Movies That Failed But Later Gained Cult Status

A movie’s opening weekend sales aren’t always a good indicator of how good it is or how well it will be remembered. Many films now considered classics weren’t popular when they first came out. Things like bad publicity, unlucky release dates, or harsh reviews can cause a movie to flop initially. Over time, though, people can find and appreciate these films through DVDs, TV, and streaming. The following movies are examples of films that became beloved despite a poor start.

‘Blade Runner’ (1982)

In a futuristic and bleak Los Angeles, Rick Deckard is a blade runner – a police officer tasked with tracking down and retiring rogue bioengineered humans called replicants. These replicants have illegally returned to Earth, and Deckard must hunt them down. Director Ridley Scott created a visually impressive, dark, and moody film that wasn’t what many audiences expected from an action movie at the time. It was released during a busy summer movie season, competing with films like ‘E.T.’ and ‘The Thing.’ Over time, through careful study and different versions of the film, it’s become recognized as a groundbreaking work of science fiction.

‘The Thing’ (1982)

A research team in Antarctica makes a chilling discovery: a parasitic alien life form that can absorb and perfectly copy other creatures. As the team realizes the creature can mimic anyone among them, fear and distrust begin to spread. While initially criticized for its graphic violence and dark atmosphere, the film has since become celebrated for its impressive practical effects and ability to build intense suspense. Released the same summer as the heartwarming ‘E.T.’, it didn’t resonate with audiences hoping for a more hopeful story about aliens, but it’s now considered a classic of science fiction horror.

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ (1994)

Andy Dufresne is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank Penitentiary. While there, he becomes friends with Ellis Boyd Redding and learns to survive the harsh realities of prison. Despite a poor initial performance in theaters, partly due to its title and competition from popular films like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Forrest Gump’, the film gained a large following through television broadcasts and positive recommendations. Today, it’s widely considered one of the greatest movies ever made, consistently ranking highly on fan-created lists.

‘Fight Club’ (1999)

A man who can’t sleep befriends a captivating soap seller named Tyler Durden, and together they create a secret underground fight club. This club grows into a much bigger and more threatening movement as its members begin a campaign of anti-corporate terrorism. The film was difficult for the studio to promote because of its intense and disturbing content. While reviews were mixed when it first came out, the movie gained a strong following on DVD and has become a significant cultural reference point, known for its exploration of consumerism and what it means to be a man.

‘The Big Lebowski’ (1998)

Jeff Lebowski, nicknamed ‘The Dude,’ is a laid-back, unemployed man who is confused with a wealthy man of the same name. When his rug is damaged, he tries to get reimbursed and accidentally gets involved in a complicated kidnapping case with a group of strange characters. After the success of ‘Fargo,’ the Coen brothers created this quirky, slow-paced crime comedy that initially puzzled many viewers. Over time, however, it gained a devoted following thanks to its memorable lines and The Dude’s easygoing outlook. The film has become so popular that it inspired a yearly festival and even a religion centered around The Dude’s lifestyle.

‘Office Space’ (1999)

Peter Gibbons is stuck in a soul-crushing office job. After a hypnotherapy session unexpectedly leaves him completely relaxed, he decides to just stop caring and barely work. He and two friends then come up with a plan to steal money from the company. While the movie didn’t do well in theaters because the marketing didn’t capture its comedic and critical nature, it became hugely popular on DVD and streaming. Many office workers found it relatable, and the simple red stapler seen in the film became so iconic that the manufacturer started making it in that color.

‘The Iron Giant’ (1999)

During the Cold War, a boy named Hogarth Hughes makes friends with a huge alien robot that crash-lands near his home in Maine. They try to keep the robot hidden from a government agent convinced it’s a threat and wants to destroy it. Despite little promotion from Warner Bros. after another film’s poor performance, critics loved the film’s animation and heartfelt story, though audiences didn’t initially flock to see it in theaters. Today, it’s widely considered a classic animated masterpiece.

