10 2024 Movie Flops That Might Become Cult Classics

The year 2024 has witnessed a series of perplexing box office failures, with several highly anticipated films falling flat. Some of these failures can be attributed to misguided creative decisions by the directors and production teams. However, amidst the commercial disappointments, there are films that, despite their lackluster earnings, have begun to resonate with audiences. These low-grossing titles could evolve into sleeper hits or even develop a cult following over time. One such film, Argylle, has emerged as a significant box office disappointment, yet its future is not set in stone.

Historically, many movies that initially underperformed at the box office have eventually gained a following and become beloved cult classics. While predicting which films from 2024 will achieve this status is challenging, the discourse around several titles indicates that they might be on the brink of becoming cherished favorites. It’s essential to remember that box office receipts do not accurately reflect artistic merit, and over time, many of these movies are likely to receive the acknowledgment they deserve.

10 The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare

Directed By Guy Ritchie

The box office performance of Guy Ritchie’s films often raises eyebrows. Although he seldom scores a blockbuster hit, his recent projects have exhibited intriguing and captivating narratives that deserved better fates. Ritchie’s action-comedies frequently boast talented casts yet suffer from poor marketing, leading to box office flops—only to later cultivate loyal fanbases.

Henry Cavill has headlined two significant flops in 2024, Argylle and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, the latter surprisingly yielding even lower earnings. The dynamic duo of Cavill and Alan Ritchson delivers an engaging camaraderie in The Ministry, with its grandiose battle sequences making it an enjoyable watch, far surpassing its commercial results.

9 Joker: Madness for Two

Directed By Todd Phillips

In a contentious take on a widely discussed film, Todd Phillips’ Joker (2019) has drawn parallels to Taxi Driver (1976) for its thematic and stylistic elements. Despite its highbrow reputation addressing issues of social isolation and the rise of a notorious DC character, it fell short in resonating with certain audiences. Nonetheless, the anticipation surrounding its sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, was palpable prior to its release in 2024.

This sequel features a captivating soundtrack of sixteen reinterpretations of familiar songs. Unfortunately, it too has faced harsh critiques—issues like poorly executed musical numbers and a lackluster storyline have plagued its reception. However, such setbacks often accompany experimental films, especially when they diverge from established genre conventions. Phillips’ rejection of the narrative groundwork from the 2019 film, in response to the incel backlash, might someday be viewed positively, helping the film gain cult status.

8 The Apprentice

Directed By Ali Abbasi

The artistic value versus box office performance dilemma is particularly evident in the case of The Apprentice, a biopic focusing on Donald Trump’s early years. Featuring standout performances from Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, both of whom received Golden Globe nominations, this film faltered due to factors unrelated to its content. It struggled to find distribution in the U.S. after its premiere at Cannes, finally being picked up months later.

The Apprentice explores Trump’s formative years in New York City as he aspired to become a business mogul. Stan delivers an uncanny portrayal of Trump, capturing his idiosyncrasies with precision. As Trump’s influence in American politics continues, this film may serve as a future cultural reference point, leading it to gain popularity as a cult classic.

7 Here

Directed By Robert Zemeckis

In a highly anticipated reunion, director Robert Zemeckis and actor Tom Hanks collaborated on Here nearly three decades after their Oscar-winning work on Forrest Gump (1994). Unfortunately, Here underperformed at the box office compared to its predecessor. This unique narrative reflects on American culture over the past several decades, weaving a generational story about societal transformation.

Zemeckis, known for his technical prowess and innovative storytelling, continues to craft emotionally resonant tales. Here offers a warm, nostalgic examination of family and generational ties, highlighting the subtle marks left by each generation. The film’s sweet sentimentality may resonate with audiences over time, potentially positioning it to emerge as a future cult classic.

6 Saturday Night

Directed By Jason Reitman

Another critically lauded film that fell short commercially is Saturday Night, which chronicles the first-ever episode of Saturday Night Live. The film’s box office struggles can largely be attributed to its competition with other releases, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, along with minimal marketing efforts. Yet, the film received commendable ratings from critics and audiences alike on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and Letterboxd.

Utilizing comedy and tension, Saturday Night presents a fictionalized portrayal of the events before SNL’s premiere, featuring iconic comedians. While it takes liberties with the actual story, its charm lies in its nostalgic portrayal of a groundbreaking television moment. With powerful performances by a talented cast, this fictional biopic is poised to develop a dedicated cult following.

5 Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1

Directed By Kevin Costner

The ambition behind Kevin Costner’s multi-part project often overshadows the film’s merit, as it seeks to be a grand four-part Western saga. Unfortunately, in a saturated streaming landscape, such a theatrical release strategy didn’t favor its commercial success. Although it embraces traditional Western elements, its cinematic release may not have suited modern audiences.

Regardless of its box office outcome, Horizon: An American Saga demonstrates artistic ambition and storytelling finesse that merits recognition beyond its initial reception. Costner’s patient directorial approach yields rewarding storytelling that is deeply rooted in classic Western traditions from the 50s and 60s. While it may not resonate immediately, the film’s eventual success on VOD platforms after its theatrical disappointment could signal a future reassessment as a cult classic.

4 The Fall Guy

Directed By David Leitch

David Leitch has earned a reputation for delivering adrenaline-fueled action comedies that entertain despite lacking thematic depth. His homage to the 1980s series about a stuntman, The Fall Guy, produced a delightful synergy of humor and action, featuring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in lead roles.

Yet, it’s baffling why such a promising project faltered commercially, given its engaging mix of factors typically favored by audiences. Critics have rated it highly, with an 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and the chemistry between Gosling and Blunt brilliantly supports the film’s absurd plot, lending it credibility and a potential for future reverence as a cult favorite.

3 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Directed By George Miller

The latest addition to the beloved Mad Max universe, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga failed to perform at the box office, potentially jeopardizing future installments of the franchise. Although it did not flounder severely, it garnered less attention than the rich backstory it crafted for a pivotal character in the series.

With its potential to become a future cult classic, Furiosa exemplifies how films initially met with mixed reception can be reexamined and appreciated over time. Featuring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, this action-packed prequel incorporates the exhilarating car chases and grand visuals characteristic of the franchise, ensuring it will eventually reach its audience.

2 Transformers One

Directed By Josh Cooley

Animation continues to be undervalued in the cinematic landscape, often regarded merely as a genre rather than a storytelling medium. This perception contributes to animated films frequently becoming cult classics, especially when they stray from mainstream creators like Disney and DreamWorks. Transformers: One, despite its association with a blockbuster franchise, unexpectedly underperformed at the box office.

While its marketing campaign may not have hit the mark, Transformers: One stands out as one of 2024’s finest animated films, attracting a devoted following among viewers. Its innovative narration and world-building provide a refreshing twist within the franchise, demonstrating how creative storytelling can outshine commercial metrics.

1 Megalopolis

Directed By Francis Ford Coppola

Despite reaching a global box office milestone, Megalopolis, Francis Ford Coppola’s first film in over ten years, stands as one of 2024’s most surprising failures. This highly anticipated passion project faced a dismal reception — audiences struggled to grasp its direction, and critics labeled it whimsical to a fault. However, films born from a filmmaker’s dedication often transcend their initial reception, later evolving into cult classics.

While its box office returns were disappointing, and critical reactions were unfavorable, the film has attracted a niche audience that views it as a misunderstood gem. Featuring powerful performances from a skilled ensemble, coupled with an enchanting score and profound explorations of humanity, Megalopolis is poised to develop a sleeper hit status over time, eagerly waiting for broader recognition.

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