Top 50 Flops That Are Actually Worth Your Time
British impresario Malcolm McLaren's gravestone states, "Better a magnificent failure than a harmless triumph." This principle applies to life, as well as to cinema. The movie industry produces countless films. Most of them aren't good. Some of the good ones earn money (not to mention, a handful of the not-so-good ones do the same). However, there are times when they don't. Films fail at the box office for various reasons - bad release dates, subpar trailers, disconnect from the cultural climate, or even a global pandemic. But it's not always about the quality of the movie. Many failed movies are now treasured as cult classics by their fans.
Here are 50 films that failed to connect with audience in theaters, also known as "flops," which is a polite way of saying they didn't make back their production and marketing costs. The reasons for their underperformance may include ineffective marketing, being too quirky or challenging, or simply not being everyone's cup of tea. (Disclaimer: The Shawshank Redemption, considered one of the biggest flops of all time, is not included in this list.)
Furiosa (2024)
This movie was just released, and its 60% decline in its second week after a subpar debut ensures its production company will lose money. Several factors contributed to its underperformance, including a lackluster trailer, a change in the lead actress, and the recent trend of rushing movies to streaming platforms. Despite these setbacks, it's a great film and worth seeing in theaters as long as it's still playing. Unfortunately, it's likely to be released digitally soon.
Where to stream: As of now, not available. But it will be on Max sooner than later.
Beau Is Afraid (2023)
The studios invested $35 million in this Ari Aster movie about an agoraphobic man's imaginary journey to visit his ill mother. While Joaquin Phoenix, who stars in the movie, is typically cast in bankable roles, the film's disturbing and humorous elements seem designed to alienate mainstream audiences. However, if you can stomach its surrealism, it's a unique experience that connects with its characters on a deeply emotional level.
Where to stream: Paramount+ with Showtime
The Creator (2023)
This sci-fi tale starring John David Washington is no stranger to sci-fi aficionados. Although it borrows heavily from other narratives, it presents its concepts in an interesting manner. Despite receiving a $35 million budget, it only made $40 million in the U.S. and lost a significant amount worldwide after accounting for marketing costs. Director Gareth Edwards deserves praise for his realistic visuals, eschewing computer-generated imagery and opting for physical sets instead.
Where to stream: Hulu
The Northman (2022)
As a seasoned sci-fi reader and viewer, I have to admit that this futuristic war drama has nothing new to offer in terms of storyline - it's about a disillusioned soldier (John David Washington). He strives to protect the first AI child in a time when humans are losing the war against machines. Despite its familiar plot, "The Northman" is well-crafted, with director Gareth Edwards opting for real-world settings rather than entirely CGI sets; it's visually stunning. However, even a budget of $80 million was too much for this movie to recover in theaters. It made only $40 million in the U.S.
Where to stream: Hulu
In conclusion, these failures should not discourage filmmakers from taking risks and pushing the boundaries of genre. There's an audience out there for each one of these movies, even if they didn't find it within theaters. And as the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, perhaps more people will discover these unique works and give them the attention they deserve.
Just like Ari Aster's "Beau Is Afraid," it's puzzling why a studio gave the renowned filmmaker Robert Eggers ($90 million) to make a gritty, violent, and artistic Norse epic. Thankfully, it happened, and we all benefited from it: packed with intense action sequences, imaginative sets and costumes, and over-the-top performances by talented stars (Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy), it's a sight to behold. The film was overshadowed in theaters, earning less than $70 million worldwide. However, it eventually made a profit in its digital release. This type of film requires a grand scale.
To watch: Starz
"Three Thousand Years of Longing" (2022)
Perhaps it's excessive to include another George Miller movie so close to the top, but this 2022 financial flop deserved better. Adapted from a short story by A.S. Byatt, it portrays the story of a timid university professor (Tilda Swinton) who discovers a magical lamp and wakes up a magical genie (Idris Elba), who subsequently regales her with the intriguing tales of his numerous lives, each described in enchanting, detailed fairy-tale fashion. Miller cashed in his blank check from "Fury Road" Oscar wins to create this, yet it performed more like "Babe: Pig in the City" than "Babe" when it came to attracting viewers. A pity - it's a bedtime story that undeniably creeps into your dreams, well worth the experience.
