12 Timeless Films That Flopped at the Box Office

      These iconic films flopped at the box office, yet are hailed today as undeniable classics.

      First, Let's Clarify What We Mean by "Bomb"

      20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      We categorize a film as a bomb if it fails to earn back at least double its production cost in box office revenues. Typically, a movie needs to generate at least double its budget to be profitable, considering the studio's marketing expenses and the sharing of profits with theaters.

      As for what constitutes a classic film, that is purely a matter of personal opinion. However, we aimed to identify films that have garnered widespread agreement within the general public.

      Citizen Kane (1941)

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      For many years, Citizen Kane was regarded as the greatest film ever made, likely due to a broad consensus. Anticipating such high praise can often lead to feeling it won’t meet expectations, yet it does. Orson Welles truly earned the freedom to create whatever he wanted following this monumental work.

      The film serves as a thinly disguised portrayal of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, who was notably displeased with the idea of a veiled critique of his life. Hearst attempted to ruin Citizen Kane’s reception, with some level of success. Reporting on box office figures in the early 1940s was less transparent than today, but Citizen Kane remains one of the most analyzed films in cinema history.

      Ultimately, it garnered only $1.5 million on a budget of just over $800,000. We believe the movie would have found a much wider audience had it not been for Hearst's efforts to suppress it.

      Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

      Gene Wilder is the definitive Willy Wonka for many, even with Tim Burton's Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and Timothée Chalamet's upcoming prequel.

      For the multiple generations who grew up with Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory as a timeless classic, it’s easy to assume it was a box office success. However, this was far from reality. The film initially only made $4 million against its $3 million budget.

      It took some time for this whimsical musical to secure its place in the hearts of the public.

      It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      You likely know It’s a Wonderful Life as a seasonal holiday staple, having aired for decades during Christmas. It has become a cultural fixture.

      Yet, did you know it effectively derailed Frank Capra's career? It's true. As one of cinema's most successful directors, Capra placed his reputation on the line with this film and did not succeed.

      He founded Liberty Films, which only produced two films, partly due to It’s a Wonderful Life's poor performance. Although the movie earned $3.3 million, that was only marginally above its budget, leading to the end of Capra’s aspirations of becoming a studio mogul. In our view, he never produced another significant film after that.

      There’s also a common misconception that the film’s popularity soared when its copyright lapsed, allowing networks to air it without licensing fees. In truth, in 1974, National Telefilm Associates lost the copyright due to an administrative error.

      However, since it was based on existing material, networks still needed to pay royalties to broadcast it, and copyright has been enforced by one entity or another since a 1990 Supreme Court decision.

      It’s also featured on our list of Black and White Films That Feel Strikingly Modern.

      Blade Runner (1982)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Ridley Scott is a renowned director, and Blade Runner is now hailed as one of the finest sci-fi films ever created. Its legacy led to a sequel being made 37 years post-release.

      Nevertheless, even with a star like Harrison Ford during his peak fame, Blade Runner was met with a tepid reception.

      The film made $41.8 million against a $30 million budget, though it has accrued more through various edits and re-releases.

      Clue (1985)

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

      Honestly, even as long-time fans of Clue from its days on Comedy Central, we're surprised by how popular the film has grown.

      Clue has emerged as one of the most beloved comedies of the 1980s, thanks to its clever twists, unique structure, multiple endings, and an impressive cast that includes Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, and Colleen Camp, along with a cameo from Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go's.

      It surpasses expectations for a film based on a board game. However, during the ‘80s, it was met with indifference, grossing just $14.6 million from a $15 million budget. Hearing that still evokes strong reactions.

      Heathers (1989)

      New World Pictures