the movie failed to make a substantial impact at the box office when it was released. It eventually gained a cult following and has been regarded as one of the greatest horror and science fiction movies of all time. The movie grossed just $19.6 million at the box office on a $15 million budget.
#4 The Big Lebowski – $46.7 Million
(1998 | 1h 57m | Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (uncredited))
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore
The Big Lebowski received mixed reviews upon its initial release, but has since garnered a cult following and was selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry. Despite its popularity, the film only grossed $18 million in the United States, falling short of its $15 million budget. However, it did generate a considerable amount of revenue from international markets.
#5 The Iron Giant – $31.3 Million
1999 | 1h 26m | Directed by Brad Bird
Starring: Eli Marienthal, Vin Diesel, Jennifer Aniston
Directed by Brad Bird and featuring the voices of Eli Marienthal, Vin Diesel, and Jennifer Aniston, The Iron Giant was critically acclaimed and received 15 nominations for awards, including nine Annie Awards. Despite its success among critics, the movie failed to reach the break-even point, earning only $31.3 million in international box office receipts against a $50 million production budget. The film’s lackluster performance was partly attributed to Warner Bros’ subpar marketing strategy and doubts about the viability of animated films.
#6 Children Of Men – $70.5 Million
2006 | 1h 49m | Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Starring: Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, Children of Men received positive reviews and was nominated for three Academy Awards. Despite being acclaimed by critics, the movie had a restricted distribution and the distributor lacked a clear marketing plan during awards season. While it brought in a sizable amount at the box office, it was not enough to cover the $76 million production cost.
#7 Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – $49.3 Million
2010 | 1h 52m | Directed by Edgar Wright
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Kieran Culkin, received critical acclaim for its visual flair and comedy. However, the movie was a commercial disappointment, failing to recoup its $85 million production budget. Despite its box office failure, the film has gradually gained a cult following and received attention in academic studies as a transmedia tale.
#8 The Suicide Squad – $169 Million
2021 | 2h 12m | Directed by James Gunn
Starring: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena
Directed by James Gunn and starring Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, and John Cena, The Suicide Squad was released in theaters and on the HBO Max streaming service on August 5. The movie received favorable reviews from critics who appreciated the acting performances. Despite becoming the most-watched DCEU movie on HBO Max, the film fell short of expectations at the box office, earning only $168.7 million globally against its $185 million production budget.
#9 Tomorrowland – $209 Million
2015 | 2h 10m | Directed by Brad Bird
Starring: George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie
Tomorrowland, directed by Brad Bird and starring George Clooney, Britt Robertson, and Hugh Laurie, received mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its unique concept, acting, action scenes, visual effects, and themes, some felt that it lacked emphasis on the titular realm and criticized its narrative. Despite a massive production and marketing budget of $280 million, the movie was a box office disappointment, earning only $209 million globally. The film cost Disney an estimated $120-150 million, resulting in a significant financial loss.
#10 Cloud Atlas – $130.5 Million
2019 | 2h 52m | Directed by Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, and Lilly Wachowski
Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant
Cloud Atlas, directed by Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, and Lilly Wachowski, is based on the book of the same name and stars Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Hugh Grant. The movie received mixed reviews from critics, appearing on both “Best Picture” and “Worst Film” lists. At the box office, the movie fell short, earning a total of $130.5 million, which includes $27.1 million from domestic sales and $103.4 million from overseas. Despite a high budget of $146.7 million, the film failed to break even.
#11 Mulholland Drive – $20.1 Million
2001 | 2h 27m | Directed by David Lynch
Starring: Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux
Mulholland Drive, directed by David Lynch, stars Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, and Justin Theroux. The film earned Lynch an Academy Award nomination for Best Director and significantly raised Naomi Watts’ profile in the industry. Despite the critical acclaim, the movie struggled at the box office, earning only $7 million initially against a $15 million budget. However, it was able to make an additional $13 million outside of the US and Canadian markets.
#12 Blade Runner 2049 – $267.5 Million
(2017 | 2h 44m | Directed by Denis Villeneuve)
Starring: Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas
Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denis Villeneuve, features an all-star cast including Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, and Ana de Armas. The film received praise from critics for its performances, direction, cinematography, editing, musical score, production design, visual effects, and fidelity to the source material. However, its length was a point of contention. Despite critical acclaim, the movie was a box office flop, earning only $267.5 million globally against a massive $185 million budget. The film failed to reach its break-even point of $400 million.
