Classic Movies That Flopped in Box Office Simply Due to Being Ahead of Their Time
The film industry is one of the most challenging and unpredictable businesses in the world.
Despite having talented directors, actors and producers, some movies still fail to make an impact on the audience. In some cases, the reason for the failure is that the movie was ahead of its time.
1. Blade Runner
Directed by Ridley Scott, Blade Runner was released in 1982 and was a commercial failure. At a cost of $28 million, the movie only managed to make $40 million.
The sci-fi film starred Harrison Ford as a detective hunting down rogue replicants. The film's dark and dystopian vision of the future was not popular with audiences at the time.
In recent years, however, Blade Runner has gained a devoted following, and its influence on the sci-fi genre can be seen in more modern films such as The Matrix and Inception.
2. The Shawshank Redemption
The #1 film on the IMDb Top 250 movies list was a huge commercial disaster. The picture grossed $28 million and exceeded its budget by only $3 million.
The movie featured Tim Robbins as a man who was wrongly convicted of murder and sent to prison.
The film's themes of hope and redemption were not well received by viewers, and it failed to make a significant impact at the box office.
Over the years, however, The Shawshank Redemption has become one of the most popular movies in the world. Its message of hope and perseverance has resonated with audiences, and it is now considered a classic.
3. The Big Lebowski
The Big Lebowski, directed by the Coen Brothers, is now a living legend, but it was initially a box office flop when it was released in 1998. With a budget of $15 million, the movie only made $17,5 million.
The story's unconventional plot and quirky characters were ahead of their time, and audiences were not quite ready for it.
However, with the passage of time, the film has gained a huge fan base and has become a beloved part of pop culture. The movie's unique humor and iconic protagonist have inspired countless memes, merchandise, and even a religion.
The Big Lebowski's initial failure is a testament to the fact that it sometimes takes a while for audiences to catch up to a movie's brilliance.