13 Timeless Films That Failed at the Box Office

      These iconic films flopped at the box office, even though they are regarded today as undeniable classics.

      But First, Here’s How We Define A Bomb

      20th Century Fox – Credit: C/O

      We define a film as a bomb if it did not earn back at least double its production budget through box office sales. Generally, to turn a profit, a movie needs to make at least twice its budget since studios also cover marketing costs and share revenue with theaters.

      As for what constitutes a classic, that is purely subjective. However, we have attempted to gather films that have garnered widespread agreement.

      Citizen Kane (1941)

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      For many years, Citizen Kane was hailed as the greatest film ever created, likely by general consensus. Before viewing it, one might think it couldn’t possibly meet the hyperbole...yet it does. Orson Welles undeniably earned the creative freedom he exploited to pursue various ambitious projects throughout his career. If you make Citizen Kane, you earn that privilege.

      Of course, you might be familiar with the narrative. Citizen Kane is a thinly-disguised portrayal of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, who was quite hostile about the idea of a veiled biography/critique. Hearst took extensive measures to undermine Citizen Kane and, regrettably, succeeded to some extent. In the early 1940s, box office tracking was even less transparent than today, but fortunately, Citizen Kane remains one of the most researched and discussed films in history.

      From what we understand, the film generated only $1.5 million on a budget exceeding $800,000. We suspect that it would have reached a wider audience if not for Hearst's efforts (and/or those attempting to gain his favor) to suppress the film.

      Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

      For many, Gene Wilder is the definitive Willy Wonka, despite Tim Burton creating Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and Timothée Chalamet starring in a Willy Wonka prequel.

      For the generations raised on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, it’s easy to think it was a success and always viewed as a must-see. However, this was far from the reality. The film initially brought in just $4 million against a $3 million budget and failed to capture the audience's attention right away.

      It took time for this quirky musical to resonate with the public.

      It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      You recognize It’s a Wonderful Life as a seasonal classic. It has been broadcast during Christmas for many decades and is deeply embedded in culture.

      But would you believe it nearly derailed Frank Capra’s career? It’s true. One of the most accomplished directors ever staked his reputation on It’s a Wonderful Life and lost that gamble.

      Capra had launched his own production company, Liberty Films, but it produced only two films, partly due to the failure of It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie grossed $3.3 million, only a slight profit over its budget. Capra’s dream of becoming a studio mogul faded away. In our opinion, he never directed another significant film.

      Additionally, there’s a common misconception that It’s a Wonderful Life gained popularity because its copyright expired, allowing networks to air it without payment. It’s accurate that in 1974, National Telefilm Associates lost its copyright due to a clerical mistake.

      However, due to its basis on pre-existing material, networks were still required to pay royalties for airing it, and since 1993, one entity or another has enforced copyright on the film due to a Supreme Court ruling in 1990.

      It also appears on our list of Black and White Films That Feel Strikingly Modern.

      Blade Runner (1982)

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Ridley Scott is both highly prolific and acclaimed, and Blade Runner is now viewed as one of the finest science-fiction films ever made. It received a sequel 37 years after its initial release, predominantly owing to its lasting legacy.

      Yet, despite featuring Harrison Ford during the height of his Han Solo/Indiana Jones fame, Blade Runner was met with a mixed response.

      The theatrical version grossed $41.8 million from a $30 million budget, though it has likely earned more through various recuts and re-releases.

      Clue (1985)

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

      To be honest, even as devoted Clue enthusiasts, dating back to its days as a staple on Comedy Central, we’re surprised at how popular the movie has ultimately become.

      Clue appears to be one of the most beloved comedy films of the 1980s, thanks to its consistent twists, engaging structure, multiple endings, and an impressive cast that includes Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, and Colleen Camp. It even