#13 Hugo – $185.8 Million
(Hugo | 2011 | 2h 06m | Directed by Martin Scorsese)
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee
Martin Scorsese’s Hugo was a critical darling, receiving 11 Academy Award nominations, and winning five of them. Despite the acclaim, the movie failed to earn back its massive budget of $150 million, plus marketing, with a box office total of only $185 million.
#14 The Lone Ranger – $260.5 Million
The Lone Ranger (2013) | 2h 29m | Directed by Gore Verbinski
Starring Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, and William Fichtner
The Lone Ranger is an action-adventure western movie based on the popular radio show and TV series. Despite the popularity of its lead actor, Johnny Depp, and the director, Gore Verbinski, the movie failed to connect with audiences. With a budget of $215 million, the movie only grossed $260.5 million worldwide. Its convoluted plot and weak character development contributed to its failure.
#15 Sinbad: Legend Of The Seven Seas – $80.8 Million
(2003 | 1h 26m | Directed by Patrick Gilmore and Tim Johnson)
Starring: Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Joseph Fiennes
DreamWorks’ animated film, “Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas” was released in 2003, featuring the voices of Hollywood A-listers such as Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Joseph Fiennes. However, despite its star-studded cast, the movie was a box office flop, earning only $80.8 million on a $60 million budget. This financial failure cost DreamWorks a staggering $125 million in losses, nearly driving the company into bankruptcy. It was also one of the last traditionally animated films produced by DreamWorks before the studio fully transitioned to computer animation.
#16 Wet Hot American Summer – $300,000
Wet Hot American Summer (2001) | 1h 37m | Directed by David Wain
Starring Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, and Michael Showalter
Despite being a box office flop and receiving negative reviews upon its release, Wet Hot American Summer has since gained a cult following. Its ensemble cast features many actors who went on to achieve success in their careers. Made with a budget of $1.8 million, the film only brought in around $300,000 in revenue, resulting in a significant financial loss for the studio.
#17 Three Thousand Years Of Longing – $20 Million
“Three Thousand Years of Longing” (2022) | 1h 48m | Directed by George Miller
Starring Tilda Swinton, Idris Elba, and Erdil Yasaroglu
“Three Thousand Years of Longing” premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival on May 20th, receiving a standing ovation for six minutes. The film received mostly positive reviews from critics, with praise for its aesthetics and performances. However, despite its critical acclaim, it was a box office bomb, grossing only $20 million on a $60 million budget.
#18 Ad Astra – $135.4 Million
Ad Astra (2019) | 2h 03m | Directed by James Gray
Starring Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, and Ruth Negga
Ad Astra premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2019 and received positive reviews from critics, who praised Brad Pitt’s performance. The movie was nominated for Best Sound Mixing at the 92nd Academy Awards. Despite a budget of $100 million, Ad Astra only earned $135 million worldwide at the box office.
#19 Battleship – $303 Million
In 2012, Battleship, a science fiction action movie directed by Peter Berg, was released. It starred Alexander Skarsgård, Brooklyn Decker, and Taylor Kitsch. The movie’s budget was between $209 to $220 million, but it only earned $303 million worldwide, leading to a $150 million loss for Universal and Hasbro.
Battleship received negative reviews from critics and audiences alike, and was nominated for six awards at the 33rd Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Film. Rihanna, who made her acting debut in the movie, won the Worst Supporting Actress award. Despite having high expectations as a summer blockbuster, Battleship failed to impress both financially and critically.
#20 Office Space – $12.2 Million
Office Space (1999) | 1h 29m | Directed by Mike Judge
Starring Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston and David Herman
Despite its poor performance at the box office, Office Space has become a cult classic over time, known for its realistic portrayal of office life and hilarious humor. With a budget of $10 million, the film only grossed $12.2 million, but has since gained a large following and has become a part of popular culture with various memes and references.
#21 Bottle Rocket – $560,000
“Bottle Rocket” (1996) | 1h 31m | Directed by Wes Anderson
Starring Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson and Ned Dowd.
Upon its limited release on February 21, 1996, “Bottle Rocket” only managed to gross $560,000 at the box office. Despite its commercial failure, the film garnered critical acclaim and launched the careers of director Wes Anderson and actors Luke and Owen Wilson. Martin Scorsese even named it as one of his top ten favorite films of the 1990s.
#22 Only Lovers Left Alive – $7.6 Million
“Only Lovers Left Alive” (2014) | 2h 03m | Directed by Jim Jarmusch
Starring Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska.
The vampire film “Only Lovers Left Alive,” co-produced by Germany and the UK, received a Palme d’Or nomination at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. The movie was also selected by critics for the BBC’s 100 Best Films of the 21st Century list in 2016. Despite favorable reviews, the film only earned $7.6 million against its $7 million budget, barely breaking even at the box office.
