Predicting The Biggest Box Office Bombs Of 2026

In the bygone era of Tinseltown, the movie scene bore little resemblance to its contemporary form: A meager number of films were unveiled each month, with only a limited number of studios boasting the capacity to distribute blockbusters across the nation. Movies often remained in cinemas for extended periods, sometimes even years, which enabled blockbusters like “Gone with the Wind” to accumulate colossal sums over time, making it challenging to forecast box office earnings prior to their release.

Nowadays, predicting a movie’s success or failure at the box office has turned into a specialized field, and more often than not, it seems easier to forecast which movies might underperform. It’s important to note that these predictions aren’t always accurate, but with an increasing number of films being released each year and trends in audience preferences becoming more discernible, it can be entertaining and challenging to guess which films will flop.

Moving forward to the next year, there are several movies we believe fit this description. Let’s delve into them now… and do remember to revisit us in 2026 to find out how accurate our predictions were.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

The movie titled “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” set for release in June 2026, may encounter some challenges on its path to box office success. To begin with, it was deemed risky upon announcement, receiving a “poor fit” label from CBR. Moreover, viewers’ recollections of Supergirl on the big screen are tainted by past failures such as the 1986 film starring Helen Slater and the less-than-successful 2022 release, “The Flash,” featuring Sasha Calle who differed significantly from previous portrayals. Add to that a relatively unpopular TV series in recent years, and it seems enthusiasm for this movie may be limited beyond devoted DC fans.

The fate of the movie might be influenced significantly by how well James Gunn’s “Superman” performs at the box office. Interest in the David Corenswet-led film appears to have waned, and even if it manages a moderate success (rather than becoming a blockbuster), it could mean trouble for “Supergirl.” Furthermore, rumors suggest that the budget for “Woman of Tomorrow” might reach as high as $225 million, which could make achieving any level of box office success quite challenging. While “Superman” benefits from James Gunn’s reputation as writer and director, “Supergirl,” directed by Craig Gillespie, has the drawback of his previous film, “Dumb Money,” being a significant failure. For now, we remain skeptical about its prospects.

Clayface

Is it possible we’re anticipating two DC films to underperform in 2026? Well, it could be. “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” might struggle due to its massive budget and unoriginal feel. On the other hand, “Clayface” is encountering a distinct challenge. It’s another Batman project without Batman himself, and it seems that fans are more excited about meeting the DC Universe’s new Dark Knight rather than watching standalone adventures of his villains instead.

As a diehard fan, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about the upcoming standalone movie, “Clayface.” After all, even the highly acclaimed series, “The Penguin,” faced its fair share of doubts at first, despite being an offshoot from a blockbuster film. However, unlike “The Penguin” with its extended season-long run and positive reviews that attracted a massive audience, “Clayface” only has one chance to make an impact – right out of the gate.

What makes this even more challenging is the timing of its release. It’s set to debut just a few weeks after the latest “Insidious” film, which might attract a similar horror audience. To add to the pressure, another as-yet-unannounced Disney release is slated for just a week later. If this turns out to be a new MCU entry or a major franchise film, “Clayface” could struggle to make its mark amidst such stiff competition.

Absolutely, one of the key advantages of “Clayface” is that it’s expected to be a more budget-friendly film compared to many other comic book movies. With Mike Flanagan at the helm, the production cost is estimated to be around $40 million, which isn’t a large sum and could potentially lead to success. However, as a dark superhero horror movie, it might not draw in a large enough audience to prevent it from being a box office disappointment.

Moana

In recent times, anticipating Disney’s live-action adaptations has been quite challenging: While the much-criticized “The Lion King” raked in a billion dollars despite fan and critic backlash, the highly anticipated, big-budget “Snow White” flopped at the box office, allegedly causing Disney to rethink a remake of “Tangled.” However, “Moana” boasts one significant advantage: It features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising his voice role from the original animated version.

The issue with “Moana” is that it appears as though another film in the series isn’t essential, given that most of Disney’s recent live-action adaptations have been classic films from decades past. However, the original “Moana” was only released about nine years ago, and a sequel to it came out not long ago. Initially intended for streaming on Disney+ as an animated series, the sequel (featuring Johnson reprising his voice role) has since been moved to a theatrical release, hitting cinemas in November 2024. The positive aspect? “Moana 2” was incredibly successful at the box office, grossing over a billion dollars. But, it remains to be seen if audiences will attend a live-action adaptation or prefer another animated installment instead.

Likewise, The Rock hasn’t had a box office success in cinemas for some time now. His last undisputed victory was “Jumanji: The Next Level” back in 2019, but both “Black Adam” and “Red One” failed to impress. If he’s not pulling in the crowds, it could be challenging to make this remake a financial success, especially if the budget is as high as recent live-action remakes like “Mulan,” which reportedly cost up to $300 million, making it difficult to generate a profit.

