10 ’70s Box Office Flops That Shockingly Became Cult Classics

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The 1970s were rich with timeless movies that garnered success upon release, such as “Planet of the Apes,” “Jaws,” “The Godfather,” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” However, just like any other era in cinema, the 1970s had its fair share of failures. These films didn’t perform as well as anticipated at the box office, transforming them from blockbusters into disappointments instead. It could be that the movie was critically panned and alienated audiences. Alternatively, its commercial failure might have been due to production problems or unforeseen external events. Lastly, it’s possible that the film was simply ahead of its time.

In certain instances, a movie might receive unfavorable reviews from critics and struggle financially when it first hits theaters. However, some viewers may find charm in its unique qualities, leading to its status as a cult classic down the line. Here are ten films from the 1970s that initially flopped at the box office but have since been cherished as cult favorites.

10
‘Winter Kills’ (1979)

The film titled “Winter Kills” is a blend of dark humor and satire. Originally based on the 1974 novel of the same name by Richard Condon, it was rumored to have been produced by the Mafia. Seventeen years following the fictional murder of President Timothy Kegan, Nick Kegan (played by Jeff Bridges), finds himself entangled in a plot surrounding the circumstances of his half-brother’s assassination.

The plotline of the movie was influenced by President John F. Kennedy and the speculations surrounding his unexpected death. Despite being well-received by critics, the movie “Winter Kills” suffered due to its restricted theater release, leading to poor box office earnings. It managed to earn only slightly more than a million dollars, while its production budget was $6.5 million. Simultaneously, its limited distribution and overall quality contributed to the development of a devoted fan base for “Winter Kills”.

9
‘The Friends of Eddie Coyle’ (1973)

The movie titled “The Friends of Eddie Coyle” falls under the neo-noir crime genre, which was quite prevalent in the 1970s. Based on George V. Higgins’ novel of the same name, it tells the story of a minor player in Boston’s Irish mob. However, contrary to its title, Eddie Coyle does not actually have any friends at all.

Despite receiving favorable reviews, scoring a high 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film “The Friends of Eddie Coyle” did not manage to recoup its production costs at the box office upon release in 1973. However, it has since gained cult status and is often hailed as one of the best crime films from the 1970s by critics and enthusiasts alike.

8
‘Night Moves’ (1975)

Under a Different “Night Moves” is another gripping neo-noir mystery. This film was helmed by Arthur Penn, renowned for his direction of the 1967 hit “Bonnie and Clyde.” In “Night Moves,” Gene Hackman plays a private investigator from Los Angeles who’s employed by a former actress to locate her missing teenage daughter.

The movie garnered praise from critics, with Hackman even earning a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor. Unfortunately, Night Moves didn’t fare well commercially when it was first released. However, through time and home media releases, it has gained viewers and cultivated a devoted fanbase, becoming something of a cult classic.

7
‘Phantom of the Paradise’ (1974)

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that Phantom of the Paradise is a captivating blend of comedy, horror, and rock musical genres. In this whimsical tale, a disfigured composer, in his desperation for love, strikes a fateful deal with the devil. However, heartbreak ensues when he’s deceived by a ruthless record mogul, who exploits the composer’s music to launch his own extravagant rock venue, The Paradise.

The movie known as “Phantom of the Paradise” was crafted by Brian De Palma, who is also responsible for movies like “Scarface,” “Carrie,” and “Mission: Impossible.” Despite earning an Academy Award nomination for its music, this film received negative reviews from critics and failed to perform well at the box office. However, over time, its reputation has grown significantly, transforming into a cherished cult favorite among audiences.

6
‘The Black Hole’ (1979)

Disney became quite excited about tapping into the sci-fi craze following the cultural explosion of Star Wars in 1977. Two years down the line, they unveiled their own offering – The Black Hole. This film is set in a future timeframe and tells the tale of a research vessel venturing towards a black hole, where it encounters a missing ship under the command of an enigmatic scientist.

