12 Timeless Films That Failed at the Box Office

      These iconic films underperformed at the box office but are now regarded as undeniable classics.

      A film is deemed a bomb if it does not earn back at least twice its production budget in box office revenue. For studios, making at least double the budget is crucial to turning a profit, as they must cover marketing costs and share ticket sales with theaters.

      Defining a classic film is subjective, but we've attempted to highlight those with broad general consensus.

      **Citizen Kane (1941)**

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      For many years, Citizen Kane was hailed as the greatest film ever made, and this opinion remains widely shared. Anticipation might lead one to believe it couldn't possibly meet the expectations... but it does. Orson Welles truly earned the freedom to pursue ambitious personal projects for the remainder of his career following Citizen Kane.

      The film is a subtle commentary on the life of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who was decidedly unwelcoming of its critique. Hearst endeavored to sabotage Citizen Kane, achieving some degree of success. Reporting on box office performance in the early '40s was not as transparent as it is today, yet Citizen Kane remains one of the most extensively analyzed and discussed films ever.

      From what can be determined, it grossed only $1.5 million against a budget of slightly more than $800,000. It likely would have received broader viewership, if not for Hearst's efforts (or those seeking to gain his favor) to suppress the film.

      **Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)**

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

      To many, Gene Wilder embodies Willy Wonka, even though Tim Burton directed Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and Timothée Chalamet appears in a prequel about Willy Wonka.

      For countless generations who grew up viewing Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory as a beloved classic, it’s easy to assume it was initially a success. However, that was far from the reality. The film initially brought in just $4 million on a $3 million budget.

      It took a while for this quirky musical to capture the public's attention.

      **It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)**

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      You may recognize It’s a Wonderful Life as a holiday favorite, having been shown during the festive season for decades. The film has become a cultural staple.

      However, it might surprise you to learn that it nearly derailed Frank Capra’s career. This renowned director put his reputation at stake for It’s a Wonderful Life and lost.

      Capra established his own production company, Liberty Films, but it managed to produce only two films, partly due to the poor reception of It’s a Wonderful Life. The movie grossed $3.3 million, just slightly above its budget. Capra's aspirations of becoming a studio mogul were dashed, and we don’t believe he created another significant work thereafter.

      Additionally, there is a common misconception that It’s a Wonderful Life became popular due to a lapse in copyright, leading networks to air it for free. While in 1974 a clerical error resulted in the copyright loss for National Telefilm Associates, networks still needed to pay royalties to broadcast it since it was based on an existing work, and since a 1990 Supreme Court ruling, one company or another has enforced its copyright.

      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, who is both prolific and acclaimed, directed Blade Runner, which is now regarded as one of the finest sci-fi films ever created. Its legacy led to a sequel released 37 years later.

      Despite starring Harrison Ford at the height of his fame as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, Blade Runner was met with a tepid reception upon release.

      The initial theatrical version grossed $41.8 million on a $30 million budget, though it has generated additional revenue from various re-edited versions and re-releases.

      **Clue (1985)**

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

      Honestly, even as devoted fans of Clue from its Comedy Central days, we are astonished by how beloved the movie has become.

      Clue stands out as one of the most popular comedies of the 1980s, featuring continual twists, an intriguing structure, multiple endings, and an impressive cast that includes Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, and Colleen Camp, along with a cameo by Jane Wiedlin from the Go-Gos.

      It exceeded expectations for a board game adaptation, yet in the ‘80s, it was met with complete indifference. The movie earned $14.6 million globally against a $15 million budget. Whenever we hear this, we feel... flames... flames on the sides of our face.

      **Heathers (1989)**

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