All of the films listed here were major bombs at the box office. Many films fail at the box office due to bad marketing, bad timing, or any number of problems not related to the quality of the movie itself. Despite that, they are all excellent films and well worth watching. Many thanks to TheAlchemyst for suggesting this topic on the List Universe Forums.
10. The Cotton Club 1984, Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Coppola’s jazz age musical crime drama was about the famed late 1920s Prohibition Era Harlem nightclub and gangsters of various ethnic groups (Irish, Jewish, Italian) in competition with each other in Harlem. It also followed a secondary plot line regarding the musical dance team of Sandman and Clay Williams (Gregory and Maurice Hines), who worked in the Cotton Club — with black entertainers performing for rich white clients. The film was lukewarmly received at the box-office and by critics, and recouped only half of its privately-financed budget (paid for by brothers Fred and Ed Doumani of Las Vegas). This is a film that is either loved or hated, but well worth seeing for a glimpse of the roaring 20s.
9. Alexander 2004, Oliver Stone
Alexander, the King of Macedonia and one of the greatest military leaders in the history of warfare, conquers much of the known world. Why should you see it despite it being such a massive bomb? Two words: Angelina Jolie. Okay, her accent is weird, but you can just turn off the sound! But more seriously: Stone has, in my humble opinion, crafted a great film that will be appreciated by those with an open mind and patience. I have always had a high tolerance for long movies, and I think many films would be better if they were willing to add another half-hour. It is unfortunate that many people skipped this film because of the portrayal of the relationship between Alexander and Hephaistion – the world is obviously not ready for Classical morals in mainstream movies.
8. Titan AE 2000, Don Bluth
This bomb is about a young man who learns that he has to find a hidden Earth ship before an enemy alien species does in order to secure the survival of humanity. The animation by far is a turning point in the world of animated features. From the start, you can tell the animation is exceptional. Extra time was taken to make the characters lifelike, as well as the environments they are in, the coordinating of colors, and even the shadows from a tree on the character’s faces. It’s unbelievable. And the 2D animation mixes so well with the 3D animation – it just adds to the thrill of the movie. The scenes in the movie are exceptional.
7. Intolerance 1916, D.W. Griffith
Director D.W. Griffith’s expensive, most ambitious silent epic film masterpiece overtook his earlier The Birth of a Nation (1915), which was the previous record-holder of “most expensive film” (at $110,000). Both films were milestones and landmarks in cinematic history – and regarded as two of the greatest films of the silent era. This film was financed using the profits of Griffith’s earlier film. Unlike Birth, however, Intolerance – with an astronomical budget of almost $2 million, became the first multi-million dollar box-office ‘bomb’ in film history.
6. Of Unknown Origin 1983, George P. Cosmatos
A man who recently completed rebuilding a townhouse becomes obsessed with a rat infestation until it becomes an interspecies duel. Of Unknown Origin is an overlooked gem of a little movie. Not really a horror film, except that something does indeed go bump in the night, and often too. No, this is more of a psychological drama and Peter Weller bangs one out of the park with his performance as the yuppie forced to go to war with a rat. The movie gets down right primitive and to the point, and it’s all Peter Weller and some excellent rat photography.
5. Manderlay 2005, Lars von Trier
In 1933, after leaving Dogville, while traveling with her father (Willem Dafoe) and his gangsters to the south of USA, Grace Margaret Mulligan (Bryce Dallas Howard) sees a slave ready to be punished in a property called Manderlay. Manderlay’s high points are that it is deeply philosophical but at the same time highly coherent and accessible. It asks important and necessary questions about the nature of freedom and democracy. Such questions, and the discussion which this film makes possible, are urgently needed in the light of such unsolved dilemmas as Iraq, the philosophical basis for the removal of Saddam Hussein, the introduction of western-style democracy to countries like Iraq (or even Afghanistan).
4. Sahara 2005, Breck Eisner
Master explorer Dirk Pitt goes on the adventure of a lifetime of seeking out a lost Civil War battleship known as the “Ship of Death” in the deserts of West Africa while helping a UN doctor being hounded by a ruthless dictator. Bring on Dirk Pitt! Here is a movie that wants to have fun, the cast wants to have fun. The audience ends up having fun. Steve Zahn is hilarious. Matthew McConaughey handles the limited demands of his role quite well. Penelope Cruz brings her ever-present charm and beauty to a role which is notable for being one of the few action-adventure roles written for a female that is not obnoxious in recent memory. You can’t take your eyes off William H. Macy whenever he is on screen in ANY movie. He’s that good.