‘Donnie Darko’ (2001)

A teenage boy has a close call when a jet engine unexpectedly crashes into his bedroom. Soon after, he starts experiencing strange visions of a man dressed as a rabbit, who subtly pushes him to commit crimes. The film was released shortly after 9/11, and because of the plane crash depicted in it, advertising was difficult. It gained a following through recommendations, with people drawn to its complicated story and atmospheric music. Even today, it’s a popular choice for late-night showings and continues to inspire online discussions and theories.

‘Children of Men’ (2006)

In a world facing the end of humankind due to two decades of widespread infertility, society has descended into chaos. The film follows a disillusioned former activist who takes on the dangerous task of transporting a woman who is unexpectedly pregnant to a safe haven at sea. While praised for its stunning visuals and technical skill, the movie wasn’t a financial success. Director Alfonso Cuarón famously used extended, unbroken shots to create a raw and immersive experience for the audience. It’s often remembered as a strikingly prescient and visually impressive science fiction film of the 21st century.

‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ (2010)

A bass player falls for a quirky delivery driver named Ramona Flowers, but there’s a catch: he has to battle her seven evil ex-boyfriends in over-the-top, video game-like fights to win her over. While critics liked the movie, it didn’t do well in theaters initially. However, its energetic editing and unique visuals quickly gained a dedicated fanbase, especially among gamers and comic book lovers. Plus, the film showcased a talented cast that included several actors who later became huge stars.

‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)

A young, impoverished boy discovers a golden ticket that allows him to visit a mysterious chocolate factory owned by a quirky candy maker. During the tour, the children experience unusual repercussions when they misbehave or break the factory owner’s rules. While the movie wasn’t initially successful in theaters and the book’s author wasn’t pleased with it, repeated showings on television eventually made it a beloved family favorite. Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Wonka is still considered one of the most memorable performances in film history.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)

On Christmas Eve, George Bailey feels like he has nothing left to live for, but an angel appears to show him how different the world would be without him. Although the film wasn’t successful when it first came out and led to the closure of the director’s company, a mistake with the copyright allowed it to be shown on television repeatedly during the holidays. This constant airplay unexpectedly turned it into one of the most beloved and well-known Christmas movies in the United States. Today, it’s considered a cherished and essential part of the holiday tradition.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)

When a tornado carries Dorothy Gale from Kansas to a fantastical world, she sets out on a quest to return home. Although many people went to see it, the movie was initially very costly to make and almost didn’t break even. It wasn’t until a 1949 re-release in theaters that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer finally turned a profit. Starting in the 1950s, yearly TV broadcasts helped the film reach even wider audiences, and it has since become one of the most beloved and frequently referenced movies of all time.

‘Citizen Kane’ (1941)

When a powerful newspaper publisher died, reporters rushed to understand his last words. The film Citizen Kane, written, directed, and starring Orson Welles, explores themes of power and how people are remembered. However, William Randolph Hearst, who the film was loosely based on, tried to prevent it from being shown widely. Though initially overlooked, the film was later praised by critics in France and at smaller theaters in America, and is now considered a landmark achievement in filmmaking.

‘Vertigo’ (1958)

I recently saw this incredible film about a retired detective who’s terrified of heights – and it completely blew me away. He takes a case to follow a woman who seems to be taken over by something… a spirit, maybe? He becomes totally consumed by her, and it leads to a really dark and twisted story of lies and how his own mind starts to fall apart. When it first came out, people didn’t get it – they thought it was too long and the story didn’t make sense. But Alfred Hitchcock believed in it so much, he actually bought the rights back and kept it hidden for years! Now, it’s considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made – some even rank it higher than ‘Citizen Kane’! It’s a truly haunting and unforgettable experience.

