10 Best Box Office Bombs of 2024 So Far

As a cinephile who’s seen my fair share of films, I must say that the stories I just shared are as diverse as a box of colorful M&Ms, each with its unique flavor. Let me walk you through these celluloid delights from my perspective.

2024‘s movie earnings have brought quite a few unexpected twists. While we expected the Pixar sequel, “Inside Out 2,” to perform well, nobody could have guessed the heights it would reach by breaking records. The success of “Deadpool & Wolverine” was somewhat anticipated, but even this film managed to outperform previous R-rated movies in terms of record-breaking earnings in a short span of time. Year after year, some movie enthusiasts express concerns about the film industry drying up, only for a number of films to consistently demonstrate that cinema is far from dead.

Additionally, there are other movies that seem to fuel the concern that “cinema-going has become a thing of the past.” For instance, films like Madame Web received poor reviews from both critics and viewers, barely managing to sell more tickets than the money they spent on production. Similarly, Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 was met with a muted response upon release and earned only half of its budget.

Generally speaking, many people believe that these flop movies earned their poor performance at the box office. Yet, it’s possible that some didn’t get a chance to shine. Here’s a list of 10 films that merit another viewing.

10 Lisa Frankenstein

Zelda Williams, daughter of the famed actor Robin Williams who passed away, makes her directorial debut with the film titled Lisa Frankenstein. The movie is set in the ’80s and tells the story of Lisa, a teenager who’s grappling with the aftermath of her mother’s violent death. After being attacked at a party, Lisa finds solace in the local cemetery. In an unexpected turn of events, when a bolt of lightning strikes, an unusual bond forms.

In the Original’s Shadow?

The movie “Lisa Frankenstein” was written by Diablo Cody, who also penned the film “Jennifer’s Body”. According to Cody, these two movies belong to the same cinematic universe. Given the renewed interest in “Jennifer’s Body” and a relatively low budget of $13 million, one might expect “Lisa Frankenstein” to do moderately well financially. However, it only managed to earn approximately $10 million at the box office.

Similar to its forerunner, it possesses a touch of kitsch and humor that might not resonate with all audiences. Nevertheless, Lisa Frankenstein demonstrates a strong first effort by Williams.

Stream on Prime Video

9 Mothers’ Instinct

Mothers’ Instinct is the second movie adaptation, following the 2018 French version, based on the 2012 novel with the same title. In this film, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain take on leading roles. The narrative centers around Alice (Chastain) and Céline (Hathaway), neighbors in the ’60s, who both have sons of the same age and husbands with demanding jobs. However, their daily routines are drastically altered when a decision made by Alice results in the tragic death of Céline’s son.

A Non-Meandering Character Study

In this film, Chastain and Hathaway share the role of producers, demonstrating their strong commitment to conveying this tale effectively. As the audience follows the narrative, they find themselves sympathizing with Céline one moment, Alice the next, and then neither of them at times. This movie will undoubtedly ignite debates about who bears the blame for the son’s demise, or if it was merely an unfortunate accident.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel let down that the budget for “Mothers’ Instinct” didn’t surpass $3 million. Despite its limited theatrical run, this film truly deserves a chance to shine on streaming platforms.

Rent on Apple TV

8 The Fall Guy

The Fall Guy features Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in a thrilling action-comedy setting. The story revolves around Colt Seavers (Gosling), a former stuntman who finds himself working on his ex-girlfriend Jody’s (Blunt) directorial project. However, Colt is taken aback when he discovers that Jody hadn’t sanctioned his employment and the film’s main actor, Tom Ryder, has mysteriously vanished.

In my humble opinion as a film critic, following the colossal success of Ryan Gosling’s last year’s blockbuster Barbie, I anticipated that his latest project would be another box office sensation. With the luminous Emily Blunt adding her star power and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who played Tom in previous films, gaining more recognition, I expected this movie to be a massive hit.

Too Loose with the Cash

It seems like the high budget for The Fall Guy, estimated at $125-$150 million, might have been excessive considering it only earned $178 million. In comparison, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which was released in 2024 and had a more modest budget of $100 million (with two well-known actors), performed exceptionally well that year. Despite the potential financial missteps, The Fall Guy is an entertaining film featuring impressive acting performances, making it worth watching when it becomes available for streaming.

Rent on Apple TV

7 Argylle

In the novel titled Argylle, Elly Conway is a renowned author, recognized for her spy novels, particularly those from the Argylle series. During a trip to visit her parents, she is unexpectedly rescued from an attack by a genuine spy. It transpires that the events described in Elly’s novels have a prophetic quality, and a group known as the Division seeks to seize her for their own purposes.

The movie boasts a star-studded lineup including Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua Lipa, and John Cena, as well as several other notable actors. One would expect it to be a box office success.

A Fun, Silly Time

With a budget of $200 million, scaling that financial mountain proved too steep for Argylle. Regrettably, it barely scratched the surface at the box office, failing to reach even $100 million. Critics largely panned it. But for those seeking an amusing, light-hearted experience veering into the realm of parody, Argylle offers a delightful viewing experience.

The plot twists keep the audience engaged and the ensemble cast is a treat, even those with less acting experience. Is it Oscar-worthy? Absolutely not. But movie night worthy? One-hundred percent.

6 The Bikeriders

The Bikeriders

A Quiet Release

As a cinephile, I’ve noticed that some movies on this list were unexpected flops, while others performed as expected. Unfortunately, there was barely any hype surrounding “The Bikeriders” before or after its release. Word-of-mouth can be lethal for films, but in this case, it seemed non-existent. The film had a budget of approximately $40 million and managed to gross only $35.5 million at the box office.

