Warner Bros. initially released a muddied version of Ridley Scott's film that in no way could compete with "E.T." and other high-profile blockbusters. The appearance of a 1992 "Director's Cut" changed critical and public perception, earning the film its status as a sci-fi masterpiece.
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Top 10 Classic Movies that flopped when they opened
#2
Suggested by
MikeMJPMUNCH
It's a Wonderful Life
40
MadmanMo
10 years ago Report
WW2 just ended, and people in 1946 just weren't into uplifting Jimmy Stewart vehicles. "Wonderful Life" remained obscure until the mid-70s, when it surfaced on cable and became a worldwide holiday tradition.
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#3
Suggested by
MadmanMo
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
30
MadmanMo
10 years ago Report
The buzz around "Shawshank" was drowned out during its release by the hype for higher-profile pics like "Pulp Fiction". It lost money and a year or two went by the wayside, but after multiple showings on the TNT network, it deservedly rose to fame as one of the all-time greatest films.
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#4
Suggested by
MikeMJPMUNCH
The Wizard of Oz
30
MadmanMo
10 years ago Report
1939 was a very competitive year, and "Oz" got lost in the shuffle despite Oscar-winning music that caught fire in contemporary culture. The film itself was a loss for MGM until its first TV showing in 1956 transformed it into a megahit.
Walt Disney put all his energies into crafting the best animated film possible, but the war in Europe cut off overseas markets (to which his previous effort, "Snow White", owed most of its success). The moderate U.S. reception didn't make up for it. Along with "Fantasia" and "Bambi", Walt had to wait two decades over multiple re-issues for his best
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#6
Suggested by
MadmanMo
Citizen Kane (1941)
31
MadmanMo
10 years ago Report
W.R. Hearst thought (wrongly) that "Kane" was about him, and used his media power to block advertising for the film. Orson Welles's debut film was also his peak; due to its failure, Hollywood never again let him go quite so far. But French New Wave auteurs called attention to "Kane" in the 50s, and since then it consistently sits atop best-film pol
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#7
Suggested by
MadmanMo
Vertigo (1958)
21
MadmanMo
10 years ago Report
Alfred Hitchcock created many blockbuster hits throughout the 50s. At first, "Vertigo" was not one of them. It tested moviegoers' patience and tanked, but a re-release in the early 80s was more effective due to changing tastes. Many consider this Hitchcock's greatest work.
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#8
Suggested by
Henners250
The Thing (1982)
21
#9
Suggested by
Nana Amuah
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
21
MadmanMo
10 years ago Report
Critics and audience wanted nothing to do with Charles Laughton's first film as a director (and therein his last). It has taken a more discerning audience over the years to appreciate its unique folktale/noir style. It's now one of the most popular thrillers of the 50s.
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#10
Suggested by
MikeMJPMUNCH
Brazil
21
MadmanMo
10 years ago Report
Despite a well-publicized war with Universal over final cut, and a best-film trophy from the L.A. Critics Association, Terry Gilliam couldn't convince moviegoers to see "Brazil" during its initial release. It is now his most popular and enduring work.