#23 Doctor Sleep – $72.3 Million
“Doctor Sleep” (2019) | 2h 32m | Directed by Mike Flanagan
Starring Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, and Kyliegh Curran.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, with praises for Flanagan’s writing and the cast’s performances but criticism towards its length, “Doctor Sleep” failed to meet box office expectations compared to other Stephen King adaptations released in 2019, such as “It Chapter Two” and “Pet Sematary”. The movie grossed $72.3 million worldwide, falling short of its production budget.
#24 Grindhouse – $25.4 Million
“Grindhouse” (2007) | 3h 11m | Directed by Robert Rodriguez, Eli Roth, and Quentin Tarantino
Starring Kurt Russell, Rose McGowan, and Danny Trejo
“Grindhouse” is a film comprised of two individual features, “Planet Terror” and “Death Proof,” directed by a number of filmmakers including Robert Rodriguez, Eli Roth, and Quentin Tarantino. The movie was a commercial flop, earning only $25.4 million at the box office despite its $67 million budget. Due to their underperformance, “Planet Terror” and “Death Proof” were independently released in other countries.
#25 John Carter – $284.1 Million
“John Carter” (2012) | 2h 12m | Directed by Andrew Stanton
Starring Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe.
Although some critics appreciated the film’s graphics, music score, and action scenes, the overall reviews for “John Carter” were mixed. The film’s narrative and characters were the primary points of criticism. Despite earning $284 million worldwide, it was considered one of the biggest box office disasters in history, costing Disney $200 million in write-downs.
#26 Babylon – $58.8 Million
“Babylon” (2022) | 3h 09m | Directed by Damien Chazelle
Starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Jean Smart.
Despite mixed reviews from critics due to its graphic content and lengthy runtime, “Babylon” received acclaim for its visuals, score, editing, production design, performances, and themes. However, the movie failed at the box office, earning only $61.9 million against its production budget of $78-80 million. The movie did receive several Academy Award nominations.
#27 Missing Link – $26.2 Million
Missing Link (2019) | 1h 33m | Directed by Chris Butler
Starring Hugh Jackman, David Walliams and Stephen Fry
In this animated adventure-comedy, Missing Link follows the exploits of an intelligent Sasquatch who enlists the help of an explorer to find his long-lost relatives in the fabled Shangri-La. Despite receiving criticism for its plot, the movie received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the animation, voice acting performances, and humor. However, the film failed to perform at the box office, making only $26.2 million against a production budget of $102.3 million, resulting in a loss of $101.3 million.
#28 West Side Story – $76 Million
2021 | 2h 36m | Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose
West Side Story premiered globally on November 29, 2021, at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater in New York City to widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised the cast’s performances, Spielberg’s direction, and the cinematography, with some even calling it superior to the original 1961 film. However, despite a reported production budget of $100 million, the movie underperformed at the box office, earning $76 million worldwide.
#29 Ali (2001) – 87.7 Million
2001 | 2h 37m | Directed by Michael Mann
Starring Will Smith, Jamie Foxx and Jon Voight
Ali received two Academy Award nominations, thanks to the performances of Will Smith and Jon Voight. However, the movie’s expensive production and marketing costs resulted in up to $100 million in lost revenue for Columbia Pictures. Additionally, the film faced tough competition from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which was released around the same time.
#30 Mortal Engines – $83.7 Million
2018 | 2h 08m | Directed by Christian Rivers
Starring Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan and Hugo Weaving
Mortal Engines received unfavorable reviews from critics, with some applauding the visual effects and music, while the majority criticized the director and script for “lacking any personality.” Despite a production budget of between $100 and $150 million, the movie was one of the biggest box office flops in history, with the studio estimated to have lost $175 million on the film.
#31 Cutthroat Island – $10 Million
Cutthroat Island (1995) | 2h 04m | Directed by Renny Harlin
Starring Geena Davis, Matthew Modine, and Frank Langella
Cutthroat Island is an action-adventure movie set in the 17th century that follows a female pirate and her crew as they search for hidden treasure. With a budget of $98 million, the movie was a box office disaster, grossing only $10 million in the US and Canada. Its weak script, poor editing, and lack of chemistry between the lead actors contributed to its failure.
#32 The King Of Comedy – $2.5 Million
1983 | 1h 49m | Directed by Martin Scorsese
Starring Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis and Diahnne Abbott
The King of Comedy is an overlooked gem in Martin Scorsese’s impressive filmography. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics for its sharp satire and De Niro’s outstanding performance as an aspiring comedian, it was a commercial failure at the box office, grossing only $2.5 million against its $19 million budget. Over time, it has gained a cult following and is now considered a classic.