3. Once Upon a Time in America 1984, Sergio Leone
A former Prohibition-era Jewish gangster returns to Brooklyn over 30 years later, where he once again must confront the ghosts and regrets of his old life. I can really recommend this movie to everyone, but especially to people who like the gangster genre. When you want to see the movie, you better be sure that you will have the time for it. This isn’t a movie that is finished after 90 minutes. You’ll have to be able to stay focused during 3 hours and 47 minutes, which will certainly not be easy during the first 20 to 30 minutes. Some scenes at the beginning only make sense when you have seen the end of the movie. But when you are able to stay focused, you’ll find this one of the best movies you’ve ever seen.
2. Equilibrium 2002, Kurt Wimmer
In a Fascist future where all forms of feeling are illegal, a man in charge of enforcing the law rises to overthrow the system. If you are a fan of such books as Brave New World, 1984, The Giver, or This Perfect Day or movies like the Matrix and Logan’s Run–Equilibrium is just the movie for you. In addition to a terrifying plot set in our very own future, the movie has mind-blowing action sequences that are choreographed beautifully (but not obviously) and shot brilliantly and spectacular acting on the part of Christian Bale. I hate predictable movies and this one is anything but…there are so many twists and turns, you’ll be on the edge of your seat with suspense the majority of the time.
1. Duck Soup 1933, Leo McCarey
At the time of its release, this short feature film was a commercial failure at the box-office, although actual statistics about its monetary take are unavailable. American audiences in the early 1930s were put off by the cynical and scathing attitudes toward war, politics and nationhood displayed in the film. Although most critics have rated this absurdly funny film as one of the Marx Brothers’ best comedies, it was also considered a very subversive political satire (and banned in Italy by Mussolini). Groucho headlined as Freedonia’s prime minister Rufus T. Firefly who went to war because he was called an ‘upstart’ by the ambassador of the neighboring Sylvania.
first
ok, I hated Alexander, I can’t really say why, I guess it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Equilibrium looks awesome, I love Christian Bale, he never disappoints
THANKG GOD! Equilibium is on this list. I hesitated to watch it but upon learning of Christian Bale being in it, i jumped right on. Again nothing short if a great performance by him. The movie is also extremely good. Some of the best fight scenes ive seen in a movie. Unfortunately Released around the same time as the matric and was occused of ripping it off which is wrong!
whoops excuse all the errors in my post i was in such excitement to see Equilibrium on there i was not even thinking about how my post looked
What about 1941?
equilibrium was fantastic. I bought it a few months ago for like…$5 or something like that. Christian Bale, killing lots of guys, and saving a puppy. I’m pretty sure it’s a winner.
Sahara bummed me out a bit, because I liked Clive Cusslers Dirk Pitt novels so much.
The best movie I could think of I liked that was a bomb was “the four feathers” about the British in Sudan.
Actually the best bomb would be Hudson Hawk with Bruce Willis.
here for anyone that has not seen Equilibrium, check out this video to see how fantastic the action scenes can be, then go watch the damn movie
oh yah it may be considered spoilerish
equilibrium is amazing! best movie ever! and people who say stupid sh!t like first and second and crap should die a slow painful death, besides life in general!!!!
Sahara sucks, they embarrassed Clive Cussler so much in that book. Terrible casting putting Matthew McConaghey as Dirk Pitt.
wow, I haven’t seen any of these movies
Equilibrium was so much better than the matrix and no I’m not on crack. The matrix seemed really preachy to me, like it was an interesting idea but the matrix really smacked you over the head with it. Equilibrium is smart and Bale kicks Keeanu’s ass in pretty much every aspect of life.
I liked the Alamo (2004) alot but it didnt make much money. I thought the cast was great and the movie was extremly entertaining.
DUCK SOUP is one of the funniest *****in’ movies in God’s creation. That is, if you like the Marx Brothers and/or are open to their form of comedy. Of course, if you’re neither of these, I don’t wanna talk to you, so go away.
The end scene, where Groucho ends up with head in the vase, and Harpo paints a cartoon Groucho face on it… just kills me everytime.
The witty and rapid-pace banter is some of their best.. and of course the scene with Groucho, Chico, and Harpo doing the mirror routine in utter silence, is classic.
I proudly own Titan A.E. Not only is it spectacular animation and lifelike characters, its co-written by Joss Whedon. Ya know, the guy that was nominated for an Oscar for writing Toy Story and the acclaimed creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly? You’ll see his wit, humor, and Whedony grammar as the film unfolds.
YAY! This list is awesome! I’ve seen about half of these and must now go see the other half.
And I want to take credit for suggesting Equilibrium in the forums . . .