At a combined production and advertising cost of $26 million (a substantial sum back then), Disney’s movie titled “The Black Hole” was their most expensive film. This high budget made it challenging for the film to earn enough money to cover its costs, as it ended up being a domestic box office flop, earning only $35.8 million. However, over time, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase among science fiction enthusiasts who argue that it surpasses even “Star Wars” in quality.

5
‘The Long Goodbye’ (1973)

The Long Goodbye is a humorous, modern-day detective mystery. This story unfolds in 1970s Hollywood and follows Elliott Gould portraying the legendary private investigator, Philip Marlowe. In this tale, Marlowe unwillingly becomes involved in a case when his friend and the woman he loves mysteriously meet their untimely demises. Additionally, an unrecognized Arnold Schwarzenegger makes a brief appearance in the movie.

Despite having a modest production budget of $1.7 million, “The Long Goodbye” struggled to earn a million dollars at the cinema. Today, it is considered a cult favorite and is widely acclaimed as one of the finest screen interpretations of Philip Marlowe’s character.

4
‘Sorcerer’ (1977)

Beware, the title may lead you astray; “Sorcerer” isn’t a fantasy-adventure movie as one might think. Instead, it’s an action-packed thriller helmed by director William Friedkin. The story revolves around four individuals hailing from various regions, who dare to transport volatile explosives through treacherous Latin American jungles. Initially planned as a modest production, Friedkin decided on a more grandiose approach. The film’s cost soared to an impressive $22 million, necessitating the involvement of two major movie studios for distribution.

The movie “Sorcerer” initially struggled both critically and financially, earning just $9 million globally. Coincidentally, it was launched concurrently with the blockbuster sensation “Star Wars,” which left “Sorcerer” in George Lucas’ shadow. Over time, however, “Sorcerer” has garnered renewed appreciation from critics. What was once considered a cult classic is now regarded as an underestimated masterpiece. As Williams Friedkin had anticipated, “Sorcerer” ultimately proved to be his greatest work.

3
‘Harold and Maude’ (1971)

The film “Harold and Maude” stands out among romantic black comedies due to its unconventional narrative. It tells the story of Harold, a 20-something-year-old individual, who forms an unexpected friendship, later blossoming into a romantic relationship, with Maude, a woman in her late 70s. Let’s discuss the intriguing age difference between the two characters.

Initially, the movie “Harold and Maude” flopped both commercially and critically upon its release in 1971. However, it wasn’t until 13 years later, in 1983, that the film managed to make a profit for the first time. Today, the film is considered a cult classic, and modern reevaluations have given it more favorable critical reviews. Currently, “Harold and Maude” boasts an impressive 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

2
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)

The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is well-known as a beloved cult film in the world of cinema. This movie combines elements of horror, comedy, and musical genres, offering an eclectic soundtrack that mirrors these diverse styles. Initially, it was viewed as a commercial flop upon its initial release. However, its popularity grew over time, particularly through midnight screenings where viewers would don costumes inspired by the film’s characters and engage in its musical performances. The dedicated fanbase has embraced the movie’s campy style, theatrical elements, controversial themes, and larger-than-life characters, most notably Dr. Frank-N-Furter, portrayed iconically by Tim Curry, a transvestite scientist.

From its debut in 1975, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has cultivated a passionate and enduring fanbase, transforming into a lasting cultural icon. To this very day, it is still shown in select theaters, particularly during Halloween, boosting its box office earnings to an impressive $116 million.

1
‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)

The film “Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory” is adapted from Roald Dahl’s well-known children’s book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Following the discovery of a golden ticket, Charlie and four other fortunate kids receive an invitation to explore the enigmatic and marvelous chocolate factory owned by Willy Wonka. Gene Wilder delivers an unforgettable portrayal as the peculiar candy maker in one of his most memorable roles.

You might find it surprising to know that “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” didn’t perform well financially at first, earning just $4 million compared to its production cost of $3 million. However, its popularity grew through television broadcasts and home video sales over the years, eventually becoming a hit. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the most cherished family films in existence, going beyond being merely a cult classic.

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2025-04-06 01:32