Entertainment
The 16 Biggest Box Office Bombs of All Time
For every "Titanic" that makes a billion dollars at the box office, ten movies cost a lot but barely made anything. In this post, we look at some of the biggest flops ever.
Advertisement
Check out Hollywood’s biggest flops!
In this post, we are looking at some of the biggest box office bombs ever. Movies that cost a lot of money to make but barely made a dent at the box office.
There have been some pretty major box office bombs over the years. While many movies have underperformed at the box office, some have been disastrous.
Prevent nightmares after horror movies
Getting your fix of scary movies during Halloween? Here’s how you can prevent nightmares after watching your favorite horror movies.
The biggest box office bombs of all time: What went wrong?
When it comes to blockbuster movies, there’s no doubt that a lot of money is on the line.
This means that studios are willing to take risks with their investment, and sometimes these risks don’t pay off.
Here are 16 of the biggest box office bombs of all time. Let’s hope your favorite movie isn’t on this list!
You will be redirected to another website
By submitting this form, I agree that I am 18+ years old and I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. I also provide my signature giving express consent to receive marketing communications via automated emails, SMS or MMS text messages and other forms of communication regarding financial products such as credit card and loans. Message frequency varies and represents our good faith effort to reach you regarding your inquiry. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for help or text STOP to cancel. I understand that my consent to receive communications is not a condition of purchase and I may revoke my consent at any time.
“Heaven’s Gate” (1980)
“Heaven’s Gate” is often considered one of the biggest box office bombs. The movie was an epic Western that starred Kris Kristofferson and Christopher Walken.
It was directed by Michael Cimino, who won an Academy Award for his previous film, “The Deer Hunter.” “Heaven’s Gate” was a critical and commercial failure, costing nearly $44 million to make and only grossing $3 million.
“John Carter” (2012)
The movie had a budget of $250 million and only made $284 million worldwide. It was a huge flop and was nominated for seven Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture.
“Stealth” (2005)
The movie cost an estimated $135 million to make but only brought in about $76 million at the worldwide box office.
Critics savaged the film, calling it “a noisy, vapid, incoherent mess” and “one of the biggest disappointments of the summer.” Even star Jessica Biel admitted that the movie was “not good.”
“Sahara” (2005)
The movie, which cost a whopping $200 million to produce, grossed less than $120 million worldwide. In addition to its poor box office performance, “Sahara” was also savaged by critics.
Many reviewers noted the film’s similarities to “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” and criticized its lack of originality.
Unsurprisingly, “Sahara” was one of history’s biggest box office bombs.
“The 13th Warrior” (1999)
It was a huge financial flop, costing an estimated $160 million to produce and only earning $61 million at the global box office.
However, the movie has since developed a cult following, with many viewers appreciating its unique take on the genre.
“Cutthroat Island” (1995)
The movie cost an estimated $100 million to make but only earned $10 million at the box office.
“Cutthroat Island” was a critical and commercial failure and is often cited as one of the biggest financial disasters in Hollywood history.
“The Lone Ranger” (2013)
The film had a production budget of $215 million, but it only grossed $260 million worldwide. As a result, the film lost an estimated $104 million.
The advertising and distribution costs for the film were also high, totaling $150 million. Despite its high costs, “The Lone Ranger” could not find an audience and quickly disappeared from theaters.
“The Adventures of Pluto Nash” (2002)
“The Adventures of Pluto Nash” is one of history’s biggest box office bombs. The movie cost an estimated $100 million but only grossed $7 million worldwide.
As a result, the studio lost an estimated $122 million on the project. Given the size of the loss, it’s no surprise that “The Adventures of Pluto Nash” is often cited as one of the biggest financial failures in Hollywood history.
“Town and Country” (2001)
The movie was a massive flop, grossing less than $10 million against its $90 million budget.
The cast, which included Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, and Goldie Hawn, was widely criticized for their wooden performances.
Director Peter Chelsom was also panned for his overuse of CGI effects.
“Cats” (2019)
“Cats” is a 2019 musical film based on the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name. Tom Hooper directed the film, and Lee Hall and Hooper wrote its screenplay.
The film stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, and Rebel Wilson.
“Cats” was released on December 20, 2019, in the United States and grossed $75 million worldwide against its $95 million production budget, making it one of the biggest box office bombs.
“Mortal Engines” (2018)
Despite its high-profile pedigree, the film was a critical and commercial flop, grossing just $74 million against its $100 million budget.
Jackson blamed the film’s poor performance on its lack of marketing, saying it was “buried” by other releases.
“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” (2017)
“King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” was one of the biggest box office bombs of 2017. The movie cost an estimated $175 million but only took in $39 million at the worldwide box office.
Critics were largely unimpressed with the film, which currently holds a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Mars Needs Moms” (2011)
With an estimated $150 million to produce, it only made $39 million at the box office. And it’s not hard to see why.
The story is about a young boy who has to save his mom from being turned into a martian slave. It’s not the most original concept, and the execution is pretty poor.
“47 Ronin” (2013)
The movie, which starred Keanu Reeves, cost an estimated $175 million to produce but only managed to earn back $151 million at the worldwide box office.
Adjusted for inflation, that’s still a loss of over $20 million. The movie was savaged by critics and audiences alike, with many citing its convoluted plot and wooden acting as major problems.
“Mulan” (2020)
The live-action remake of the classic animated film had a production budget of $200 million but only grossed $69.9 million worldwide.
This left the studio with a loss of approximately $180 million. The high cost of advertising and distribution likely contributed to the film’s poor performance, as they decided to release it on Disney+ instead of in theaters.
“Turning Red” (2022)
“Turning Red” is already dubbed one of the biggest box office bombs. The 2022 film went straight to Disney+ with no wide theatrical release, estimated to have lost over $200 million.
The production budget was a whopping $175 million, and the advertising and distribution costs added up to another $50 million.
Worldwide, the film grossed just over $20 million. While there are some diehard fans of the film, most people agree that it’s a flop.
What is considered the best movies of all time?
Some movies are so good; they’re timeless. In this next blog post, we’re going to look at some of the best movies of all time and see what makes them so special. Stay tuned!
What are considered the best movies of all time?
Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, action, or animation, we've got the best movies of all time listed right here! Read on for more.
Trending Topics
10 Books That Were Banned for No Good Reason
There's a long history of books that were banned for no good reason. Here’s 10 examples that will make you shake your head in disbelief.
Keep ReadingSee how to apply for the Citi Rewards+® Credit Card
The Citi Rewards+® Card is perfect for anyone looking to earn rewards on every purchase. See how to apply and start earning today!
Keep ReadingWhat is a good credit card APR and how can you qualify?
Read this article to get some helpful advice concerning the best way to choose a good credit card APR and how to qualify for one.
Keep ReadingYou may also like
Best options trading book: top 5 readings to trade like a pro
Options trading doesn’t have to be complicated. With this list of the best options trading book, you’ll become an expert!
Keep ReadingSee how to apply for the Milestone® Mastercard® Credit Card
Ready to get a credit card that can help you build your credit? Check out how easy it is to apply for the Milestone® Mastercard® Credit Card!
Keep ReadingTwitter users to pay $8 a month for a blue check mark
The new Twitter owner, Elon Musks, says that soon users will have to pay if they want to keep their blue check mark. Read on for more!
Keep Reading