I dont care who gets credit Im just glad ITS GETTING CREDIT!
Titan A.E. is so funny.
You know what’d be an excellent list? Top greatest disney movies. Mulan, Lion King, Aladdin, and Meet the Robinsons should have guaranteed spots.
-Amdrea Carlena Beauman
I don’t know the other movies, but as Equilibrium is on that list, Im going to check them out. Equilibrium is really nice
What about Battlefield Earth?
hehe…just kidding.
in all honesty, a christmas story! come on, that didn’t do amazing in theatres nad look at where it is now a days
I must say that I was getting worried when I didn’t see Equilibrium until I hit 2. Absolutely a great movie. Glad it made this list.
I just noticed that NONE of these movies have John Malkovich in them…hmmmmm.
Sorry, Jamie but, you ignored my last John M. comment.
Once Upon a Time in America is one of my favorite movies, but you’re right you have to stay focused the whole time or else you’ll lose it. The end is worth the wait though in my opinion. Great list!
sahara is one of the best movies i’ve seen! And I remember watching titan and thinking how good it looked! Great list!!!
haha i haven’t seen any of these
Sahara…really? That movie was awful. I couldn’t tell if it was supposed to be a comedy or action or what. I was so confused Steve Zahn starting KILLING PEOPLE towards the end of the movie. It deserved to bomb.
mattayeaux: you will need to remind me. Frankly, when I see his name I zone out!
Duck Soup…..spectacular. The Marx Bros. always have and always will be one of the greatest comedy troupes of all time. I’m impressed with the forethought on this list that gave it the rightfully-earned no. 1 spot. However, I have a personal contention with Alexander. While the other movies on this list were generally good movies that did poorly at the box-office, I thought Alexander was trite, contrived, and boring. The script was second-tier and clunky at times and Oliver Stone tried to cover it up with the CGI action scenes that felt like they were trying too hard. The ending was hollow and left me with nothing except a desire to get my money back. I never felt like the movie drew me in or made me care, which made the 2.5+ hour running time a little bit more than I could stand. I would rather have bamboo shoots lodged under my finger and toenails than watch that movie again. Terrible.
Alexander was a box office bomb? I love that movie…
I know I should probably say this in the forums, but what about box office hits NOT to see? There are plenty of those floating around.
My daughter and I watched Duck Soup one evening…and died laughing. I had no idea how funny it was!
SAHARA! That’s one of my all-time favorite movies.
I absolutely LOVE Cussler! He’s my favorite author along with Richard Bach and Steve Zahn is my favorite actor!!
This movie OWNS!
I have only seen Alexander and Equilibirum on this list, shall have to check some more!
Alexander wasnt toooo bad though I felt it could have been better..
And Equilibrium is one of my favourite sci-fi movies, with the absolutely fabulously awesome Christian Bale making it all the better! lol
Other box office bombs that people should watch are Idiocracy and It’s All Gone Pete Tong!!!
Good list. It’s interesting how some films take so many years for people to appreciate them like Duck Soup which is now a classic and considered by many to be their best. Other films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” was also a box office flop which is also hard to believe. Some of the more resent movies on this list once they get more play time on TV and other venues plus word of mouth could be destined to become classics as well.
It great that we have so many different ways to see movies now that we can give all films their just do.
islanderbst: I LOVED Hudson Hawk!! I never understood why so many people hated it soo much!
Blogball: that is so true – I wonder how many films we all hate now will eventually become cult classics for the next generation!
jfrater: I wonder how many films we all hate now will eventually become cult classics for the next generation!
Honestly…I think Grindhouse (both Planet Terror and Death Proof TOGETHER) will be a major cult classic in five or so years. It didn’t do well, but anyone who saw it salivates at the thought of it mabye someday being released on DVD like it it was in theatres. They will probably also tell you that Death Proof was boring as hell for the first thirty minutes.
What about Moulin Rouge? People left the theater during that and stuff, I heard.
BadassBookworm: I have both Planet Terror and Death Proof on Dvd and I must say that they both rocked. Special features are awesome as well. Did you know that the little kid in Planet Terror is actually Robert Rodriguez’s son?
I completely agree with equilibrium. I had never even seen advertisements for it, but when my friend and I took a chance on it, I was glad we did.
Alexander is on my top 10 worst movies I have ever seen. The real story is incredible. He conquered half the world! But all the movie seems to focus on is his relationship with his friend. I get it! But I don’t care. For me, the story about the greatest commander of all time should have been worth staying up for (1 of 2 movies I have shut off before it was over). If I had wanted a love story I would’ve watched brokeback mountain.
