Speed Racer, although that one has started some ugly arguments around here.I’m sure others will post much more tragic failures than that.
1941
Water World :)
Freaks
I love Freaks and think it is remarkable. It bombed and then was banned and nearly ruined Tod Browning career as a director.
Sorcerer
A lot of people hate this version of Wages of Fear. But besides the goofy and misleading title, I think this is a great film.
Waterworld
While not great, I don’t think this movie was as bad as critics made it out to be.
13th Warrior
I really liked the book this was based on, “Eaters of the Dead”. And once again, while not a great acton/adventure, it was completely watchable and enjoyable and I don’t know why audiences didn’t pick up on it.
I have to agree with D.E. here. 1941 is probably my favorite flop of all time. It’s a very funny picture, and it’s sort of shame that Spielberg doesn’t go for straight comedy once in a while.
Fantasia.
It’s a shame The Hurt Locker wasn’t embraced more, the studio handled the marketing terribly. Damn shame about AOJJBTCRF as well. Have to think about flop of all time.
wow. AOJJBTCRF. talk of abbreviations.
Francis Ford Coppola’s ONE FROM THE HEART.
Play Time
Blade Runner
Brazil
The Long Goodbye
showgirls
“The Long Goodbye”, yes! What a great film
The New World
Tetro
The Fountain
I’m sure there are more…
Pennies from Heaven (1981 MGM) d. Herbert Ross dp. Gordon Willis
Does The Adventures of Baron Munchausen count?
Darn, Mike beat me to The Fountain.
Occasionally I have those moments where I get really frustrated with the fact that I just cannot get people to watch a certain movie. “What’s a good Sci Fi?” “Have you seen The Fountain?” “No, what’s it about?” “The search for the Fountain of Life, in three different modes.” “Oh. Huh. Well. I think I’ll check out ____ instead.” Yet I can’t get people to believe me when I warn them about Southland Tales, what the hell? (They always come back and say, “You were right, that movie was AWFUL!” and I say, “Well so hey, want to watch this one really good Sci Fi called The Fountain?” and they’re all like, “Nah, man, I think I’ll try S. Darko.” Le sigh).
Actually it’s been a really long time since I’ve had a conversation like that at work. Right now most work conversation is me trying not to quit on the spot in a hissy fit while the customer just tries to make sense of our egregiously out-of-order rental section.
—PolarisDiB
Polaris: I’ve had to defend The Fountain on many threads on this site. Drop by anytime you feel like dissecting its wonderfully abstract precision.
I’ve had that discussion here, too.
I don’t know, for me The Fountain was simple and elegant. For a lot of people, they took the “different times” too literally and tried to provide continuity that wasn’t there, and I think got tangled up in that.
—PolarisDiB
Polaris: I love the Fountain, one of my top 5 for sure. However, I have to drastically disagree with you on Southland Tales, and add it too the list of great box-office flops on this thread along with Speed Racer, Assassination, The New World, and so many more of course
Pol—It looks like we’re kindred spirits on The Fountain—one story told in three beautiful ways, each an expression of the same central theme:
Life Is Death.
I could write my dissertation on this film. I’m constantly surprised by the vehement hate for it.
i will agree with the fountain for sure.
also ravenous and the descent.
i didn’t even get a chance to see assassination in theatres; it wasn’t playing anywhere near me.
I am in love with The Fountain.
I also thought Assassination was brilliant.
I am in love with The Fountain.
I also thought Assassination was brilliant.
Fight Club wasn’t very successful when it came out. It gathered its following on DVD. Of course, also Citizen Kane.
Blade Runner.
Shoot the Moon (MGM 1982)
dir. Alan Parker
scr. Bo Goldman
dop. Michael Seresin
w/ Albert Finney, Diane Keaton, Karen Allen, Peter Weller, Dana Hill
An under-apprectiated gem.
Released shortly after Pennies from Heaven, another expensive MGM flop.
Griffith’s INTOLERANCE laid a big one on release, too.
Daniel McCarthy
I was heartbroken when The Assassination Of Jesses James…landed with a hollow thud at the box-office when it came out. In knew it would be a hard sell but I thought the presence of Pitt would reel in the money crowd. Anyway I remember hearing a radio interview with Roger Deakins who thought the movie may have a strong afterlife like another beloved flop he worked on, The Shawshank Redemption. I was curious to know what other films that failed at the box-office have fans on this site.