10 Underrated Fantasy Films That Flopped at the Box Office

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For lovers of fantasy movies, discovering satisfying films may prove challenging due to the genre’s tendency to excel or fall short dramatically. Crafting compelling fantasy stories requires careful world-building and character development, a task that can be tricky to execute flawlessly. If viewers fail to connect initially, it becomes difficult to win them over. Despite its growing popularity in television and film, if a story veers too far into the strange or bizarre, it might not resonate with audiences.

Even though some exceptional fantasy movies may not succeed at the box office when first released, they can still enjoy a resurgence, much like certain characters from these films. A disappointing theater performance for a fantasy film, even one distributed by well-known companies such as A24 or Studio Ghibli, does not necessarily mean it will be overlooked forever. It might find renewed life on streaming platforms, or in the past, on VHS or DVD. A low opening doesn’t dictate a film’s ultimate fate. While a strong debut can certainly help, there is always the possibility that a fantasy movie, if it’s truly worthy, will eventually be discovered by audiences. There are numerous instances of fantasy films initially failing to connect, but they are actually worthwhile movies that viewers should look for.

10
‘Beautiful Creatures’ (2013)

A gothic romance film set in the Deep South, titled “Beautiful Creatures,” didn’t resonate with audiences when it was released in 2013. The movie is adapted from a novel published four years prior, and revolves around the story of Lena Duchannes (played by Alice Englert) and her relationship with Ethan Wate (portrayed by Alden Ehrenreich). Lena’s family are casters, or witches, and on her 16th birthday, she will fully manifest her magical powers, and must choose between embracing dark or light forces.

The film brought in approximately $60.1 million at the box office, which was around its production budget of $50-$60 million. This suggests it didn’t make back what was spent on making it. However, it offers an enjoyable teen romance with decent special effects – not the best movie ever, but certainly worth watching. The reason for this is a fantastic cast including Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum, Emma Thompson, Rachel Brosnahan, and Thomas Mann. On a laid-back Sunday or a rainy Saturday, there are far less engaging movies to choose from.

9
‘Highlander’ (1986)

During the era of popular fantasy and science fiction films such as The Terminator, E.T., The Thing, among others, studios were eagerly searching for the next big fantasy movie. Released in 1986, when Top Gun, Crocodile Dundee, and Platoon reigned supreme at the box office, Highlander struggled to find its place. Sadly, audiences didn’t warm up to the storyline as much as they did to other films of that year. The movie, set in both the 16th century and the present day, follows Connor MacLeod (played by Christopher Lambert) as he battles Clancy Brown’s character, The Kurgan, who seeks “The Prize.

In an unexpected turn of events, Sean Connery portrays an immortal Egyptian who tutors MacLeod in swordsmanship and prepares him for combat against The Kurgan. Despite a modest box office revenue of $12.8M on a budget of $19M, the film garnered massive popularity on home video and has led to four sequels. It’s unclear what exactly makes this movie enjoyable, but it can be a bit disorganized. Nevertheless, the fights are inventive, and if you can overlook the plot inconsistencies from the 1980s, there’s a sense of nostalgia to be found. Given that it has spawned numerous spin-offs, one might question its quality. Interestingly, a new reboot featuring Henry Cavill is now in production.

8
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)

When someone mentions a cult movie, they could very well be referring to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. This iconic film has been around for 50 years and is still playing in cinemas today, making it the longest-running film in history. Its longevity is due to the policy of 20th Century Fox, which allows any archived movies to be screened in theaters whenever desired. Because of its cult following, theaters regularly show this movie on a monthly basis.

However, just because it didn’t have a grand premiere doesn’t necessarily mean it was successful from the start. It initially played in small theaters in London and the U.S., eventually making an appearance during midnight screenings. In those days, Fox had a trend of double feature showcases late at night, and “Rocky Horror” managed to find its audience through this format. The film is a musical with Tim Curry portraying Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transgender scientist who aims to create a man and bring him to life, much like Dr. Frankenstein.

When Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick’s characters experience a car malfunction outside his grand mansion, Dr. Frank-N-Furter extends an invitation for them to spend the night. The events that follow are hard to put into words but are best experienced. Watching this unfold, especially among an enthusiastic crowd who sing “The Time Warp” in unison, will undoubtedly enhance the enjoyment of it.

7
‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)

Although Hocus Pocus wasn’t the largest bomb ever or anything near that, it managed only modest success at the box office. This could be due to its release timing. Released in July 1993, a time when Halloween hadn’t become as popular for movie releases as it is today, the film was set during Halloween. Executives thought it would be a good idea to capitalize on kids being off for summer, but it came out simultaneously with heavy hitters like Jurassic Park, In the Line of Fire, The Firm, and Free Willy. Hocus Pocus earned $53.2M at the box office (adjusted after its 2020 re-release), but it dropped off the top 10 list just two weeks later due to fierce competition.

In modern-day Salem, Massachusetts, the movie brings back to life Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters, who were once witches accused of witchcraft centuries ago. The trio attempts to reclaim their youth by stealing souls in today’s world, showcasing a humorous blend of ancient magic and contemporary life. The film features memorable characters, side-splitting jokes, and outstanding performances from the three leading actresses. A box office sensation, it was routinely shown on The Disney Channel and ABC during Halloween seasons. Now, a sequel has emerged in 2022.