Where to watch: Prime Video
"Babylon" (2022)
The movie industry just can't get enough of making movies about itself, though not all audiences feel the same. Such was the case with Damien Chazelle's loving ode to cinema's Golden Age, a three-hour, wildly energetic dive into the glitz, glamour, and excesses of Hollywood in the Sixties. It's clamorous, over-the-top, and bursting with cocaine-fueled fervor, but for each misstep (like a startling scene involving an enormous pile of elephant waste squirted directly at the camera), there are two astonishing sequences (my personal favorite being a distressing and enrapturing show of a pressurized movie scene) that could pass as stand-alone shorts. The ensemble of cinema heavyweights (Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and 'Barbie' herself) is amplified the way they used to make 'em - larger than life and best enjoyed on the big screen.
Where to watch: Prime Video
"The Last Duel" (2021)
Despite Ridley Scott's age - past his 80s - his fervor for making big historical films hasn't dimmed. However, it doesn't appear he's figured out how to make one that'll connect with audiences like "Gladiator" did. Maybe "Napoleon" or "Gods of Egypt" were legitimately subpar, but "The Last Duel" was genuinely a tragedy. A medieval riff on "Rashomon," it tells three accounts of what happened during a single night when a wealthy knight's wife (Jodie Comer) was attacked by a squire (Adam Driver). Stuffed with stellar performances, crisp dialogue, and genuine complex narrative tangles, it was one of the finest films of 2021, yet it went unseen by many and derived more entertainment from mocking co-star Ben Affleck's amusing wig than it generated revenue.
Where to watch: FXNow
"In the Heights" (2021)
Admittedly, Lin-Manuel Miranda's pre-"Hamilton" Broadway smash isn't "Hamilton," having won its share of Tonys. But I'm still perplexed as to why so few people attended to see this moving narrative of an immigrant community in NYC uniting through music and dance in theaters. The film appeared during the pandemic, but dozens of other films still managed to rake in the cash, whereas "In the Heights" deserved its fair share. Even if it didn't reach the heights of "Hamilton," it was a solid outing nonetheless.
Where to watch: Max
"West Side Story" (2021)
The movie industry might be obsessed with making movies about itself, but not all audiences share that enthusiasm. That's what happened with Steven Spielberg's remake of the classic musical "West Side Story," a lively retelling of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" set in 1950 Manhattan, with the fabled New York street gangs. The story of star-crossed lovers from rival gangs in a poor neighborhood amid lots of swirling dance numbers, yet it was shrouded in obscurity, despite a stellar cast, catchy songs, and a relevant, modern tale. A real shame.
Where to watch: Max
Another 2021 musical that people did not want to see in theaters. One could question why Steven Spielberg felt the need to revisit one of the best movie musicals ever. However, once you watch it, you understand his motivation - he can film a song and dance number with the same excitement and enthusiasm as he does with a T-Rex chase or an Indiana Jones tank chase. It failed to recover its $100 million budget, but if you watch it at home, you'll regret not going to the theatres.
Where to stream: Disney+, FXNow
Birds of Prey, and the Fantastic Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)
It's common knowledge that superhero movies are experiencing some rough patches - witness 2023's string of flopped comic book movies. However, Birds of Prey, a pre-pandemic spin-off of Suicide Squad, stands as a warning bell. Despite Margot Robbie's excellent performance in the lead (praised for her role in David Ayer's undercooked anti-hero tale) and a colourful cast of supporting baddies (Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett), a vibrant comic book aesthetic (courtesy of director Cathy Yan and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique), and a snarky, self-referential tone, it couldn't shake off the taint that eventually resulted in a complete revamp of the DC Extended Universe. A pity, as it's one of a few post-Avengers: Endgame comic-book movies that justifies its existence. It's just plain enjoyable to watch.
Where to stream: Max, Tubi
Cats (2019)
By now, it's widely acknowledged that superhero movies are in a bit of a rough spot - as demonstrated by 2023's series of failed comic book films. But this pre-pandemic split from Suicide Squad serves as a stern warning. Despite having Margot Robbie in the lead (praised for her portrayal in David Ayer's under-cooked anti-hero narrative), a colourful band of supporting bad actresses (including Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett), a vibrant comic book aesthetic (thanks to director Cathy Yan and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique), and a zingy, self-referential tone, it couldn't escape the shadow that ultimately led to a complete overhaul of the DC Extended Universe. A shame, because it's one of just three post-Avengers: Endgame comic book films that actually merits its existence. It's just a blast to watch.
