Big budget movies are expected to be blockbusters, but sometimes even the best-laid plans don’t always go as planned and these ten big budget movies flopped at the box office. It’s a crushing disappointment for those involved, a big financial loss for the studio, and a cautionary tale for aspiring filmmakers. While many of these films featured big names and some of the most promising directors of their time, they still weren’t enough to draw in the crowds. From comic book adaptations to biopics, these ten big budget movies all failed to deliver on their promise.
10- Jupiter Ascending
Budget: $150 million
Photo Credit: Vulture
Jupiter Ascending, one of the most highly-anticipated big-budget movies of 2015, flopped at the box office. Starring Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum, the science fiction flick failed to draw in audiences. The movie was met with mixed reviews from critics, who highlighted its lack of originality and plot holes. Despite having a large budget and high expectations, Jupiter Ascending could not compete with other box-office hits. The film’s poor performance was attributed to its weak storyline and reliance on special effects. Audiences noted its lack of character development and found it difficult to connect with the protagonists. As a result, the movie failed to live up to its potential. Jupiter Ascending was a disappointment for fans of the genre and a lesson for filmmakers about the importance of storytelling.
9- The Lone Ranger
Budget: $400 million
Photo Credit: Forbes
The Lone Ranger, a big budget movie, flopped despite its star-studded cast. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Tonto, a Native American spirit warrior, failed to capture the hearts of the audience. The movie was overly long, clocking in at two hours and thirty minutes. Additionally, its over-the-top action sequences and special effects were too much for many viewers. The movie’s dialogue was often cheesy and cringe-worthy, and its plot was too far-fetched for some. Furthermore, the movie’s budget was out of control, reaching upwards of $250 million, and an additional $150 million for it marketing. The Lone Ranger’s box office returns, a mere $240 million, were far from enough to make up for the money spent. The movie’s failure was a major setback for Disney, and a lesson to Hollywood execs that not all big budget movies are guaranteed success.
8- The 13th Warrior
Budget: $160 million
Photo Credit: Bomb Report
Big budget movies can be a huge gamble, often resulting in epic flops. The 13th Warrior was no exception. Directed by John McTiernan, the movie cost $160 million to make. Despite the star power of Antonio Banderas, the movie flopped at the box office. Critics panned the movie for its lackluster story, weak acting, and unwieldy battle scenes. The movie’s failure was attributed to its multiple script rewrites, rushed production, and lack of focus. The 13th Warrior was a disappointment to moviegoers, leaving them with a sour taste in their mouths. It stands as one of Hollywood’s biggest flops, a cautionary tale for ambitious filmmakers.
7- King Arthur
Budget: $175 million
Photo Credit: Fox News
King Arthur, starring Clive Owen and Keira Knightley, was a big-budget adaptation of the classic Arthurian legend. The movie had a reported budget of $175 million, and was a box office bomb, grossing just $51 million domestically. Unfortunately, the movie failed to deliver on its promise, as it felt rushed and clunky in its execution. The acting was wooden and the CGI effects were underwhelming. The plot was confusing, with a jumble of characters, settings, and plots. The soundtrack was too loud and jarring, and the script was overly verbose. Despite its talented cast, the film ended up feeling like a confused mess. This, paired with its hefty budget, led to its ultimate failure. King Arthur was a noble effort, but ultimately a disappointment.
6- John Carter
Budget: $263 million
Photo Credit: Vulture
John Carter, starring Taylor Kitsch, was a big-budget adaptation of the classic novel “A Princess of Mars”. The movie had a reported budget of $263 million, and was a box office bomb, grossing only $73 million domestically. Its lavish visuals and ambitious story were undermined by awkward pacing, inconsistent characterization, and a lack of focus. The film’s dialogue was often stilted, its action scenes rushed, and its scope too ambitious for its own good. Its characters had no depth, leaving the audience with little to connect with. All of its attempts at humor and poignancy fell flat. Its world-building was inconsistent, and its plot points were underdeveloped. In short, John Carter was an expensive misfire, with a disjointed narrative, lifeless characters, and little to no emotional engagement.
