Movies are always a gamble. You can have the perfect marketing team and enough built-up anticipation, but sometimes a film tanks and all involved are left scratching their heads. Was it the subject matter? The way it was filmed? An unknown actor? The reasons why a film flops aren't always clear. It is especially confusing when, after an embarrassing debut, the film suddenly captivates audiences via streaming services. It just goes to show that sometimes it's a timing issue, and masterpieces can flop and later come to life. Discover 15 epic box office bombs that found new life—thanks to streaming services!
To put this list together, 247 Tempo reviewed several sources, including IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and news sources like The New York Times.
1. Doctor Sleep (2019)
This film was a major disappointment at the box office, despite its association with Stephen King's beloved work. The subject matter is alluring, following Dan Torrance, who is suffering from trauma-related addiction. The film includes themes of immortality and cult behavior, but it wasn't enough to dazzle audiences at the time. As it goes, society's interests shift, and the film has found its proper place in streaming services (plus, there's a Director's Cut available for those who appreciate this well-constructed horror/fantasy).
2. Annihilation (2018)
This sci-fi/horror film has an exceptional cast that includes Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Oscar Isaac, and Natalie Portman. It follows a biologist as she seeks to discover what happened to her husband. The budget for the film and its gross revenue were nearly a match, which is never good news for a film's debut. Nevertheless, The New York Times reported in 2023 that the film had made a comeback, thanks to streaming services.
3. The Nice Guys (2016)
Released in 2016, this film brought in a total of $71.26M throughout the globe. The budget for the film was $50M. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 91% Tomatometer rating and today, you can watch it on multiple streaming platforms.
4. The BFG (2016)
The budget for this heartwarming film was $140M. Worldwide, it grossed only $195.2M. Though box office sales didn't match the grand spirit of the film, it has captured audiences on streaming services, including on Disney+, where you can watch it with a simple subscription.
5. Cloud Atlas (2012)
To bring this film to the silver screen, the budget was $128.5M. Unfortunately, it barely grossed enough to cover the cost of making it and brought in $130.5M worldwide. This was an epic fail, but with enough time, audiences have come to realize this film's true glory. It's available on multiple streaming sites, some free with a subscription, and some with a low cost to rent.
6. Dredd (2012)
The lead-up to the release of this film was promising, but come opening day, it tanked. The budget was somewhere between $30 and $45M, and it only brought in $41M. With an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie is now available to viewers across a broad array of streaming platforms.
7. Jennifer's Body (2009)
This film nearly doubled its original budget of $16M, but even that wasn't enough to save it at the time. It was considered a failure upon its release. Over time, it gained a cult following.
8. Speed Racer (2008)
There were high hopes during the making of this film. It had a budget of $120M, but worldwide, it grossed only $93.9M. Reviewers on IMDb praise its visuals and its ability to find the balance between suspenseful and touching moments.
9. The Assassination of Jesse James (2007)
When you put Brad Pitt in a film, it makes sense to have high hopes. Surprisingly, the budget for this film far exceeded its global revenue. Redditors have come together to praise the film in recent years, calling it one of the best movies they've seen over the last two decades.
10. Treasure Planet (2002)
Yet another astronomical failure, this film grossed $30M less than its budget. It was confusing at the time, considering it had received positive reviews. Audiences seem to have felt some nostalgia as it is now considered an underappreciated classic.
11. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
This film saw little success with a worldwide gross of $186M. If the budget hadn't been so high at $120M, it could have been a hit. Nevertheless, it's revived online and is available for viewing, including on Disney+.
12. Donnie Darko (2001)
Considered a niche film, Donnie Darko (2001) had a mere $4.5M budget. Unfortunately, it only grossed $7.5M after its release worldwide. Rotten Tomatoes gives it an 88% rating and 91% of Google users like the movie. It's available to stream on multiple networks, ensuring its one-of-a-kind story keeps getting told.
13. The Iron Giant (1999)
Warner Bros received backlash for the poor marketing of this film. Its budget was $50M and it only grossed a little over $31M, which made it a massive loss. It's a film that could have been forgotten in dusty boxes but thanks to streaming, audiences can appreciate this film for what it's always been.
14. Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
This is the kind of flop that hurts. The budget for this movie was somewhere between $19M and $25M. Sadly, it only grossed $11M. However, this action/comedy isn't forgotten. It's actively streaming on multiple platforms, including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
15. Blade Runner (1982)
Starring Harrison Ford, this film had a budget of about $30M and only made $41.7M at the box office. You can imagine the disappointment at the time. But like fine wine, it aged beautifully and is now considered a cult classic—one you can enjoy from the comfort of your home on your favorite streaming service.