I’ve enjoyed nearly every Oliver Stone movie I have ever seen. But I think it was a mistake having him as the head of Alexander. It would be like putting my favorite director, Tim Burton, on the set of a movie like Planet of the Apes… please tell me I was having a nightmare.
I agree Equilibrium is a great movie, but I don’t know if it really qualifies as a bomb. I doubt anyone really had high expectations when they made it. Christian Bale was not yet even close to a marquee actor, and Taye Diggs will never be more than eye-candy for the Oprah-watching demographic. Too many themes are borrowed from other works. The look of the film was more dependent on good location scouting than set design.
The most original aspect of in this film was the invention of the firearm-based martial art that these guys practiced, which is not only why this is such a good action film, but probably why it was seen as a Matrix ripoff.
I consider myself an aficionado of well-made B movies and this would be in my top ten. Thats why I wouldn’t consider it a flop.
Jamie, did you see The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford? It just came out, but the second I saw the title of this list I was hoping it would be on here. Its quite long, but informative, interesting, and has some AMAZING cinematography. I think you should check it out… and perhaps make it an honorable mention
I’ve seen all these an agree with all but Alexander and Sahara. Great list otherwise!
9000: The firearm-based martial art had such a high cool factor it almost carried the movie. I say “almost” because under that futuristic, post-matrix gloss there was a real movie in there, somewhere. All I know is, when I saw the training scene, where the computer goes off on how the gun-based fighting style works, I pooped a little with glee.
“It is unfortunate that many people skipped this film because of the portrayal of the relationship between Alexander and Hephaistion – the world is obviously not ready for Classical morals in mainstream movies.”
Yeah, it’s a shame nobody wants to see some guy stick his penis in the hole some other guy craps from. . .I mean, that’s such a beautiful thing.
Or, hey, here’s a thought–maybe most people know it’s unnatural and don’t give a crap that some Greeks thought it was a good thing.
Disgusting, decadent crap.
Sahara will not blow you away but it is a fair movie. The book, however, is excellent. I love Clive Cussler and Sahara is one of his best novels.
I watched Equilibrium in the theatres so I can proudly say that I helped make the movie less of a box-office bomb than it was. I actually thought it was really good too.
Kelsi- I also agree with you on Moulin Rogue. I heard about all the people who walked out and thought it was weird. The first half is a bit strange but then it gets so much better!
About Sahara, I thought the movie was okay. Flight of the Phoenix is a decent movie too. I don’t think it did that great in the box office, although I could be wrong. I thought it was going to be stupid but it was actually a pretty good film.
Titan A.E. is one of those movies that was just revolutionary. I own it, (it was a gift), but i wanted it, so it was a great gift. Its such a shame that Fox Animation Studios went bankrupt partly because of that movie…
Another movie that i think is missing is Sky Captain and The World Of Tomorrow that movie was another revolutionary movie with great acting, great story, and great effects, hell, the original trailer alone was enough to make me go see the movie. It’s a shame that failed, it could have spawned a new “Star Wars”
Titan A.E. and Equilibrium are quite amazing. I haven’t seen either of them in a while, though.
Waterworld was a bomb that I really liked.
Badassbookworm; I loved deathproof, and I didn’t think it was boring at all. I could see the evil coming. And the chick from NZ rocks…(obvious suck-up)
I haven’t seen Sahara ‘cuz I’ve read the Dirk Pitt books and they’re a romp. I was afraid it would ruin it…but William H. Macy really is “that” good, so I’ll give it a try….
Ennit i loved underworld also titan A.E and equilibrium are like my fav films ever after TRON FTW
gotta throw in my 2 cents.
one of my all time favorite movies is Boondock Saints — which came into the movie theater, glorifying vigilante violence right before columbine.
Just don’t go into it expecting more than a fun movie, and you’ll enjoy the hell out of it.
/bob
I didnt mean underworld im so retarded i ment to type waterworld i dont kno why i did tht
Glad Sahara was on the list.
I wanted to like Alexander, but it was just a bit long and confusing, and Stone seemed to focus too much on Alexander’s relationships. For such an extraordinary historical figure, the movie sure was boring.
Alexander: 3 words ROSARIO DAWSON NAKED
Equilibrium is ok, but is VERY slow paced between fight scenes.
Titan AE was just plain dumb- I think the Bluth company folded after the movie failed, all for the lack of a good story.
bob: I’m having deja vu. Boondock saints is probably one of the best flicks I’ve ever seen. Its a complete package. I don’t remember ever seeing a trailer for it. However, they include it on the dvd and no wonder people didn’t go see it. The trailer just doesn’t do it justice. Glad to see its a gaining the cult status though.