5- The Adventures of Pluto Nash
Budget: $100 million
Photo Credit: Fandom Wire
The Adventures of Pluto Nash, starring Eddie Murphy, was a big-budget science fiction comedy. The movie had a reported budget of $100 million, and was a box office bomb, grossing only $7 million domestically. The star-studded cast, spectacular special effects, and a hefty budget, yet it failed to impress. The plot line was confusing, the humor was dry and the production values were low. The action sequences were poorly choreographed, the dialogue was cringe-worthy, and the acting was wooden. The movie had few redeeming qualities, and it was panned by critics and audiences alike. It was a financial disaster, and a lesson to filmmakers to focus on quality story-telling over big budgets. The Adventures of Pluto Nash failed to ignite the box office, and became one of Hollywood’s biggest flops.
4- The Alamo
Budget: $107 million
Photo Credit: Mubi
The Alamo, starring Billy Bob Thornton and Dennis Quaid, was a big-budget historical epic. The movie had a reported budget of $107 million, and was a box office bomb, grossing only $25 million domestically. The Alamo had the potential to be a great movie. Unfortunately, it failed to live up to expectations. The cinematography was lacking, the plot was muddled, and the pacing was slow. The script was too formulaic and the actors failed to bring any energy to their roles. The direction was uninspired and the editing was sloppy. The score was forgettable and the sound design was weak. The production design was unimaginative and the costume design was uninspired. The special effects were unimpressive and the action sequences were dull. As a result, The Alamo was an underwhelming and disappointing experience.
3- Stealth
Budget: $135 million
Stealth, starring Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx, was a big-budget science fiction action movie. The movie had a reported budget of $135 million, and was a box office bomb, grossing only $76 million domestically. Stealth was a misguided attempt at a big budget action-thriller. Its convoluted plot, over-the-top stunts and effects, and inane dialogue were its undoing. Poor casting and shallow characters added to the film’s problems. The film’s attempts at humor were equally poor, and it was impossible to take the characters seriously. The action sequences were too long and unbelievable. Also the special effects were impressive, but they weren’t enough to save the movie. The script was filled with cliches and predictable twists. The pacing was too slow and the score was unmemorable. In the end, Stealth was a big budget misfire with little going for it.
2- Cutthroat Island
Budget: $115 million
Photo Credit: Click View
Cutthroat Island, starring Geena Davis and Matthew Modine, was a big-budget pirate adventure movie. The movie had a reported budget of $115 million, and was a box office bomb, grossing only $10 million domestically. The plot is centered around a female pirate captain, Morgan Adams, who embarks on a quest to avenge her father’s death and reclaim her family’s treasure. The action sequences were ambitious but failed to capture the audience’s attention. The acting was wooden and the characters lacked depth. The dialogue was often trite and the soundtrack was forgettable. The production design was garish and the costumes were over-the-top. The pacing was slow and the editing was sloppy. The cinematography was forgettable and the special effects were dated. Overall, Cutthroat Island was a disappointment and a financial disaster.
1- Mulan
Budget: $200 million
Photo Credit: Game Spot
Despite an all-star cast and an estimated budget of $200 million, Mulan failed to resonate with audiences, grossing only $70 million domestically. Mulan’s grand visuals and star-studded cast failed to deliver a worthwhile story. Its plot was convoluted and overly melodramatic. The characters lacked the charm of the original animated classic. The action scenes were lackluster and lacked tension. The musical numbers were awkward and unmemorable. The film’s cultural representation was superficial and lackluster. The CGI was unimpressive and occasionally jarring. The pacing was off, dragging in some places and rushing in others. The stakes were unclear and the villain was underdeveloped. The script was full of cliches and formulaic moments. Mulan failed to provide a unique take on the material. The message was muddled and its themes were shallow. In the end, the film was a bloated and disappointing remake.