Shiver

In November 2026, Sony is set to debut the indie horror flick titled “Shiver,” helmed by Tommy Wirkola who penned and directed it. If his name doesn’t ring a bell, that’s understandable since he hasn’t been active in the U.S. scene for quite some time. However, you might remember him as the director of “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters,” a film that may not inspire much confidence. His previous work? The CGI-animated adult comedy centered around sex, “Spermageddon.” Yes, you read that correctly.

As a gamer, I must confess that the narrative Wirkola has crafted this time around feels quite distinct, yet to me, it seems to lack the finesse of an Asylum original. It follows a band of villagers in a coastal town as they battle against an unnatural influx of sharks, which appear post-catastrophic storm. Had there been a renowned director or a star-studded cast associated with it, I might have given it a second look. However, considering its current state, I’m not convinced that it would make the cut for my “must-watch” list.

Although there’s a chance it might resemble director Wirkola’s previous live-action production, such as the action-filled holiday movie “Violent Night” starring David Harbour, which had moderate earnings – this is not our forecast for its outcome.

Mercy

2026 brings us an upcoming science fiction thriller titled “Mercy,” set to feature Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson in the lead roles. This film is a cyberpunk detective story, though specifics about its conclusion remain under wraps. It’s been suggested that it may resemble movies like “Blade Runner” and series such as “Altered Carbon.” However, this similarity could be cause for concern, given that sci-fi detective stories tend to face difficulties at the box office – both “Blade Runner” films experienced financial struggles despite positive critiques.

What’s more relevant to us, at least for now, is focusing on the creative team behind the film. Director Timur Bekmambetov has had only one success in the U.S., which was the action movie “Wanted” from 2006. The majority of his work is in Russia, with his other two American productions being the disappointing “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” and the ill-fated 2016 remake of “Ben-Hur.

It could raise some eyebrows to see Chris Pratt, a well-known actor, on this list given his success in franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy. However, beyond those series, Pratt’s recent projects have faced criticism. For instance, the Netflix original “Electric State” was heavily panned by critics, and even though “The Tomorrow War” and “Passengers” managed to turn a profit despite negative reviews, it seems that the upcoming film “Mercy” might not be enough to return Pratt to the list of box office hits.

Resident Evil

Is it really unexpected to find “Resident Evil” among the predicted flops at the box office? Given that it’s a reboot or supposedly a new franchise, it’s likely audiences will struggle to differentiate it from the established series with its six underwhelming films featuring Milla Jovovich. To make matters worse, this isn’t even the first time “Resident Evil” has been rebooted – Hannah John-Kamen stepped into the lead role for “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City” a few years back, and the outcome was less than appealing, landing itself on our list of the most significant flops that year.

The new movie is still largely unknown, but rumors suggest Austin Abrams might take on a significant part. While we have no ill feelings towards this “Euphoria” actor, it’s questionable whether his presence alone would fill theaters, especially if Sony doesn’t plan to assemble a star-studded cast around him. Similarly, recent reboots like “The Crow,” “Hellraiser,” and “Hellboy” have underperformed, fueling our apprehensions. Unless the upcoming “Resident Evil” film delivers an exceptional trailer, it seems challenging to generate positive buzz. Even a strong performance and good reviews might not translate into substantial box office revenue due to several factors working against it.

Goat

Over the past decade, computer-generated imagery (CGI) films have emerged as blockbuster sensations, with numerous titles surpassing the $1 billion mark. Moreover, there are several more CGI movies set for release in 2026 that will likely generate substantial profits, including sequels to “Shrek,” “Ice Age,” and “Super Mario Bros.” However, non-sequel films could struggle, and a children’s sports comedy titled “Goat” may fail to see the light of day early in the year.

Steph Curry, an NBA legend, is set to release a film titled “Goat”. This basketball-themed animated movie will attempt to capitalize on the sports connection by premiering in cinemas during the same weekend as the NBA All-Star Game. The story revolves around a goat character who plays basketball. As of now, no big-name stars have been confirmed for the project, leaving room for potential surprises. However, history has shown that animated sports movies for children can be hit or miss; while classics like “Space Jam” exist, its sequel and other recent attempts such as “Everyone’s Hero” (2006) and “Soccer Football Movie” (2022) have not fared well.

Considering it isn’t based on an established brand, falls into a questionable niche of movies, and CGI-animated films have been facing challenges lately (with Pixar’s “Onward,” “Lightyear,” and “Soul” being box office disappointments), we predict that the movie “Goat” might encounter a similar destiny.

Mandalorian and Grogu

Goodness gracious!,” you might exclaim. How on earth could we foretell a flop for a movie spin-off of one of the most cherished sci-fi series from the past decade? It’s a valid query, but let me enlighten you. Indeed, “Star Wars” devotees are almost unanimous in their adoration for “The Mandalorian,” hailing it as the finest product to emerge since Disney took control of the galaxy far, far away. However, if you scrutinize it closely, there are a few red flags popping up.