Where to stream: Netflix
Annihilation (2018)
It has been well-established that superhero movies are in a tough space these days - as seen with 2023's string of comic book flops - but this pre-pandemic spin-off of Suicide Squad acted as a warning bell. Despite Margot Robbie starring in the lead (endorsed by many for her portrayal in David Ayer's undercooked anti-hero story), a lively band of shady femmes fatales (including Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett), a bright comic book style (thanks to director Cathy Yan and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique), and a snarky, self-referential tone, it couldn't shake off its association with the mishandled DC Extended Universe. A shame, as it's one of just three post-Avengers: Endgame comic book movies that truly justifies its presence. After all, it's a lot of fun to watch.
Where to stream: Paramount+
A Cure for Wellness (2017)
Gore Verbinski, who has a history of crafting big-budget blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lone Ranger, decided to take a break for this twisted tribute to Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain. A young corporate employee (Dane DeHaan) is tasked with retrieving his boss from a "wellness retreat" in the Swiss Alps and encounters a shady community ruled by a mysterious doctor (Jason Isaacs). He soon finds himself involved in disturbing experiments. The bizarre plot, which features bloodthirsty leeches and a quest for immortality, put off audiences, though the film's striking visuals and distinctive style persisted, making for entertaining viewing during late-night streaming sessions (perhaps after indulging in your own "cure" for whatever ails you).
Where to stream: Streaming rental
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
I was excited about this sci-fi epic - a lifelong passion project for director Luc Besson, who was behind such titles as The Fifth Element and Lucy. It almost had me buying a ticket in Paris during a vacation, in French. However, the possibly atrocious dialogue and the inappropriately cast leads are my two main issues with this high-octane cartoon-like production.
Attraction elsewhere, Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne portray an indifferent hipster chemistry as Valerian and Laureline. They are government agents of humanity's space-faring future who find themselves entangled in a vibrantly chaotic conspiracy on the title space station. Despite being a sensory treat featuring vivid production design from the original French comics, an engaging cast (with Rihanna being a seductive alien in a liquid form), and captivating episodic storytelling, these actors give the impression of being aloof. Switch language tracks, turn on the subtitles (or not even bother), and immerse yourself.
Streaming platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Filmbox
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
The Lonely Island's viral SNL song parodies made them well known, so it's puzzling why this story of a brash musician's rise and fall didn't catch on - it's essentially an elaborate version of "I'm on a Boat." Nevertheless, it has found a place among the decade's best lowbrow comedies, even though it made less than $10 million in the U.S. If you appreciate the offbeat humor of "Walk Hard" ($20 million budget against a $35 million revenue), you should check this out.
Streaming platform: Pluto TV
Crimson Peak (2015)
Interposed between Guillermo del Toro's blockbusters 'Pacific Rim' and 'The Shape of Water,' this gothic horror film is a visual masterpiece - a passionate, sexual haunted house mystery in which a blossoming author (Mia Wasikowska) marries a wealthy nobleman (Tom Hiddleston) and moves with him to his family's abandoned, deteriorating house, only to face complications in the odd connection between her new spouse and his sister (Jessica Chastain), whose family secret they both share. The striking set design, tainted by bloodied specters, is a marvel, compensating for its somewhat convoluted Grand Guignol narrative.
Note: Similar to 'Nightmare Alley' (2021), this film was widely acclaimed, but its box office failure prevents it from being mentioned in the context of 'Crimson Peak.' However, I decided to spotlight 'Crimson Peak' for a different reason because it missed out on a Best Picture nomination.
Streaming platform: Digital rental
Blackhat (2015)
Michael Mann, who is admired as a filmmaker's director, tends to have his films do poorly at the theaters (1999's 'The Insider' lost $30 million but had seven Oscar nominations). 'Blackhat,' a Hong Kong-set crime thriller featuring a defunct Apple co-founder's (Michael Mann) protégé Chris Hemsworth as a rogue hacker battling cybercrime, is one of his financial flops. Hemsworth showcases his charm (and versatility) in his portrayal of a skilled hacker assigned to prevent damaging digital attacks. Although it had a budget of $70 million and made just $8 million in the U.S., it is excellent.
