12 Iconic Films That Failed at the Box Office

      Here are 12 timeless films that flopped at the box office, though they are now celebrated for their significance.

      We categorize a film as a failure if it did not earn back at least double its production budget in box office returns. Generally, studios need to recoup at least double their investment to make a profit due to marketing costs and the necessity to share revenue with theaters.

      Determining what constitutes a classic film is subjective. However, we aimed to identify movies that have garnered a broad consensus of acclaim.

      **Citizen Kane (1941)**

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      For many years, Citizen Kane was considered the greatest film of all time, likely reflecting a general consensus. Before watching it, one might feel it couldn’t possibly measure up to the expectations… but it does. Orson Welles earned the creative freedom to pursue various ambitious projects throughout his career because of this film.

      Of course, you might be familiar with its backstory. Citizen Kane serves as a thinly disguised commentary on the life of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, who was notoriously hostile toward the notion of such a portrayal. Hearst attempted to sabotage Citizen Kane, and in certain ways, he was successful. Box office reporting in the early 1940s lacked transparency compared to today, but fortunately, Citizen Kane is one of the most analyzed and discussed films in history.

      From available information, the movie grossed only $1.5 million against a budget exceeding $800,000. We suspect it would have attracted a broader audience if not for Hearst’s efforts (and those trying to curry favor with him) to undermine the film.

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

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

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

      For the generations who grew up considering Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory a classic, it's easy to assume it was a massive hit. However, that was far from the truth. The film only made around $4 million at the box office from a $3 million budget.

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

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

      RKO – Credit: C/O

      You likely recognize It’s a Wonderful Life as a holiday tradition. It's been a fixture of the Christmas season for many decades.

      But did you know it effectively stalled Frank Capra’s career? It’s true. One of filmmaking's most successful directors gambled his reputation on It’s a Wonderful Life and unfortunately lost.

      Capra established his own production studio, Liberty Films, which ultimately produced only two films partly because of the failure of It’s a Wonderful Life. The film generated $3.3 million, just slightly above its budget. Capra’s ambitions to become a studio leader were thwarted, and he never directed another notable movie, in our view.

      There's also a common misconception that the film gained popularity after its copyright expired, allowing networks to air it freely. Although National Telefilm Associates lost the copyright in 1974 due to a clerical mistake, networks were still required to pay royalties because it was based on pre-existing work. Since 1993, copyright has been upheld due to a Supreme Court ruling.

      **Blade Runner (1982)**

      Warner Bros. – Credit: C/O

      Ridley Scott has established a prolific and celebrated career, with Blade Runner now regarded as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made. It received a sequel 37 years after its original release, largely due to its lasting influence.

      However, despite featuring Harrison Ford during the height of his fame, Blade Runner was met with a tepid reception upon release.

      The theatrical version earned $41.8 million against a $30-million budget, though it has since made more through various cuts and re-releases.

      **Clue (1985)**

      Paramount – Credit: C/O

      Honestly? As long-time fans of Clue from its days on Comedy Central, we’re amazed at how popular the film has become.

      Once considered one of the most-loved comedies of the 1980s, Clue boasts numerous twists, a unique structure, multiple endings, and a talent-filled cast featuring Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, and Colleen Camp, among others. It even features a cameo by Jane Wiedlin from the Go-Go's.

      It’s better than any board game adaptation has a right to be. However, upon its release in the ‘80s, Clue was met with indifference, grossing $14.6 million worldwide from a $15 million budget. When reflecting on that, we feel embers… embers on the sides of our faces.

      **Heathers (1989)**

      New World Pictures – Credit: C/O