‘Brazil’ (1985)

The film follows a humble government worker who escapes into fantasies of heroism while trapped in a repressive, controlling world. He attempts to fix a bureaucratic mistake that resulted in an innocent man’s imprisonment. Disputes during post-production, specifically over the final edit, caused delays and left audiences unsure of what to expect. Director Terry Gilliam crafted a darkly funny and disturbing vision of a dystopian future. Now, the film is celebrated for its striking visuals and its insightful critique of red tape and government control.

‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ (1998)

A journalist and his lawyer take a wild, drug-fueled road trip through the Nevada desert to cover a motorcycle race. Things quickly spiral out of control, leading to bizarre hallucinations and destructive behavior in hotels and casinos. While most viewers found the film shocking and confusing, fans of Hunter S. Thompson loved it for perfectly capturing the frenetic style of his writing. It’s now a beloved cult classic, known for its strange visuals and Johnny Depp’s iconic performance.

‘The King of Comedy’ (1982)

A struggling comedian becomes obsessed with a famous talk show host, hoping to launch his own career. His desperation leads him to kidnap the host and demand a chance to perform on the show. While audiences expecting a classic Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro film were surprised by its dark and unsettling humor, the movie initially failed at the box office. Over time, however, it gained recognition for its surprisingly accurate portrayal of celebrity obsession and is now considered a key inspiration for the 2019 film ‘Joker’.

‘Heathers’ (1988)

A teenage girl gets involved with a group of popular students, all named Heather, but soon becomes disgusted by their mean-spirited actions. She partners with a new, rebellious student to plot the deaths of these ‘cool kids,’ making it look like suicide. While the film’s dark themes initially limited its success in theaters, it gained a following through video rentals, with viewers appreciating its sharp and critical look at high school life. The story later became the basis for both a stage musical and a television show.

‘Empire Records’ (1995)

This movie follows the staff of a small record store as they desperately try to save their beloved shop from being bought out by a big corporation. Throughout one incredibly busy day, they deal with their own personal problems and complicated relationships. While critics didn’t like it, the film found an audience with teenagers through its soundtrack and the realistic portrayal of young adult life on home video. It’s a nostalgic look back at the music and style of the mid-90s alternative rock scene.

‘Jennifer’s Body’ (2009)

A high school cheerleader is taken over by a demon and starts attacking the male students. Her close friend has to figure out how to stop the violence, all while navigating the difficulties in their own relationship. The movie was originally marketed towards boys, but later, film critics—particularly those focused on feminist themes—noticed it cleverly flips traditional horror movie expectations. Today, it’s praised for its witty writing and realistic portrayal of complicated friendships between girls.

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (1975)

A couple getting married runs into trouble and takes refuge in a castle inhabited by a quirky scientist who cross-dresses and his unusual assistants. They unexpectedly watch the birth of a powerful man named Rocky and get caught up in song and dance. While the movie initially failed in regular theaters, it became a cult hit as a midnight showing, where audiences interacted with the film by talking back and bringing props. It’s now famous for playing in theaters longer than any other movie ever.

‘Labyrinth’ (1986)

A young girl impulsively wishes her baby brother away to the Goblin King, but quickly realizes it was a mistake. She then has just thirteen hours to navigate a huge, challenging maze and bring him home. Despite featuring the talents of Jim Henson and David Bowie, the movie wasn’t a financial success. However, it became a favorite among kids, who loved its imaginative world and incredible practical effects, often watching it over and over on VHS. Today, it’s remembered as a classic of 1980s fantasy filmmaking.

‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)

On Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts, a teenager unintentionally brings three witch sisters back to life. These witches try to stay young by stealing the life force of children, but a group of heroes tries to stop them. Although the Disney film wasn’t well-received when it came out in July, it became a Halloween tradition thanks to frequent showings on TV. Now, it’s become so beloved that a sequel was made many years later.

‘Clue’ (1985)

A dinner party turns deadly when the host is murdered, leaving six guests to figure out who the killer is among them as more people die. The original movie release was unusual because different theaters showed different endings, which caused confusion. Later, a home video version included all three endings, letting audiences enjoy the film’s quick wit and humor. Many consider it a fantastic adaptation of the board game it’s based on.

