10 Box Office Bombs From the 2010s That Became Cult Classics

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The 2010s stood out as a captivating period in cinema history. Characterized by the prevalence of blockbuster franchise films at theaters and the emergence of popular streaming platforms, numerous box office hits were unveiled during this timeframe.

To this very day, films like “Avengers: Endgame”, “Avengers: Infinity War”, “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens”, and “Jurassic World” continue to rank among the highest-earning movies ever made. Meanwhile, remakes of “The Lion King” and sequels for “Frozen” and “Frozen II” have broken numerous records within the animated film genre.

Not every film launched into theaters achieved blockbuster success; some were box office disappointments instead. It’s worth noting that various factors can lead to a movie flopping at the box office, and these aren’t always related to its quality. While some films resonate with viewers instantly upon release, others might take time to find their audience or discover their unique appeal.

2010s treasures that eventually gained a devoted following, often discovered later through streaming platforms or DVD purchases, have left an unforgettable impression on viewers. They were cherished for their daring narratives, exceptional acting, and uniqueness. This collection honors those that dared to challenge the norm, growing in popularity over time until they became full-blown cult hits, despite initial flops at the box office.

10
‘Scott Pilgrim vs. The World’ (2010)

The movie “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” derived from Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel series, is an adored cult classic known for its quirky humor, stylish presentation, and accurate adaptation of the original content. Despite this popularity among fans, it failed to attract a significant audience at the box office, earning around $31 million compared to its production cost of about $80 million. This disappointing financial performance might have been influenced by its marketing strategy, which gave an impression of being a kids’ movie instead of the mature and genre-bending adventure that it actually was.

The UK Was a Different Story

In contrast to its U.S. release where it faced difficulties gaining an audience, the UK saw the film do comparatively well. This could be attributed to the British public’s admiration for its homegrown director, Edgar Wright. His past films such as “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” had already established a fanbase in the UK, paving the way for a more favorable response to “Scott Pilgrim.

9
‘Dredd’ (2012)

In the comic strip “Judge Dredd” from 2000 AD, the main character, named Dredd, enforces his tough law-keeping methods in a crime-infested skyscraper ruled by a dangerous drug lord. The narrative then unfolds into a raw and intense 90-minute sequence of violence, accompanied by a thumping industrial soundtrack.

‘Dredd’ Remains Faithful to Its Source Material

Following the less-than-favorable reception of Judge Dredd in 1995, starring Sylvester Stallone, many fans yearned for a big-screen adaptation that truly honored the beloved comic book character. Almost twenty years later, their longing was finally satisfied. The film, Dredd, retained the grim, serious, and intense atmosphere of its original setting with its rain-soaked urban dystopia. Karl Urban expertly portrayed the stoic and no-nonsense character that Dredd is known for in the comic books.

Although the movie, with an estimated production cost ranging from $30-$45 million, earned only $41.5 million, suggesting it likely didn’t recoup its costs. Most of its financial struggle can be attributed to ineffective marketing. As Karl Urban pointed out, the film suffered from a lack of awareness among audiences, with many unaware of its release. Essentially, the movie’s shortcomings seem to stem more from marketing failures rather than flaws in its production. However, positive word of mouth has helped it garner a following among fans of the character and those who appreciate dark, gritty action films.

8
‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017)

35 years after its groundbreaking debut, the sequel Blade Runner 2049 finds Ryan Gosling assuming the lead character K, a blade runner who stumbles upon a truth that could potentially disrupt society’s balance and the trajectory of civilization. Meanwhile, Harrison Ford and Edward James Olmos return to their roles from the original film as Rick Deckard and Gaff respectively.

In a nutshell, this futuristic cityscape offers a visually arresting yet melancholic beauty, the narrative keeps you pondering and hooked, the visual effects are mind-blowing, and the acting is top-notch, delivering everything diehard fans of the original could have wished for in an impressive follow-up.

‘Blade Runner 2049’ Followed a Similar Path to Its Predecessor

Initially, the classic film “Blade Runner” didn’t generate enough revenue at the box office to cover its production, advertising, and distribution expenses upon its release. Yet, today, it is widely regarded as a treasured masterpiece and a significant influence in the science fiction genre, having played a pivotal role in defining both neo-noir and cyberpunk styles.

Just like Blade Runner 2049, it initially struggled at the box office after receiving critical acclaim, yet in its post-theatrical phase, it has been gaining followers and is now recognized as a cult classic among sci-fi enthusiasts.

7
‘Sucker Punch’ (2011)

Under the guidance of director Zack Snyder, the film titled “Sucker Punch” revolves around a band of youthful females who employ fantastical, intricately choreographed dreamscapes and intense action sequences as a means to flee from their harsh realities. Unfortunately, this movie underperformed at the box office and received heavy criticism from critics, who argued that it objectified its female leads and considered its storyline to be confusing and aimless.

Was ‘Sucker Punch’ Misunderstood?

Without a doubt, “Sucker Punch” is one of the most visually stunning films from the 2010s. The advanced CGI continues to impress, the action scenes are thrilling and meticulously staged, and the cinematography is nothing short of beautiful, all contributing to the film’s growing cult popularity. It’s interesting to note that while its visual appeal has always been appreciated, the movie’s narrative has seen a reappraisal over time. Now, many viewers recognize not only its striking aesthetics and action sequences, but also its insights into trauma, power dynamics, and the desire to escape, making it more than just an action film.

6
‘The Nice Guys’ (2015)

As I sat down to catch the latest flick, “The Nice Guys” from 1977, I found myself drawn into the world of Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, two unlikely partners in an action-comedy adventure. Reluctantly joining forces, they embarked on a thrilling journey to unravel a baffling missing person’s case. Little did they know that this investigation would take them deep into the shady realm of the adult film industry, where they became ensnared in a complex web of corruption and brutality.