Streaming platform: Netflix
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Matt Vaughn, a protégé of Guy Ritchie, has found success with the 2014 comedy-spy film 'Kingsman: The Secret Service.' Similarly, this clever reboot of the 1960s television series 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' blends humor and action, jumping between elaborate effects scenes and witty jokes. Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer (perhaps not the most appropriate casting choice) portray a menacing spy agent embroiled in international espionage shenanigans. However, its $45 million domestic gross against a $100 million+ budget suggests it's not a likely candidate for a sequel.
Streaming platforms: TNT, TBS, TruTV
Inherent Vice (2014)
Paul Thomas Anderson, whose critical acclaim frequently surpasses his income, has never experienced such a large gap between accolades and box office returns. The muddled, drug-fueled, post-'60s Los Angeles mystery "Inherent Vice" is a prime example, gathering only $8 million in the US despite a $20 million budget. However, every frame of the film, directed by Anderson and adapted from a Thomas Pynchon novel, is worth watching, as Anderson's consistent tone brings together the subtly captivating confusion of the plot.
Streaming platform: Paramount
The flop of John Carter seems to be a case of poor timing. Released just a few years after Avatar, it came at a time when audiences were tired of 3-D special effects extravaganzas. Additionally, the marketing couldn't effectively explain the story's existence, given its basis on the Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom novels which had already established sci-fi/fantasy cliches.
Nevertheless, this film is far better than its damaged reputation. Taylor Kitsch portrays a worthy hero as a Civil War soldier who mysteriously ends up on the surface of Mars, gaining superhuman powers from the unique Martian environment. This is director Andrew Stanton's first live-action film, and he brings authenticity to the amazing CGI effects.
Where to stream: Disney+
Similar to two other potential space blockbusters on this list (can you guess them?), Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) is far more captivating than its infamous reputation. Edgar Wright manages to create the best comic book adaptation for a comic with a very niche audience. The story revolves around a slacker named Scott, a part-time musician with a distaste for people, who battles video game-like challenges to win over the love of his life. Despite a lack of hype, it has gained a passionate following who appreciate the nostalgic feel of 90s Toronto pop culture and the stellar performances from up-and-coming actors such as Aubrey Plaza and Brie Larson.
Where to stream: Max
Sunshine (2007), directed by Danny Boyle, takes a serious approach to the story of astronauts' attempt to rekindle a dying sun until it takes an abrupt turn into thriller territory in the final 30 minutes. This sci-fi drama might not have been a big hit, but its enchanting, scorching visuals and its concentrated realism will appeal to discerning genre fans.
Where to stream: Digital rental
A somber, artistic Western, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) offers a valid reason for its failure to achieve blockbuster status. This 3-hour biography on the lives of Jesse James and Robert Ford, featuring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, favors silence and aesthetics over plot development. Less than captivated audiences only brought $4 million to U.S. theaters. It may not appeal to the casual filmgoer, but fans of the genre are advised to watch it for its stunning visuals and Keith Carradine's extraordinary performance.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Children of Men (2006) is a somber sci-fi thriller that took place in a near-future world rationale with violence and climate catastrophe. Despite critical acclaim, it amassed only $4 million domestically. The film follows unemployed man Alfredo, who inadvertently becomes the nurturer of the last baby born in a world afflicted with an infertility plague. Fans of depressing movies may find inspiration here. The plot, despite its grim direction, stands out for its trailblazing single-shot chase scene.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) served as a comeback opportunity for Robert Downey, Jr. and director Shane Black, who hadn't made films since the 80s. However, despite strong critical response, it only gathered $4 million in theaters. This film captivates viewers with Downey's performance as a comeback actor and its engaging murder mystery plot. Even though it didn't attract large audiences, it has its following who relish the noir homage.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The 2004 release The Chronicles of Riddick was a blowing point for Vin Diesel. Actor's xXx and The Fast and the Furious fame landed him the lead role in this convoluted sequel to Pitch Black, helmed by David Twohy. While it garnered mixed reviews, it failed to captivate audiences, only managing $4 million at the box office. Fans of the original Pitch Black will love this film, but it might be too complex for casual viewers.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Did the world really need to discover that the goodhearted crook who could see at nighttime was actually a part of an old space-exploring civilization called "Furyans"? I'd argue that was not the case (and, in fact, many people didn't even bother to find out as it made just $57 million in the U.S. versus a budget of over $100 million). But that doesn't mean I, who also enjoys being a nerd, wasn't there on opening day, and I declare it - not bad. I mean, Judy Dench, again.