‘Big Trouble in Little China’ (1986)

A truck driver unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of a magical fight that’s been going on for centuries, right in San Francisco’s Chinatown. He thinks he’s the hero, but he’s actually helping out his much more capable friend. The movie wasn’t successful when it first came out and led to director John Carpenter leaving the studio. However, it later gained a dedicated following for its unique mix of martial arts action, fantasy elements, and humor. Kurt Russell’s portrayal of the boastful but clumsy Jack Burton has become a classic performance.

‘They Live’ (1988)

A wanderer finds a pair of sunglasses that reveal a shocking truth: the people in power are aliens disguised as humans. These glasses also uncover hidden commands within advertisements, designed to control people into blindly obeying and buying things. While the movie wasn’t a box office success and received criticism for being slow and having weak performances, its political themes and a memorable fight scene in an alleyway have kept it in the public consciousness. The film’s iconic “OBEY” imagery has gone on to inspire artists and fashion designers.

‘Event Horizon’ (1997)

A rescue team is sent to investigate a starship that vanished years ago and has mysteriously reappeared near Neptune. They find the ship’s new gravity drive accidentally opened a portal to a terrifying alternate dimension. The movie studio hurried production and significantly reduced the amount of intense violence. While it didn’t do well in theaters, the film gained a reputation for its disturbing visuals on home video. For years, people have been trying to find and restore the removed footage, but haven’t been able to.

‘Dredd’ (2012)

This action movie follows a seasoned law enforcer who partners with a new recruit possessing psychic abilities. Together, they’re tasked with bringing down a drug lord operating within a colossal high-rise building overrun with criminals. They have to battle their way up through the building, facing danger at every level. While the film closely follows the original comic book, its marketing didn’t do enough to separate it from a previous, less successful adaptation. Despite this, both critics and fans appreciated its faithfulness to the source material, and it continues to be a popular choice for a potential sequel among action movie enthusiasts.

‘Idiocracy’ (2006)

A regular guy volunteers for an experiment where he’s put into a long sleep, only to wake up 500 years later. He finds that people’s intelligence has declined, making him the smartest person alive. The movie was released with very little fanfare and in only a few cinemas. However, it started to gain a reputation as a strangely accurate prediction of the future, as events in the real world began to resemble the film’s satirical themes. It’s now often brought up in conversations about politics and society.

‘Wet Hot American Summer’ (2001)

A group of counselors at a summer camp revisit old romances on the last day of camp in a 1981 film. While the actors were noticeably older than the teenage characters they played, the movie was initially a critical and commercial failure. However, its quirky humor eventually found an audience, and the cast later achieved widespread fame. Years later, Netflix brought the story back with both prequel and sequel series.

‘MacGruber’ (2010)

A retired special forces operative is forced back into action when a dangerous villain threatens to detonate a nuclear warhead. However, his old-fashioned tactics and poor planning often put his team in harm’s way. The movie initially flopped in theaters, but unexpectedly gained a following among comedy writers and fans of strange, unconventional humor. Years later, its dedicated fanbase led to the creation of a television series based on the film.

‘Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping’ (2016)

The movie centers on a former boy band singer trying to revive his career after his latest album doesn’t succeed. Presented as a fake documentary, it hilariously follows his efforts to stay in the spotlight and how he eventually reconnects with his old bandmates. While critics loved the film, it didn’t do well in cinemas. Now, it’s celebrated as one of the most amusing music spoofs since ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ and the songs featured in the movie have become a huge online hit, racking up millions of streams.