Austin Butler, the actor portraying Benny, consistently proves why he’s often highlighted in “ones to watch” lists, with his outstanding performance. The storyline occasionally veers towards excessive drama, but overall, it offers an engrossing glimpse into the world of Midwestern motorcycle culture.

Stream on Peacock

5 IF

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the versatility of actor John Krasinski, who has been steadily expanding his creative horizons into the realm of directorial work. His latest masterpiece, titled “IF,” is a captivating blend of fantasy and comedy that tells the heartwarming story of Bea, a twelve-year-old girl whose world is turned upside down when her father needs open-heart surgery. Having tragically lost her mother, the prospect of losing her father is an unbearable fear.

A Comfort Watch

Initially, the general feeling when the trailers were released was that it would turn out to be an unoriginal, cheesy film, leading many to steer clear of it. However, despite this prediction, it didn’t bomb completely as it managed to earn $190 million (albeit on a budget of $110 million), but it fell short of the expectations for a movie featuring Chris Pratt and Ryan Reynolds in the lead roles.

Although it doesn’t offer any unexpected twists, this film is delightfully uplifting and ideal for those seeking a morale boost. Its impressive viewership statistics on streaming platforms prove that it has found its niche audience.

Stream on Paramount+

4 Cuckoo

As a film enthusiast, I find myself captivated by the enigmatic tale of “Cuckoo.” The story follows me, a teenager named Gretchen, who relocates to Germany to reside with my late mother’s partner and his new brood, following her demise. Though the Bavarian Alps offer breathtaking panoramas, there’s an eerie atmosphere that hangs over this town and the hotel we’re helping to construct.

Why It’s Worth a Second Look

Originally intended as a specialized movie, “Cuckoo” had a budget of approximately $7 million, unfortunately only managing to recoup around $5.5 million from ticket sales. In the style of an engaging mystery, it’s hard to tell who is trustworthy in this film, whether it’s Herr, Gretchen’s family, or even the townspeople. Suspicion falls on everyone as they investigate the peculiar occurrences that befall our main character. Moreover, the movie doesn’t rely solely on its horror elements to captivate audiences. The backstory of Gretchen’s mother and the significance of the film’s title in their relationship provide “Cuckoo” with an extra layer of emotional resonance.

3 Ordinary Angels

Ordinary Angels is a heartwarming drama based on real events that unfolded during a harsh winter in the ’90s. The story centers around Sharon Stevens, a hairdresser who jointly owns a salon in Louisville, Kentucky, portrayed by Hilary Swank. When Sharon hears about a seriously ill girl who’s lost her mother, she feels compelled to lend a hand. Despite her own personal struggles, which she often tries to drown out with heavy drinking, Sharon is resolute in rallying her entire community together to aid the young girl before time runs out.

A Quiet Film

Surprisingly, the film Ordinary Angels, which cost $13 million to produce, didn’t become a major box office hit as many had hoped. Even doubling its investment would have been considered successful, but it only managed to earn $20 million. In a competitive movie market filled with action-packed films and grand concepts, this one struggled to stand out. However, Swank delivered an exceptional performance that truly captured Sharon’s essence.

Stream on Starz

2 Love Lies Bleeding

1989 serves as the setting for the gripping thriller, “Love Lies Bleeding“. The story revolves around Lou, a former member of a criminal family, who now manages a gym. Her tranquil life is disrupted when the FBI quizzes her about her father’s illicit activities. However, Lou finds solace when she encounters a bodybuilder named Jackie, who is preparing for a competition. In an attempt to help Jackie excel, Lou offers her performance-enhancing substances. This action sets in motion their turbulent relationship and draws Lou back into the realm of criminal activity.

Here for a Good Time

24 is recognized for producing unconventional, creatively unique projects without solely depending on established intellectual properties. The film Love Lies Bleeding follows this trend. Each member of the principal cast brought a delightful energy to their characters – from Kristen Stewart, who portrays Lou, to Dave Franco, who played her brother-in-law in a smaller role. The dynamic between Lou and Jackie is poisonous, yet it’s hard for viewers to look away due to its intrigue.

Online, you won’t find the precise budget figure for Love Lies Bleeding, but Screen Daily estimates it to be significantly larger than Rose Glass’s initial film’s $2.5 million ($2m GBP). It has reportedly generated a revenue of $12.5 million, and it’s expected to reach its audience primarily through digital platforms.

Stream on Max

1 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

The film titled “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is the most recent addition to the Mad Max series. This movie serves as a prequel and an origin story for one of the coolest characters in this universe, Furiosa (portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy). We see Furiosa’s transformation from a clever and resilient child into a determined adult, fueled by her hatred for the warlord Dementus (played by Chris Hemsworth). As she grows older, her mission remains steadfast: to reclaim what Dementus and his minions have taken from her.

Not Just for Megafans

In contrast to the 2015 hit film, “Mad Max: Fury Road,” which was a financial triumph, the latest installment in the franchise, titled “Furiosa,”, faced challenges in attracting an audience, despite boasting stars like Taylor-Joy and Hemsworth. With a hefty budget of $168 million, typically associated with blockbuster films, it managed to make only slightly over $172 million at the box office.

For those unfamiliar with the Mad Max series backstory, this is a well-crafted watch that offers an intriguing world and amusing scenes by Hemsworth. While prior knowledge of the franchise can enrich the viewing experience, it isn’t essential to enjoy this film as an addition to the post-apocalyptic genre.