#33 The Tree Of Life – $61.7 Million
2011 | 2h 19m | Directed by Terrence Malick
Starring Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain
The Tree of Life is a visually stunning and introspective film that explores the meaning of life and the universe. Despite receiving critical acclaim and winning the Palme d’Or at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, the movie failed to connect with mainstream audiences and only made $61.7 million at the box office against its $32 million budget. Nonetheless, it has become a beloved film among cinephiles and is often cited as one of the greatest films of the 2010s.
#34 Dredd 3D – $41 Million
2012 | 1h 35m | Directed by Pete Travis
Starring Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, and Lena Headey
Dredd 3D is a science fiction action film set in a dystopian future where judges have the power of both judge and jury. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the movie underperformed at the box office, grossing only $41 million against a $45 million budget. However, it gained a cult following upon its home release and has been praised for its stylized action sequences and faithful adaptation of the comic book source material. Despite its popularity, the film’s financial performance makes the possibility of a sequel unlikely.
#35 Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping – $9.7 Million
2016 | 1h 27m | Directed by Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone
Starring Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is a mockumentary-style film that follows the career of the fictional popstar Conner4Real, played by Andy Samberg. It was released by Universal Pictures on June 3, 2016, but despite positive reviews from critics, it failed to perform well at the box office, earning just over $9 million while falling short of its $20 million budget.
#36 Sunshine – $32 Million
2021 | 2h 32m | Directed by Ridley Scott
Starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Jodie Comer
The historical drama, The Last Duel, premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 10, 2021. Despite receiving favorable reviews from critics, the movie underperformed at the box office, earning only $27 million against its $100 million production budget. However, the film’s strong performances, production design, and similarities to Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa received praise. The movie is expected to perform better in post-theatrical markets.
#37 The Last Duel – $30.6 Million
Despite positive reviews from critics, Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel struggled at the box office. Starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, the film debuted at the 78th Venice International Film Festival in September 2021 to critical acclaim. However, the movie failed to attract audiences in theaters, with a box office gross of just over $27 million against a budget of $100 million. Despite this disappointment, the movie has performed well in other post-theatrical marketplaces, such as streaming services and home video.
#38 Annihilation – $43.1 Million
2018 | 1h 55m | Directed by Alex Garland
Starring Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tessa Thompson
Annihilation, released on February 23, 2018, follows a group of scientists who enter a mysterious environmental disaster zone called “The Shimmer” to discover its cause. The movie received critical acclaim for its visual effects, direction, and performances, but it underperformed at the box office, earning $43.1 million against its $55 million budget. Despite its lackluster box office performance, the film has gained a strong following since its release.
#39 Mother! – $44.5 Million
2017 | 2h 01m | Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem and Ed Harris
Mother! is a psychological horror movie directed by Darren Aronofsky that received mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. It had a budget of $30 million, and when Paramount Pictures released it on September 15, 2017, it made $44 million globally. The movie features Jennifer Lawrence as a young woman whose peaceful life with her husband, played by Javier Bardem, gets disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious couple, played by Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer. The film’s violent depictions of various scenes and confusing storyline have divided the audience and raised debates about its meaning and symbolism.
#40 Warrior – $23.3 Million
2011 | 2h 20m | Directed by Gavin O’Connor
Starring Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, and Joel Edgerton
Warrior is a dramatic sports film about the lives of two estranged brothers, who enter a mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament to earn money. The film received favorable reviews from critics and Nolte was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Despite the positive reception, the movie underperformed at the box office, with only $23.3 million in global earnings against a production budget of $25 million.
#41 The 13th Warrior – $61.7 Million
1999 | 1h 42m | Directed by John McTiernan and Michael Crichton (reshoots)
Starring Antonio Banderas, Diane Venora and Dennis Storhøi
The 13th Warrior, loosely based on the novel Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton, failed to impress at the box office. Despite a production budget of $160 million, the movie made only $61.7 million, resulting in a staggering loss of $129 million for the studio. The film was directed by John McTiernan and Michael Crichton, who did some reshoots, and features Antonio Banderas in the lead role.
