Top 10 Box Office Bombs That Deserved a Second Chance

Top-10-Box-Office-Bombs-That-Deserved-a-Second-Chance

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the films that are potential classics despite failing during their theatrical runs.

#10: “The Northman” (2022)

Many cinema fans are aware of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” What most don’t know is that “Hamlet” was inspired by the legend of Amleth. “The Northman” derives from the Amleth source material. The story follows a Viking prince who seeks revenge for the slaying of his father. The injection of Norse mythology into the movie adds a mystical element that the talented cast fully embraces. It’s a dark, visceral look into what happens when justice is fueled by a murderous need for vengeance. However, the film only grossed $69.6 million on a budget reportedly up to $90 million. Despite a 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating, “The Northman’s” release came and went without much notice.

#9: “Legend” (1985)

A movie by A-list star Tom Cruise and big-time director Ridley Scott sounds like a recipe for instant success. But things turned out differently. In “Legend,” the young Cruise plays a man of pure spirit who has to stop a villain from covering the world in eternal darkness. Even with its fantastical story, Cruise and Tim Curry, who plays the antagonist, convincingly absorb viewers into this fairytale. “Legend” also deserves credit for its cinematography, costume design, and overall aesthetic. Those looking for a visually dazzling experience will appreciate the film’s bold undertakings. “Legend” ultimately failed to light up the ticket sales, grossing lower than its $25 million budget. The movie has since gained a cult following, although its box office run doesn’t reflect its quality.

#8: “Dredd” (2012)

While Sylvester Stallone’s “Judge Dredd” is more well-known to the average moviegoer, Karl Urban’s “Dredd” received far better reviews. More faithful to the comic it’s based on, it goes for an atmospheric feel rather than a standard action movie. Slow-motion effects, color grading, and cyberpunk themes are all part of storytelling. This had the side effect of making “Dredd” an acquired taste for mainstream audiences, ending with a box office run lower than its reported $45 million budget. Since its release, “Dredd” has garnered a dedicated fanbase for its bold approach and unique presentation. Unlike many other releases at the time, “Dredd” doesn’t just use 3D as a gimmick. However, the saturation of 3D releases also contributed to the film being overlooked.

#7: “The Lost City of Z” (2017)

Adventure films had it hard in the 2010s when superhero franchises like the MCU ruled the box office. “The Lost City of Z” slipped under the radar, grossing just $19 million on a $30 million budget. In terms of value, though, the film really delivers. A biographical drama about British major Percy Fawcett, we follow him and his crew in their attempts to find a lost city in the Amazon. Instead of relying on genre thrills, the movie focuses more on the toll the journey takes on the characters’ psyches. It doubles as a fascinating character study of how an obsession can cloud a person’s judgment, as Fawcett ultimately dooms himself and his son.

#6: “Deepwater Horizon” (2016)

Based on the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion, this Mark Wahlberg feature was undone by its massive budget, reportedly as high as $150 million. It was arguably released at the wrong time, too, as disaster films were much more popular in the ‘90s and 2000s. Following the final hours before the oil rig’s destruction, it depicts the struggles the victims went through. The real life tragedy is covered in awe inspiring detail, placing viewers in the midst of the havoc as it happened. This aspect received significant critical acclaim, and the film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Sound. “Deepwater Horizon” was lauded for its accuracy, so audiences can relate to the events as they took place.

#5: “Dark City” (1998)

Before hits like “Memento” and “Minority Report” delivered mind-bending cinematic experiences, “Dark City” took a shot at it. Protagonist John Murdoch is trapped in perpetual nighttime in a world he can somehow alter. Murdoch slowly uncovers an alien invasion conspiracy as his memories return. “Dark City” can be overwhelming because of its many plot twists and the constant dark palette it utilizes. It was a hard sell at a time when audiences weren’t necessarily tuned for neo-noir filmmaking at a mainstream level. In addition, “Titanic” was on an unprecedented box office run that destroyed “Dark City’s” chances. It’s a shame because this thriller keeps viewers hooked right from the get-go. In retrospect, the movie was arguably a game changer for its genre.

#4: “Annihilation” (2018)

Remember when “Black Panther” exploded at the box office to gross over $1.3 billion? Unfortunately for “Annihilation,” its returns were, well, annihilated by the MCU movie. The Natalie Portman-led horror boasts a solid 88% Rotten Tomatoes score. The story follows Portman’s character leading an expedition to a mysterious area known as “the Shimmer.” Here, her team starts to feel the Shimmer’s deadly effects one by one, as its true purpose comes to light. “Annihilation” amps up the tension the further it goes, creating a definite sense of paranoia that’s as exhilarating as it is terrifying. Those who’ve seen it are entertained by the scares it delivers. A release date around Halloween would have probably benefitted a film that deserved more viewers.

#3: “Starship Troopers” (1997)

Audience perception can make or break a film and this was “Starship Troopers’” undoing. It features a militaristic world government at war with an alien race. The portrayal of humans using strange iconography, propaganda, and force was perceived as promoting Nazism. However, director Paul Verhoeven has since clarified that it’s a satirical look at a world fueled by war. This was mostly lost on moviegoers, with “Starship Troopers” only making $121 million on a $110 million budget. But there’s something fun about cheesy action and wooden acting that the film is happy to highlight. When seen through a lighthearted lens, the parodied elements are easier to appreciate. With so many clear-cut alien movies already out there, “Starship Troopers” dares to try a more inventive formula.

#2: “The Nice Guys” (2016)

Director Shane Black is known for the underrated gem “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” Pity another quality movie like “The Nice Guys” also flopped at the box office. The latter follows an enforcer and private detective in the ‘70s searching for a missing girl. Buddy action films are so common that “The Nice Guys” was brushed aside, especially with “Captain America: Civil War” released around the same time. But the combination of witty dialogue, Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling’s chemistry, and a genuinely engrossing mystery sets it apart from the rest. Even with a lot of violence, “The Nice Guys’” humor remains sky-high. This provides a perfect balance between its thrills and its gags, making it a film with unlimited replay value.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Crimson Peak” (2015)
This Gothic Horror Is Surprisingly Heartfelt & Romantic

“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” (2015)
As Snappy & Cool as the ‘60s Spy Series It’s Based On

“The Last Duel” (2021)
An Engrossing Action Drama About Heavy Subject Matter

#1: “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)

“Edge of Tomorrow” grossed a respectable $370.5 million, but large production and advertising budgets meant that it underperformed. Confusing promotion made it unclear what it was about, leading to its lukewarm box office. Still, the film itself has a lovely take on the idea of time loops. Tom Cruise’s character shares the alien villains’ ability to reset time, enabling him to avert certain disaster for humankind. Along with incredible set pieces and smart humor, the protagonist’s development from a coward to a hero is a treat to watch. With the benefit of time resets and new scenarios, the action remains fresh each time. It’s a film designed for big-screen, high-impact entertainment that has a creative spin on an established concept.

Which box office bomb do you think has an unbeatable charm? Let us know in the comments.