Where to watch: Hulu or Peacock
Peter Pan (2003)
Except for the Disney animation, Hollywood can't seem to make Peter Pan work - despite their best efforts. And none of these box-office failures are more heartbreaking than this faithful 2003 adaptation, which follows the original book and casts real children in the roles of Wendy (Rachel Hurd-Wood) and Peter (Jeremy Sumpter) against Jason Isaacs' wicked Captain Hook. Director P.J. Hogan (Muriel's Wedding) excellently captures the inherent tension in this story about youngsters who don't want to grow up.
Where to watch: Starz
Death to Smoochy (2002)
Danny DeVito, a talented short man, had an unusual directing career, shifting from The War of the Roses' over-the-top divorce comedy to the acidic kids' film Matilda to this complete dud, a noirish preschool industry where a down-on-his-luck TV host (Robin Williams) cooks up a wicked plot to destroy his rival, a purple rhino-costumed Edward Norton. It's crude and violent enough that I'm not surprised no one wanted to see it in theaters (where it made $8 million on a $50 million budget), nor am I shocked it found a happier home on DVD.
Where to watch: Digital rental
Treasure Planet (2002)
Disney's effort to appeal to young people who weren't fans of princesses took the form of a space-themed take on Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island—a desire of co-directors Ron Clements and John Musker for a long time. Unfortunately, it flopped astronomically ($75 million in the red), bringing an end to traditional 2D animation at the Mouse House and starting three projects (Tangled and Frozen) on the path to CGI. But in spite of its modern aesthetics (the main character's floppy male band hair; space surfing scene) and an engaging fantasy world, it's an enjoyable update of the original tale and one of the most stunning animated movies.
Where to watch: Disney
Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
Although the film has garnered accolades more recently, it's not new to consider it a great movie in 2021 - I'm not late to the party. I was one of the sparse viewers who saw it in theaters in 2001 (final domestic earnings: $14.9 million) and instantly fell in love. It's been reevaluated as a clever satire with a great cast, including Rosario Dawson, Alan Cumming, Parker Posey, and Tara Reid, as well as a pop-punk soundtrack that proves irresistible.
Where to watch: Digital rental
The Iron Giant (1999)
The movie that not only terminated its studio but also halted its animation department: Brad Bird's fresh period tale about a space alien who crashes in 1950s America and befriends a young boy. The film failed terribly in theaters ($23 million in the US versus a budget of $50 million), but it gained a fervent fanbase and eventually found its way to DVD.
Now, the titular character has a starring role in a major crossover, Ready Player One, and is also expected to feature in Space Jam: A New Legacy.
Where to watch: Digital rental
Muppets From Space (1999)
A daring option, I recognize this - Muppets From Space is not usually the first choice for Muppet fans. However, it outperforms its reputation as the lowest point of these famous felt creatures' story. As with any Muppet film, the storyline, concerning blue Weirdo Gonzo's search for his origins (the title has a spoiler alert), is simply the backdrop for Muppet-y antics and familiar human cameos (including a genuinely eager Jeffrey Tambor as a perpetually irritated government official). Due to its unsuccessful run in theaters (failing to recoup its $24 million budget), it led to the Muppets' hibernation for more than a decade.
Where to stream: Prime Video, Tubi
Fight Club (1999)
Fight Club underperformed in theaters (earning only half of its production cost) but already had a cult following when it reached DVD with an extensive multi-disc set packed with comprehensive explorations of the film's production aspects. Based on its persistent cultural impact (the primary twist becoming a popular narrative shorthand) and general impact on film in general (certain misinterpretations of its message prove controversial), its legacy looks safe, meaning you've likely encountered Edward Norton and Brad Pitt's meet-cute, fighting, and the creation of a clandestine boxing club-turned-terrorist organization many times already.