“The Nice Guys” stands out from other buddy cop films with its neo-noir aesthetic and sharp wit, making it a refreshing treat for critics and audiences alike.

‘The Nice Guys’ Faced Stiff Competition

Although it didn’t flop as badly as some other films on this list, it still earned just $62.8 million against a production budget of $50 million, and when marketing costs are factored in, it was a major letdown. Critics suggest that its performance could have been stronger if not for the simultaneous release of the highly anticipated movie “Neighbors 2,” which catered to the same demographic.

The distinctive tone, retro ’70s style, black humor, and adult content made it a favorite among fans of offbeat cinema, much like Shane Black’s earlier neo-noir masterpiece Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

5
‘Annihilation’ (2018)

The film titled “Annihilation” is a thought-provoking science fiction thriller directed by Alex Garland. It narrates the journey of a team of researchers venturing into a peculiar, mutated landscape teeming with bizarre creatures and puzzling ecological transformations. As they delve deeper, the twisted nature of this world gradually affects their mental stability, revealing shocking secrets about their environment and personal identities.

‘Annihilation’s Ambition May Have Been Its Financial Downfall

Exploring heavy topics of self-annihilation, identity change, transformation, and the enigmatic unknown, Annihilation is rich in symbolism and metaphors. This depth might resonate more with dedicated sci-fi aficionados than casual cinema-goers, even given its substantial budget.

4
‘Under the Skin’ (2014)

Beneath the Surface: In this film, Scarlett Johansson plays an alien disguised as a woman who wanders through Scotland, enticing men into her lethal trap. However, as she encounters human feelings and develops more of a sense of self, complications arise. Despite receiving favorable critiques from critics, the movie didn’t strike a chord with general viewers, resulting in its failure to recover production costs at the box office.

‘Under the Skin’ Adopts a Minimalistic Approach to Its Storytelling

Through heavy emphasis on visual narration and eerie sound effects, the film “Under the Skin” offers a puzzling plotline and sparse dialogue usage, creating a disconcerting and occasionally demanding viewing experience for viewers accustomed to action-packed sci-fi movies common in Hollywood. Despite its initial lack of success at the box office, it gradually garnered a devoted fanbase among those more receptive to its art-house style and who appreciated it as the deep, immersive encounter it was designed to be.

3
‘The Master’ (2012)

As suggested by the beliefs of Scientology, the movie titled The Master presents the narrative of Freddie Quell, a former Navy sailor during World War II, grappling with finding purpose and order in the post-war era. In his quest for meaning, he encounters an alluring cult leader who befriends him and initiates him into their organization.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson Cites ‘The Master’ as His Favorite Film He Has Made

Under the captivating acting prowess of Oscar-nominated actors Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman, “The Master” delves deep into the intricacies of power, devotion, and human mentality. It sheds light on significant themes such as cults and their complex power structures, in addition to PTSD and post-war detachment.

Unlike typical Hollywood films, “The Master” doesn’t provide solutions or simple answers. Instead, it delves into psychological aspects of its themes, encouraging viewers to draw their own conclusions. Its unique narrative style and lengthy running time might have been off-putting for some, potentially impacting its performance at the box office. Nevertheless, film enthusiasts, scholars, and devoted followers of Anderson appreciate “The Master” as a cinematic masterpiece from contemporary cinema.

2
‘Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping’ (2016)

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, penned and acted by the witty musical comedy group The Lonely Island, follows the tale of a pop star named Kid Conner as he chases solo superstardom following his departure from The Style Boyz. This mockumentary brilliantly skewers the music industry and celebrity lifestyle, earning acclaim from critics. Despite underperforming at the box office, it has amassed a devoted fanbase.

‘Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping’ Brings ‘Spinal Tap’ Into the 21st Century

Drawing heavy influence from the legendary mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap“, the film “Popstar” amplifies everything that made the original so timeless to an 11. Whereas “Spinal Tap” satirically deconstructed rock bands of the ’70s and ’80s, “Popstar” reimagines this concept for the contemporary era, targeting modern pop, hip-hop, and the celebrity scene that’s been molded by social media.

Despite not achieving the financial triumph initially expected, Popstar has garnered a substantial dedicated fanbase over time, reminiscent of Spinal Tap’s cult following in earlier days.

1
‘Hugo’ (2011)

As a cinephile, I must say that Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, “Hugo,” swept me off my feet. This enchanting family adventure takes you on a heartwarming journey with a young protagonist who embarks on an exciting quest to uncover the secrets behind his late father’s mysterious automaton.

Critics were smitten by this film, bestowing it with a remarkable 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and showering it with five well-deserved Academy Awards. If you’re in search of a visually stunning and emotionally captivating cinematic experience, “Hugo” should certainly be at the top of your watchlist.

‘Hugo’ Is Martin Scorsese’s Love Letter to the Art of Cinema

Incorporating numerous references to films from earlier eras, Hugo functions as a tribute to the world of cinema and emphasizes the significance of maintaining historical movies. The work of groundbreaking filmmaker George Méliès is pivotal within the narrative. Yet, despite being promoted as a child’s adventure movie, many viewers may have missed these subtleties. It was reportedly expensive to produce at $170 million and, unfortunately, the movie was a significant financial flop for Scorsese with GK Films.

Over time, Hugo has built up a devoted fanbase consisting of people who, like Scorsese, cherish the enchantment of film and value the movie’s daring and captivating narrative.

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2025-03-23 20:03