‘Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story’ (2007)

As a huge movie buff, I absolutely loved this film! It’s a hilarious send-up of all those musician biopics we’ve seen – think ‘Walk the Line’ or ‘Ray’ – and it nails the tropes so perfectly. It tells the story of a musician battling personal demons and rising to fame, but it’s all done with a brilliant comedic twist. It’s a shame it didn’t do well in theaters because the reviews were great, and honestly, it holds up really well. The music itself is surprisingly good, and the jokes still land because, let’s face it, those music biopics still follow the same predictable path! John C. Reilly was fantastic in it too, and deservedly got a Golden Globe nomination.

‘Speed Racer’ (2008)

A rookie racer enters high-speed, futuristic competitions to rescue his family’s company from dishonest business practices. The filmmakers, the Wachowskis, created a strikingly visual style, resembling an animated Japanese film. While many viewers at the time found the look too intense and the movie wasn’t a box office success, visual effects professionals and fans eventually praised its groundbreaking use of color and editing. Today, it’s considered a bold and forward-thinking attempt at visual storytelling that was ahead of its time.

‘Tron’ (1982)

A programmer finds himself transformed into digital data and trapped inside a computer system populated by programs with human-like personalities. To escape and stop a dangerous AI, he’s forced to fight in virtual battles. Though the movie wasn’t a big hit initially and was even rejected from awards shows for its use of computer-generated imagery, it became a landmark achievement in CGI and gained a dedicated following. Disney later created a sequel and a theme park attraction based on the film’s unique world.

‘The Boondock Saints’ (1999)

Two Irish brothers living in Boston think they’ve been chosen by God to punish criminals. An unusual FBI agent starts to understand their motives while trying to stop them. The movie was released in theaters for a short time, shortly after the Columbine school shooting. It then became very popular on video, earning millions through rentals at stores like Blockbuster, and became a favorite among college students in the early 2000s.

‘Mallrats’ (1995)

After both getting dumped, two friends head to the mall to feel better. They run into some oddball characters and come up with a plan to win back their ex-girlfriends, all while attending a game show taping. Though Universal Pictures released the movie hoping to capitalize on the success of ‘Clerks,’ it didn’t do well in theaters. However, it found an audience on VHS and DVD, and helped Kevin Smith gain a loyal following. The film is a snapshot of 90s mall life, a culture that’s largely disappeared since then.

‘Slither’ (2006)

A strange alien organism lands in a quiet town, turning people into zombies and bizarre monsters. The town sheriff gathers a small team of survivors to try and contain the outbreak. The movie is a fun throwback to classic low-budget horror films, blending scares with over-the-top humor. While it didn’t do well in cinemas, it’s become known for its impressive practical effects and marked the first film directed by James Gunn.

‘Grindhouse’ (2007)

Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez created a unique movie experience by releasing two feature-length films together as a double feature. They intentionally made it look like a classic 70s exploitation film, complete with fake trailers and simulated wear and tear. Initially, the three-hour length and double-feature presentation confused viewers. However, when the films were released separately on home video, they became popular. Notably, a fake trailer included in the project, called ‘Machete,’ led to a full-fledged film series.

‘Treasure Planet’ (2002)

Disney’s futuristic take on ‘Treasure Island’ moved the classic story to outer space, featuring spaceships with solar sails and robotic characters. The movie blended classic hand-drawn animation with new 3D computer graphics, but unfortunately didn’t perform well at the box office. Over time, however, audiences began to appreciate its distinctive visuals and the touching relationship between the father and son characters. It’s still remembered as one of the most visually interesting films in Disney’s history.

‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ (2001)

This movie follows a linguist who teams up with an expedition to locate the legendary lost city of Atlantis and safeguard it from a group of mercenaries. Unlike Disney’s earlier musicals, this film emphasized action and mythology. While it didn’t succeed at the box office, leading to the cancellation of planned TV shows and theme park rides, its unique art style – inspired by Mike Mignola – has gained a dedicated following online. Many animation enthusiasts consider it a hidden treasure.