Where to stream: Hulu
Man on the Moon (1999)
The producer and star (and Andy Kaufman confidant) Danny DeVito have an impressive behind-the-scenes team for this biopic of 1980s outsider comic Andy Kaufman: an Oscar-winning director in Milos Forman (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest), accomplished screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (authors of bio-pics Ed Wood and The People vs. Larry Flynt), and Jim Carrey delivering a spot-on performance as the troubled comedy legend. Despite strong talent, it didn't satisfy 1999 audiences who didn't want to see Carrey in a serious role; he aces his portrayal of the perplexing celebrity, but couldn't impress the Academy (though he did win a Golden Globe) or viewers (the film generated a modest $47 million against an $82 million budget). This unusual, intriguing portrayal of a cryptic celebrity who remained a mystery even in death is well worth another look.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Gattaca (1997)
Andrew Niccol's low-key science fiction film Gattaca feels strikingly timely, despite getting most of the future wrong. In "the near future," wealthy elites genetically design perfect children in utero ("valids"), creating extra challenges for naturally born "in-valids" like Vincent (Ethan Hawke), who plans to pass off as a valid before embarking on a historic space mission. With the classic sci-fi approach focusing on intellectual sparks and moral debates over technology, it took some time for the audience to warm up, only earning a third of its budget at the box office.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Waterworld (1995)
What if a post-apocalyptic saga like Mad Max, but on the ocean? was a question 1995 audiences didn't find appealing. This mega-budget movie featuring a flooded Earth due to melting ice caps became a laughing stock among critics (who nicknamed it "Fishtar"). However, it has its merits: Kevin Costner brings a somber tone as the fish-man who'll lead humanity into a better future, Dennis Hopper contributes a deranged villain, and for those who have seen the extended TV cut, it features an additional 45 minutes of trimmed storylines. Plus, the action scenes hold up, due to a lack of CGI.
Where to stream: Starz—but if you're after the longer version, prepare to buy the (excellent) Blu-ray edition
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
The Coen brothers' drug-fueled bowling alley noir The Big Lebowski received a gutter ball at the box office but gained a massive cult following, and I hope to see the same reevaluation of this earlier misfire, a darkly comical moral treatise about the inventor of the hula hoop (Tim Robbins). The zany characters and outrageous visuals might make you wonder what it's all about, but ultimately, you'll find yourself too entertained to comprehend.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel
Famous controversial filmmaker John Waters experienced mainstream success with his 1988 movie "Hairspray", focusing on a determined young woman's dreams of being on a teenage dance show. So his choice for the next project - a "50s musical about an unwavering young woman's devotion to a kind-hearted delinquent (played by Johnny Depp in his prime) - seemed promising. Despite making approximately $8 million on a $12 million budget, it faded into the shadows of video store obscurity. However, the story of singing gangsters and the ladies who adore them was too enthralling and eventually attracted the fervent audience it deserved, even being adapted into a Tony-nominated (yet short-lived) Broadway musical in a similar fashion as "Hairspray" (which went from movie to stage and back).
Watch now: Digital rental
"The Bonfire of the Vanities": This big-budget upgrade based on Tom Wolfe's best-seller about 80s extravagance became notorious even before being released in 1990, featuring renowned director Brian De Palma and a prestigious cast of Melanie Griffith, Tom Hanks, and Bruce Willis. But the film now appears more intriguing within today's context, considering the novel's profound impact has been overshadowed by time. Even with 33% of its $47 million budget gathered from cinemas, it became a significant influence on the book "The Devil's Candy", a behind-the-scenes expose of its convoluted production.
Streaming options: Digital rental
"Joe Versus the Volcano": With a prominent writer-director (John Patrick Shanley) and notorious leading actors, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, this daredevil romantic comedy about a man with a fatal illness planning to hurl himself into an active volcano didn't meet expectations despite its doubtful premise. Over time, its surreal stylistic traits gained more admirers.
Where to watch: Digital rental
"Heathers" (1989): A dark, witty satire about two vindictive high school students out for revenge against an elite group of rich girls, starring Christian Slater and Winona Ryder. Despite earning minimal box office success - $1 million - it has not aged and nowrightfully enjoys a devoted following.
Streaming platforms: Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi
"Chameleon Street" (1989): Directed by Wendell B. Harris Jr., this unique narrative is based on a real con man's life who faked identities. Despite winning praise at the 1990 Sundance Film Festival, distribution was limited, opening a year later. However, it has gained a cult audience due to its innovative storytelling.
