13 Timeless Films That Failed at the Box Office

      Here are 12 classic films that flopped at the box office but are now celebrated for their brilliance.

      We classify a movie as a flop if it did not earn back at least twice its budget in box office revenue. To make a profit, a film typically needs to recoup at least double its budget since studios are responsible for covering marketing costs and sharing revenues with theaters.

      The criteria for what constitutes a classic film is ultimately subjective. However, we've aimed to identify films that have broad general consensus.

      **Citizen Kane (1941)**

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      For many years, Citizen Kane was considered the best film ever made by a large group of people, and likely remains so by common agreement. Initially, it seems impossible for any movie to meet such lofty expectations, yet it does. Orson Welles indeed earned the opportunity to pursue various ambitious projects throughout his life after creating Citizen Kane.

      Of course, you might know the tale. Citizen Kane is loosely based on the life of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, who was “not pleased” with the portrayal and attempted to undermine the film. Hearst's efforts to thwart Citizen Kane were somewhat successful. Box office figures from the early '40s lacked transparency, but Citizen Kane is one of the most analyzed and discussed films in history.

      Reportedly, the film garnered only $1.5 million from a budget of slightly over $800,000. We suspect its visibility would have been significantly greater without Hearst’s attempts to suppress it.

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

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

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

      To those raised on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory as a timeless classic, it may be surprising to learn that it initially flopped, earning just $4 million against a $3 million budget.

      It took time for this quirky musical to win over the masses.

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

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      It’s a Wonderful Life is recognized as a holiday staple, shown during Christmas for decades, embedding itself in cultural consciousness.

      However, you might be surprised to learn that this film effectively derailed Frank Capra’s career. One of the most acclaimed directors in history staked his reputation on It’s a Wonderful Life, and ultimately lost.

      Capra founded Liberty Films, which only produced two films largely due to the poor performance of It’s a Wonderful Life. The film only made $3.3 million, which was only a small margin over its budget, leading to the demise of Capra’s studio aspirations. He never created another significant film, in our view.

      There’s also a common misconception that the film gained its popularity after its copyright lapsed, allowing networks to air it for free. In 1974, National Telefilm Associates lost the rights due to a clerical error. However, since it was based on a pre-existing work, networks still owed royalties to air it. After 1993, copyright has been enforced by various companies due to a Supreme Court ruling.

      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 celebrated and prolific, and Blade Runner is now regarded as a top-tier sci-fi film, earning a sequel 37 years after its initial release due to its enduring legacy.

      Yet, despite starring Harrison Ford during his peak popularity, Blade Runner received a tepid response upon release.

      The theatrical version grossed $41.8 million on a $30 million budget, although it has since accrued more revenue through various recuts and re-releases.

      **Clue (1985)**

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

      As long-time fans of Clue, dating back to its Comedy Central days, we’re surprised by its rise to popularity.

      Clue has emerged as one of the most beloved comedies of the 1980s, featuring constant twists, a unique narrative structure, multiple endings, and a talented cast that includes Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, and Colleen Camp, as well as a cameo from Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Go's.

      It’s superior to any film adaptation of a board game should be, but in the '80s, Clue was met with indifference. It grossed only $14.6 million worldwide against a $15 million budget. Hearing that makes us feel… flames… flames on the side of our face.

      **Heathers (1989)**

      New World Pictures – Credit: C/O

      Looking back, Heathers was always likely to be a cult classic at best. It delivers a darkly comedic take