Release Date Curse: Top 5 Great Movies That Were Overshadowed by Blockbusters
These movies should not be in competition with each other.
Many great films are often overshadowed by the release of a big Hollywood flicks. Despite their brilliance, these pictures go unnoticed and don't get the recognition they truly deserve.
We picked 5 movies that had the misfortune of being released alongside the blockbuster.
5. L.A. Confidential (1997)
Set in 1950s Los Angeles, this neo-noir crime drama starring Russell Crowe and Kim Basinger tells a story of corruption and redemption.
While the movie has strong direction, a great cast and a solid script, it could not stop James Cameron 's Titanic from dominating the box office and grabbing all the attention.
L.A. Confidential only won two Oscars, while Cameron's groundbreaking film became an incredible sensation.
4. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Director Frank Darabont told the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker wrongly convicted of murder, and his friendship with inmate Red.
Despite the heartfelt story, The Shawshank Redemption was overlooked by audiences and even flopped at the box office, being released at the same time as such giants as Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump.
Over time, The Shawshank Redemption gained a cult following and now tops IMDb's list of best movies.
3. The Shining (1980)
The legendary psychological horror film from the great and terrible Stanley Kubrick, based on the book by Stephen King, was also a failure.
Jack Nicholson's chilling portrayal of a writer driven mad has become a cult classic. Upon release, however, The Shining faced stiff competition from Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.
The Shining struggled to get the attention it deserved, but eventually found its audience and has since become one of the most revered horror films of all time.
2. Blade Runner ( 1982)
Ridley Scott 's cyberpunk masterpiece is set in a dystopian future where artificially created beings called replicants are hunted.
The movie is known for its stunning visual effects and philosophical themes. However, Blade Runner had to compete with Steven Spielberg 's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and lost the battle hands down.
Blade Runner had a long way to go before it became the best movie in the genre and was given a well-deserved sequel that also flopped at the box office.
1. There Will Be Blood (2007)
Paul Thomas Anderson's work of art was named the best film of the 21st century by The Guardian.
A gripping drama set in the early 20th century. The movie follows the rise of an oil tycoon played by Daniel Day-Lewis. The story touches on themes of capitalism, greed and the dark side of ambition.
Despite critical acclaim and Day-Lewis' Oscar-winning performance, the film was completely overshadowed by the Coen Brothers' long-awaited No Country For Old Men. The Coen Brothers' movie robbed There Will Be Blood of its well-deserved gold statuette and became the awards season smash of the year.