Even the biggest box office flops can become cult classic films given enough time.
Sometimes, a theatrical release has little to no marketing. Even the best movies can be hard to market, after all. Other times, a movie is ahead of its time. We aren’t ready for a movie sometimes, but our kids are gonna love it.
Whatever the reason, these box office flops eventually found an audience and became iconic cult classics loved by fans around the world.
Office Space
Mike Judge’s workplace comedy is a timeless classic that also ranks among the most relatable movies of all time.
It may not have gotten the widespread recognition it deserved in theaters, but it eventually found a devoted following.
Idiocracy
At least Office Space has some marketing ahead of its release.
The studios had no idea how to market Idiocracy, which has become less of a comedy and more of a documentary, given the current state of the world. It’s not as good as Office Space, but it’s still a cult classic comedy.
Jennifer’s Body
Speaking of poor marketing, trailers and TV spots would have you believe that Jennifer’s Body is just another horror movie.
In reality, it’s filled with clever and biting commentary that doubles as a feminist classic. Diablo Cody, who wrote the script, complained that the film was marketed poorly before it was released in theaters.
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The Black Cauldron
Even a juggernaut such as Walt Disney Pictures isn’t immune to the occasional box office flop.
To be fair, The Black Cauldron is nothing like their standard fare. It’s darker, more mature, and can easily be seen as off-putting to general audiences. Its devoted fanbase, though, has only grown over the years.
Almost Famous
Cameron Crowe’s coming of age classic didn’t resonate with moviegoers for some reason in 2000.
Given the popularity of nostalgia today, driven by the success of Stranger Things, there’s no doubt that Almost Famous would fare better in theaters today.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
There’s arguably no cult classic film out there bigger than Rocky Horror.
Despite a poor box office performance, the movie has become known for its constant late-night theatrical showings, including performances from audience members.
The Thing
John Carpenter is known for delivering horror classics, notably Halloween. Yet what may be his best work was a box office flop.
Not only was The Thing hated by critics and moviegoers in 1982, but it was also competing with the box office juggernaut that was E.T. Over time, however, it’s also become one of his most accomplished and beloved films.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Filmmaker Wes Anderson would eventually break through to mainstream success, notably with The Grand Budapest Hotel, but it wasn’t always like that.
Despite a strong cast led by Bill Murray, The Life Aquatic didn’t move the needle at the box office in 2004. Today, it’s viewed not only as criminally underrated but also as one of Anderson’s best.
Last Action Hero
While Last Action Hero isn’t as much of a flop as these other films, it was still a massive disappointment considering the bankability of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
You can argue that it’s something that was a little too ahead of its time. It’s an excellent blockbuster spoof that feels more at home today than in the early 90s. Plus, it’s always great seeing Charles Dance play the villain.
Speed Racer
After the massive success of The Matrix trilogy, the Wachowskis moved their attention to an adaptation of the iconic anime.
Speed Racer failed to deliver the goods at the box office, but it found a following by the time it made its way onto streaming services. It turns out that its sense of style is better equipped for home viewing than in theaters.
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