In contrast to expectations, the latest season of “The Mandalorian,” released in 2023, received unfavorable feedback from audiences despite generally positive critical reviews. This response was a significant drop from Season 2’s impressive 93% score. Similarly, the spin-offs “Ahsoka” and “The Book of Boba Fett” did not win over fans either, with the latter receiving particularly negative reactions. Expanding the perspective to the entire franchise reveals more disappointments, as “The Acolyte” was met with resoundingly negative feedback from fans.

As a dedicated fan, I’m certainly hoping that Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni can guide The Mandalorian back to its initial brilliance of Season 1. However, with the current state of things, it’s hard not to feel a touch of doubt. If everything doesn’t fall into place perfectly, we might just be witnessing another “Star Wars” production that finds it challenging to captivate viewers.

Verity

Disney has some exciting releases lined up for May. The month begins with “Avengers: Doomsday” and concludes with “The Mandalorian & Grogu” on the 22nd. Both titles are highly anticipated, but it’s expected that “Doomsday” will dominate the box office during this period. The movies released in between face a challenging environment, with one of the affected films potentially being “Verity,” scheduled for release on May 15th, which coincides with an unannounced Universal blockbuster.

It seems the studio might view “Verity” as a contrast to “Avengers,” catering to viewers who typically pass on superhero films. However, the enduring popularity of “Avengers” suggests it appeals to a vast audience, encompassing both genders and all age groups. With its star-studded cast in “Doomsday,” it’s likely that trend will persist. Moreover, “Verity” doesn’t seem to have the unique appeal to generate its own devoted fanbase. This movie is actually a psychological thriller and dark romance featuring Josh Hartnett, Anne Hathaway, and Dakota Johnson. Notably, these actors haven’t led a successful film in quite some time, while director Michael Showalter isn’t renowned for producing financially successful movies.

Flowervale Street

In 2026, Anne Hathaway will be featured in three films, with our prediction leaning towards only one – “The Odyssey” directed by Christopher Nolan – being a hit. This movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, and Robert Pattinson. In contrast, her other film, titled “Flowervale Street,” primarily features lesser-known actors, although she will share the screen with Ewan McGregor.

The movie titled “Flowervale Street” is a science fiction drama that focuses on a suburban family who are at the center of mysterious occurrences. What raises concern, though, is their decision to establish the story in the 1980s, which seems like an effort to cash in on nostalgia. Frankly, we’re not hopeful it will rake in a significant amount of money, and that’s worrying given its current budget of $85 million. Granted, that’s not a large sum, but it implies the movie needs to earn more than an average profit to be successful.

The most significant concern, nonetheless, pertains to its creators: Bad Robot and filmmaker David Robert Mitchell. Bad Robot’s recent history has been marked by a series of missteps over the past decade, with only “The Rise of Skywalker” managing to generate substantial profits despite poor critical reception. On the other hand, Mitchell is primarily associated with “It Follows” and “Under the Silver Lake,” not the kind of resumé that suggests a film destined for box office success.

The Bride!

Combining a horror film with a musical often results in an unsuccessful production. This genre isn’t typically successful, with only a few exceptions like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which was initially a box office flop that unexpectedly spawned a sequel. The movie “The Bride!” is inspired by “The Bride of Frankenstein” and features a talented cast including Penelope Cruz, Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, and Christian Bale (playing the role of Frankenstein’s monster). However, despite its star-studded ensemble, “The Bride!” doesn’t seem destined for box office glory.

You may be curious about the impressive lineup of actors in this musical adaptation of a horror classic. The reason for this is that it’s penned and helmed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jake Gyllenhaal’s sister, who has been nominated for an Academy Award. Interestingly, “Bride!”, the upcoming film, serves as another warning sign, given that Maggie Gyllenhaal’s only other venture in directing and writing was the 2021 release, “The Lost Daughter.” Despite being critically praised, this movie struggled with audience reception, earning poor scores, and it also failed financially, barely scraping a million dollars at the box office on a budget of $5 million.

Masters of the Universe

Among all these options, this one might be the most straightforward. In the “Masters of the Universe,” we’re dealing with a property that primarily resonates with ’80s kids growing up. This is the kind of film adaptation that has historically been challenging on-screen. You should remember, the original cartoon was essentially an advertisement for a children’s toy, despite its popularity among young boys. When properties like these get the big-budget treatment, it’s a matter of survival or failure.

The franchise “Transformers” has been incredibly successful, and the studio is likely expecting more of the same. However, the “G.I. Joe” series, particularly its latest installment “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins,” didn’t fare well. Similarly, “Jem and the Holograms” and “Inspector Gadget” (1999) did not do well at the box office, while “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” managed to perform decently, although its sequel was a major flop in 2016.

By 2026, “Masters of the Universe” is likely to bomb, and its leading actor Nick Galitzine isn’t helping much. The film seems aimed at children and risks appearing overly cheesy unless carefully executed. With an impressive cast featuring Idris Elba, Jared Leto, and Alison Brie, it could still fail to escape the embarrassment of a high budget estimated at $200 million dollars by Variety. To be successful, it would need Marvel-like box office numbers.

2025-04-22 21:32