#42 Blow Out – $13.8 Million
1981 | 1h 48m | Directed by Brian De Palma
Starring John Travolta, Nancy Allen and John Lithgow
Blow Out, directed by Brian De Palma, tells the story of a sound effects technician who accidentally records evidence of a car accident that may have been an assassination. Despite positive reviews from critics and the strong performances from John Travolta and Nancy Allen, the movie struggled to attract audiences when it was first released. With a budget of $18 million, the movie only made $13.8 million at the box office, resulting in a financial loss for the studio. Nonetheless, the film is now considered a cult classic, with its stylish direction and suspenseful plot earning it a dedicated following over the years.
#43 Kingdom Of Heaven – $218.1 Million
2005 | 2h 24m | Directed by Ridley Scott
Starring Orlando Bloom, Eva Green and Liam Neeson
Kingdom of Heaven, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Orlando Bloom, Eva Green, and Liam Neeson, had a massive budget of $130 million. Despite its epic scale and impressive cast, the movie failed to attract a significant audience in the US and Canada, earning only $47.4 million domestically. While it did fare slightly better in the international market, the film was still considered a box office flop.
#44 Idiocracy – $500,000
2006 | 1h 24m | Directed by Mike Judge
Starring Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph and Dax Shepard
Idiocracy, directed by Mike Judge, is a satirical science fiction comedy that became a cult classic despite being a box office flop. The movie portrays a dystopian future where the world has devolved due to the idiocy of its population. Despite its cult status, the film only earned around $500,000 at the box office against its $2.4 million budget. Nonetheless, Idiocracy’s impact can be seen in its widespread influence on internet meme culture and discussions about the consequences of anti-intellectualism in society.
#45 The Lost City Of Z – $19.3 Million
2017 | 2h 21m | Directed by James Gray
Starring Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson and Sienna Miller
Exploring the Amazon rainforest, The Lost City of Z is an epic adventure movie directed by James Gray and stars Charlie Hunnam and Robert Pattinson in lead roles. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the movie failed to make an impact at the box office, with only $19 million in earnings against a $30 million budget. However, the film’s rich cinematography, stunning visual effects, and captivating storyline earned it a spot in Time magazine’s list of the Top 10 Films of 2017.
#46 In The Heights – $45.2 Million
2021 | 2h 23m | Directed by Jon M. Chu
Starring Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, and Leslie Grace
In the Heights, directed by Jon M. Chu and based on the musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and music. Despite the hype surrounding its release and the star-studded cast, the movie underperformed at the box office, grossing only $45 million worldwide against a production budget of $55 million and break-even mark of $200 million. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and the release on streaming platform HBO Max may have contributed to its lackluster box office performance, the film’s commercial failure was still a disappointment for fans and the film industry.
#47 The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford – $15 Million
2007 | 2h 40m | Directed by Andrew Dominik
Starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck and Sam Shepard
Despite its critical acclaim, Andrew Dominik’s crime western, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, was a box office failure, grossing only $15 million on a $30 million budget. Nevertheless, the film garnered a cult following over the years, with its cinematography and Pitt and Affleck’s performances being highly praised by critics and audiences alike. The film’s title itself is considered by many as one of the greatest film titles of all time.
#48 The Master – $28.3 Million
2012 | 2h 18m | Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams
Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master was widely acclaimed for its stellar performances and gripping portrayal of post-World War II America. The film received three Oscar nominations and is considered one of Anderson’s finest works and one of the best films of the decade. Despite this critical acclaim, The Master failed to turn a profit, earning only $28.3 million at the box office against a budget of $32 million.
#49 The Hudsucker Proxy – $11 Million
1994 | 1h 51m | Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (uncredited)
Starring Tim Robbins, Paul Newman, and Jennifer Jason Leigh
The Hudsucker Proxy is a satirical comedy film directed by the Coen Brothers. The movie takes a humorous approach to the corporate world and features Tim Robbins as a naive business graduate who becomes the president of a manufacturing company in a stock fraud scheme. Although the film received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, it has since gained a cult following for its sharp wit and quirky characters. With a production budget of $25 million, the film failed to make a significant impact at the box office, earning only $11 million in ticket sales. Despite its financial failure, The Hudsucker Proxy has cemented its place as a beloved classic among fans of the Coen Brothers’ unique style of filmmaking.
#50 Long-Shot – $53.9 Million
2019 | 2h 05m | Directed by Jonathan Levine
Starring Charlize Theron, Seth Rogen and June Diane Raphael
Long Shot tells the story of Fred Flarsky, a journalist who reunites with his childhood crush and current Secretary of State, Charlotte Field, and becomes her speechwriter. Despite receiving positive reviews for its humor, charm, and the performances of Theron and Rogen, the movie didn’t do well commercially, earning only $45 million against its $40 million budget. Nevertheless, it has gained a cult following among fans of romantic comedies.