6
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

Without a doubt, the enchanting fairy tale known as The Princess Bride didn’t quite dominate the box office like some other films. With earnings of $30 million, it fell short against its production budget of $16 million. Although it wasn’t a complete failure, with time, it has grown into an adored classic. Unfortunately, 20th Century Fox made a few marketing missteps, notably not releasing a trailer for the movie, which likely limited its widespread popularity.

As a fan, I must say that the marketing team portrayed this movie as a laugh-out-loud comedy rather than a captivating fantasy film, which was quite misleading and didn’t do the movie justice. However, director Rob Reiner wasn’t pleased with the marketing strategy, but it ultimately found massive success through home video rentals. What’s more, this film has become one of the most quoted movies ever made, making it an excellent choice for a comforting watch during sick days or any time you’re craving a good flick.

5
‘Labyrinth’ (1986)

In a world where David Bowie graces the screen, Jim Henson, the cherished creator of the Muppets, takes the director’s chair, and George Lucas serves as executive producer, one might assume a masterpiece is in store. However, when Labyrinth made its debut in 1986, it didn’t receive the warmest welcome from audiences. The movie is filled with puppets crafted by Henson’s company and a script penned by Terry Jones of Monty Python fame. With its eccentric ’80s vibe, it certainly feels like a relic of that decade for anyone who watches it today. Starring Bowie as the goblin king Jareth and Jennifer Connolly as Sarah, a girl on a quest to retrieve her baby brother by navigating a labyrinth, this film is indeed an unusual gem from the past.

Over time, this film has gained a reputation as a cult favorite due to repeated viewings by those who grew up with it. Additionally, its popularity soared on home video, reaching an expansive audience beyond its initial theatrical viewers, contributing to a global box office revenue of $34M despite a production budget of $25M. However, in the U.S., it fell short of expectations, earning only $12.9M. The film showcases some enchanting scenes and the unique creativity and aesthetic of Jim Henson, echoing his work seen in The Dark Crystal a few years prior.

4
‘Zathura’ (2005)

Following the extraordinary earnings of the 1995 blockbuster Jumanji, which raked in an impressive $262M at the box office, a follow-up film was launched a decade later. Known as Zathura: A Space Adventure, this movie hit screens in 2005 and was helmed by Jon Favreau, who was fresh off directing Elf and prior to his work on Iron Man. The film is an adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s book with the same title, serving as a sequel to his original novel, Jumanji. The movie revolves around two siblings who, unsurprisingly, stumble upon a game – you guessed it – a board game.

Instead of wreaking chaos throughout their town, their home is magically whisked away to outer space in this movie. The cast includes Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Kristen Stewart, Dax Shepard, and Tim Robbins. This film was well-received, making it an excellent choice for a family movie night with entertaining scenes and jokes for all ages. However, it didn’t quite reach the heights of the original, as it missed the charisma and audience appeal that a star like Robin Williams could bring. It grossed $65M at the box office, matching its production budget.

3
‘The Seventh Seal’ (1957)

Often praised as one of the finest fantasy movies ever made, The Seventh Seal was skillfully directed by Ingmar Bergman, a renowned Swedish filmmaker. In this production, Max von Sydow portrayed Antonius Block, a knight who had returned from the Crusades. Upon his arrival, he encounters Death, played by Bengt Ekerot, who proposes a game of chess to him. Recognizing that Death has come for him, Antonius consents to play, hoping that the game’s duration would prolong his life, allowing him to complete any tasks he desired before his eventual demise.

The movie carries a strong religious undertone, while its haunting black-and-white visuals make it a remarkable milestone for the mid-1950s cinema. Despite this, its global box office earnings were limited to just $311,212 during various screenings. Over the years, it has been re-released in 4K restoration format, gracing movie screens worldwide. This timeless film is a must-watch for cinephiles and fantasy admirers alike.

2
‘The Green Knight’ (2021)

David Lowery, an intriguing filmmaker known for collaborations with Disney, is not associated with a movie where a character conceals themselves under a cloth throughout. Instead, his work, titled “The Green Knight“, is adapted from the 14th-century poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”. In this film, Dev Patel portrays Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, who yearns for valor. He accepts a challenge against the Green Knight character, defeating him initially with a promise of a future duel at Christmas. The narrative follows Sir Gawain’s journey to the re-match, exploring the corrupting influence of fame.

This movie, beautifully directed by Lowery and boasting a standout performance from Patel, unfortunately didn’t perform well financially at the box office. It generated $20 million, which is less than its production budget of $15 million. Despite positive reviews from critics, the audience response was lukewarm. The film received an average grade of C+ from polled audiences. However, it garnered several nominations as one of the top independent films that year for various awards.

1
‘A Monster Calls’ (2016)

A film titled “A Monster Calls,” directed by J.A. Bayona, is a challenging proposition for any advertiser due to its heavy themes of death and grief. However, this movie stands as an impressive feat in the realm of cinema, skillfully blending complex subjects with stunning visual direction and animation. The story revolves around Conor, portrayed by Lewis MacDougall, who is grappling with his mother’s (Felicity Jones) terminal illness. As her health deteriorates, a tree near a church transforms into a monster, voiced by Liam Neeson. This Monster forms a bond with Conor while simultaneously encouraging him to confront his reality.

This underappreciated yet captivating movie boasts a visually striking quality. Unfortunately, it earned just $3.7 million at the U.S. box office and a total of $47.3 million globally, despite its production cost of $43 million. The actors, MacDougall, Sigourney Weaver, Liam Neeson, and Jones, deliver outstanding performances. This film is worth seeking out for many reasons; the mature themes it tackles in a thought-provoking manner are truly remarkable.

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2025-04-03 04:03