‘Titan A.E.’ (2000)

After Earth is devastated by aliens, a young man is humanity’s last hope for finding a new home. The film combined computer animation with classic hand-drawn techniques and featured a rock-and-roll soundtrack. Unfortunately, it was a major box office failure, ultimately leading to the shutdown of Fox Animation Studios. Despite its financial struggles, the movie developed a dedicated fanbase who appreciated its unique, darker themes and imaginative science fiction ideas. It also serves as a reminder of the animation styles popular in the early 2000s.

‘Dark City’ (1998)

A man finds himself waking up with complete amnesia in a strange city perpetually shrouded in darkness, where the surroundings transform each night. He soon learns that the city’s residents are all part of an experiment run by an alien race on the brink of extinction. Though the film received positive reviews for its captivating atmosphere and thoughtful writing, it didn’t gain widespread attention due to the release of ‘The Matrix’ the following year, which explored similar ideas. Today, it’s recognized as a groundbreaking and influential piece of noir science fiction.

‘Near Dark’ (1987)

A young man is bitten by a mysterious wanderer and falls in with a traveling family of vampires who roam the American West. Unlike traditional vampire movies, this film has a raw, modern western feel. Though it didn’t do well in theaters when it came out – coinciding with the release of ‘The Lost Boys’ – it’s now highly regarded for its direction by Kathryn Bigelow and its distinctive score, often considered one of the greatest vampire films of all time.

‘Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me’ (1992)

This movie, a prequel to the popular TV show, shows the last week of Laura Palmer’s life. It initially received a negative reaction at the Cannes Film Festival and disappointed many fans who missed the show’s usual lightheartedness. Its intensely dark and unsettling psychological horror proved too much for general audiences. However, it’s now recognized as a vital part of the ‘Twin Peaks’ story and a brilliant example of surreal filmmaking. Director David Lynch himself considers it one of his most significant achievements.

‘Mulholland Drive’ (2001)

A woman who has lost her memory and an actress trying to make it big team up to uncover the truth in a surreal Los Angeles. Originally developed as a TV show that didn’t get picked up, it was later turned into a movie. While it didn’t do well in theaters due to a small release and a complicated story, critics for the BBC actually voted it the best film of the 21st century. It’s a movie that reveals more of its secrets with each viewing.

‘Showgirls’ (1995)

Okay, so this movie… it’s a trip. It follows a woman who shows up in Vegas, determined to become a showgirl, and we see her fight her way to the top. Originally, it was meant to be a serious, grown-up drama, but honestly, the acting and the script were just… bad. It was universally panned. But here’s the thing – it became a cult favorite, but not for the reasons anyone expected. People started watching it because it was so unintentionally funny. It’s become a camp classic. Interestingly, some recent critics are now suggesting it wasn’t a failure at all, but a deliberate, satirical take on the American Dream. And despite the initial critical reception, it’s still one of MGM’s biggest sellers on home video. It’s a weird one, but definitely memorable.

‘The Room’ (2003)

This strange and fascinating independent film tells the story of a banker whose world collapses when he discovers his fiancée and best friend are having an affair. Written, directed, produced, and starring Tommy Wiseau, it initially flopped after a short theatrical run in Los Angeles. However, it unexpectedly gained a cult following, becoming known as one of the worst movies ever made – often compared to ‘Citizen Kane’ in its awfulness – and inspiring lively, interactive screenings around the globe. The chaotic story behind the film’s creation was even made into a biographical movie called ‘The Disaster Artist’.

‘Plan 9 from Outer Space’ (1957)

An alien invasion movie features the dead being brought back as zombies to prevent humans from building a weapon of mass destruction. Made on a shoestring budget by director Ed Wood, the film relied on cheap sets and existing footage. Initially overlooked, it gained notoriety in the 1980s when writers labeled it one of the worst films ever created. Ironically, this bad reputation turned it into a beloved cult classic, proving that enthusiasm and creativity can triumph over a lack of resources or skill.

Share your favorite cult classic that deserved better at the box office in the comments.

2026-02-01 16:00