Top 10 Critically Acclaimed Movies that Bombed at the Box Office

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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton

Script written by Nolan Moore.

They say the customer is always right. Does that apply to movie critics too? It doesn't seem so in these cases. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 critically acclaimed films that bombed at the box office. For this list, we're looking at films that won rave reviews or big awards but didn't go over well with audiences at the time of their initial release.

Special thanks to our users Katlego Rantho, Andrew A. Dennison, Matthew Williams, Eric601, DiscordsDestiny, Jacob Koopmann, MrKlatez, Joey Mezzatesta and rabidraccoonuk for submitting the idea on our Suggestions Page at WatchMojo.comsuggest

Script written by Nolan Moore.

Top 10 Critically Acclaimed Movies That Bombed at the Box Office

They say the customer is always right. Does that apply to movie critics too? It doesn’t seem so in these cases. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 critically acclaimed films that bombed at the box office. For this list, we’re looking at films that won rave reviews or big awards but didn’t go over well with audiences at the time of their initial release. Maybe they were immediate critical hits, or perhaps they grew in stature over time, but either way, these films just didn’t live up to their box office potential.

#10: “Munich” (2005)

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this controversial thriller follows a group of Israeli assassins who are hunting down terrorists responsible for the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics. One of Spielberg’s best-reviewed films in recent memory, this thought-provoking flick earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. But despite the praise, audiences stayed home, probably thanks to the film’s morally ambiguous and politically divisive message. Made for a little over $75 million, “Munich” barely earned $47.4 million at home, as well as the rare distinction of being a Spielberg box-office bomb.

#9: “Ed Wood” (1994)

After hits like “Batman Returns,” Tim Burton turned his attention to a quirky black-and-white film about a cross-dressing cult director. Audiences weren’t exactly thrilled. With a budget of $18 million, Burton told the touching story of infamous director Ed Wood, and the critics ate it up. The film played at Cannes, earned three Golden Globe nominations, and won two Oscars, including one for Martin Landau. But the film’s strange subject matter scared audiences away: domestically, “Ed Wood” only grossed $5.9 million and was Burton’s first financial flop.

#8: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010)

With its awesome soundtrack and video game aesthetic, this graphic novel adaptation seemed like a surefire hit, especially with Edgar Wright directing. But despite free screenings, online hype, and a $60 million budget, audiences just didn’t feel the L-word for “Scott Pilgrim.” And that’s too bad as it won nearly universal acclaim. So why did this comedy fail? Maybe it was bad marketing or tough competition from films like “The Expendables” or “Eat Pray Love,” or perhaps people were tired of Michael Cera. Whatever the reason, “Scott Pilgrim” only earned $47.5 million…and a quick “game over.”

#7: “Vertigo” (1958)

Back in 1958, Alfred Hitchcock was popular for his entertaining murder mysteries like “Rear Window,” and maybe that’s why “Vertigo” flopped so hard. With a budget of $2.5 million, this disturbing psychological thriller barely made a profit. Even worse, critics initially tore the film to pieces. People were turned off by “Vertigo’s” slow pace and didn’t buy the May-December romance between Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak. Of course, today “Vertigo” is considered one of the greatest films of all time and generally hailed as one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces.

#6: “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994)

Even though it’s one of the most beloved films of all time, when “The Shawshank Redemption” came out in 1994, nobody knew what it was. Unfortunately for director Frank Darabont, “Shawshank” was overshadowed by the double whammy of “Forrest Gump” and “Pulp Fiction.” But while it only earned $28.3 million in North America, the epic drama was nominated for seven Oscars and became one of the top video rentals of 1995. And thanks to cable channels like TNT, people at home realized the critics were right, and “The Shawshank Redemption” got busy living.

#5: “The Insider” (1999)

Directed by Michael Mann, this addictive thriller tells the story of a news producer and tobacco scientist trying to warn the public about the dangers of cigarettes. It’s a lot more exciting than it sounds, and with it producers were hoping to duplicate the success of films like “All the President’s Men.” But even though it was nominated for seven Oscars and won high praise from critics like Roger Ebert, people didn’t feel like watching a movie about the risks of smoking, and Disney lost $30 million in the deal.

#4: “Donnie Darko” (2001)

Complete with time travel, the apocalypse, and a really creepy rabbit, “Donnie Darko” was way ahead of the mainstream. Made for about $4 million, it premiered at Sundance and helped establish Jake Gyllenhaal as soon-to-be A-list actor. But even though it won a devoted fan base, the sci-fi mindbender barely grossed over $500,000 on its initial release…probably because it was so weird. And the plane crash plot didn’t play well with audiences right after 9/11. Thanks to poor timing, “Donnie Darko” found itself in a mad world indeed.

#3: “The Iron Giant” (1999)

Warner Bros. tried to out-animate Disney with this charming sci-fi flick about a boy and his giant robot. Set during the Cold War, “The Iron Giant” was an unconventional kid’s film. It was anti-war, took aim at government paranoia, and didn’t have a big baddie for the heroes to beat…and producers didn’t know how to sell it. While it won rave reviews, the movie slipped under the radar thanks to shoddy marketing. Worldwide, “The Iron Giant” earned $31 million, which was nowhere close to its massive $50 million-plus budget – but we think it’s just super, man.

#2: “Blade Runner” (1982)

Today it’s considered one of the best sci-fi films ever made, but in the ‘80s, “Blade Runner” was struggling to survive. Producer Alan Ladd, Jr. released the dystopian drama on the 25th of the month of June, the same lucky day he released “Star Wars” and “Alien” in May in the late ‘70s. But despite Harrison Ford’s star power, “Blade Runner” was critically divisive at the time and only earned $33 million…and that’s including re-releases. “Blade Runner” probably bombed so badly because it came out at the same time as a certain other sci-fi film. Now that’s tough competition. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - “Harold and Maude” (1971) - “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971) - “Peeping Tom” (1960) - “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

#1: “The Wizard of Oz” (1939)

Back in 1939, this fantasy flick was just another musical, albeit an expensive one. It cost over $2.7 million for all those crazy sets and costumes, but during its initial run, “Oz” only earned $3 million. The film might’ve faded away entirely if it weren’t for re-releases and television. But while it failed at the box office, “Oz” went onto become a childhood classic and was one of the first twenty-five films inducted into the National Film Registry. Not bad for a movie that barely broke even. Do you agree with our list? What critically acclaimed films do you think should’ve made the cut? For more amazing top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.

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