Online viewing: Prime Video, Peacock, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi
"The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1988): Terry Gilliam, who achieved triumph with the family-friendly "Time Bandits", directed this oddball adventure featuring John Neville's Baron Munchausen and crew, where they set sail to the Moon, dive around the sea, and experience other bizarre journeys. With a hefty budget of $46 million, the movie only earned a meager $8 million. Nevertheless, it's a fascinating watch with roles from young actors Sarah Polley and Uma Thurman.
Rental options: Digital rental
Writer/director Elaine May's failing has always been associated with the pride of Hollywood, the exemplar of a failure: an excessively costly "comedy" starring Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman as a pair of moderately skilled musicians unwittingly pulled into a foreign policy predicament in the fictional Middle Eastern country of the moniker. It lost so much money (close to $100 million in today's terms), it remains notorious decades later, despite the fact that very few people have seen it (due to the loss of money, you see).
Give it a rental and you'll discover: It's actually quite good, particularly for the first half, the sort of rambling, good-natured, star-filled romp they no longer create.
Where to watch: Digital rental
The Hunger (1983)
Warner Bros. recently revealed plans to remake this stylish 1983 vampire story, which appears to be a questionable decision: Director Tony Scott infused the film with his music video style in his adaption of the pulpy Whitley Strieber novel, establishing the "glampire" goth look that would become a clichéd trend by the time Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired on television, and it's difficult to imagine it being done any other way. But there's also the issue of attempting to improve on performances by Susan Sarandon (as an inexperienced geneticist), Catharine Deneuve (as an immortal succubus), and, most notably, the late David Bowie (as an ageless killer grappling with his mortality). Sure, the plot is confounding nonsense—but the style.
Where to watch: Digital rental
One From the Heart (1982)
After directing both of the Godfather films to blockbuster revenues and praise—not to mention redefining the war film with Apocalypse Now—Francis Ford Coppola could do no wrong, which is how he managed to secure a $23 million budget for this stage-like, very artificial, contemporary Las Vegas-set homage to classic musicals.
After a tumultuous, costly production, early screenings of the film failed so significantly that many distributors declined to exhibit it, resulting in a disastrous under-$1 million box office take that nearly ended Coppola's Zoetrope Studios. It's not a film for everyone, but you can clearly see its slice-of-city life influence in later Oscar champion La La Land. Even a failure from Coppola is worth seeing at least once.
Where to watch: Digital rental
Speed Racer (2008)/Cloud Atlas (2012)/Jupiter Ascending (2015)/The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
The Wachowskis have built a career out of directing ambitious genre films that completely fail to connect with audiences, starting with their 2008 version of the Japanese anime Speed Racer, a perfect live-action encapsulation of a cartoon's manic energy that annoyed critics on initial release, resulting in a $43 million U.S. box office take on a $120 million budget (and I must again mention I saw this one in the theater; it's great). They fared somewhat better with their imagistic take on David Mitchell's "unfilmable" time-spanning cyclical novel Cloud Atlas in 2012, which made $130 million globally but still lost huge sums of money, garnering them exile to director jail after their fairy-tale sci-fi epic Jupiter Ascending flopped in 2015, resulting in a $100 million loss for Warner Bros.
After that failure, Lana Wachowski reappeared alone to revive the Matrix series. Despite middling box office returns, even by pandemic standards, the fourth (but not the final?) film in that uneven but always creative saga grossed $160 million worldwide on a $190 million budget. There were also divisions among the fans with regards to the highly metaphorical storyline and toned-down action sequences.
Lumpy and asymmetrical and tonally inconsistent as they all are, these films feel like the uncommon blockbusters resulting from a singular creative vision, and more than worthy of a second look.
Where to watch: Digital rental (Speed Racer and Jupiter Ascending), Paramount+ (Cloud Atlas), Max and Netflix (The Matrix Resurrections)
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Despite its failure at the box office, "Furiosa" (2024) is a great film worth watching in theaters, given its surreal elements and strong performances. Despite underperforming due to factors such as a lackluster trailer and release to streaming platforms, "Beau Is Afraid" (2023) is a unique experience that connects deeply with its characters and is worth watching on Paramount+ with Showtime if you can stomach its surrealism.
