With 2024 marking a pivotal year for the film industry, it has become evident just how dramatically audience behaviors and box office dynamics have evolved. The shift in how viewers consume films is starkly different from pre-pandemic patterns, with many opting to wait for digital releases or streaming availability instead of visiting theaters. As a result, while certain films have thrived in the theatrical landscape, others have faced setbacks despite positive critical reviews, often finding their core audiences only after transitioning to home viewing options.
The box office disappointments of 2024 reveal that a lack of marketing or general awareness can undermine even the most highly anticipated releases. The trend suggests that although sequels and franchise films have generally fared well, their financial success isn’t guaranteed. Additionally, what constitutes a box office failure has shifted considerably. Movies that merely break even or achieve moderate financial success may not be deemed triumphant due to their inability to match the performance of previous installments or similar genre films.
10 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Directed by George Miller
The release of Furiosa has been one of the more surprising disappointments of 2024. As a highly anticipated prequel to the acclaimed Mad Max: Fury Road, it faced monumental expectations, especially with Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role. Despite receiving engaging reviews from both critics and audiences, real-world success eluded it, generating a modest $173 million globally against an estimated $168 million budget. Critical acclaim does not always coincide with box office triumph, and this instance exemplifies that disconnect.
Post-release, the film’s new life on streaming services has sparked renewed interest, positioning it as a potential cult favorite in the long run. Its appearance on Netflix’s top ten list underscores a viable audience hungry for more from the Mad Max universe. This newfound attention might not justify additional films in the franchise right now, but it certainly highlights the ongoing evolution of success in today’s cinematic landscape.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) |
90% |
89% |
9 Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)
Directed by Kevin Costner
Having achieved notable success with Yellowstone, Kevin Costner sought to replicate that magic with the directing endeavor Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1. This film, designed as a tribute to the archetypes of the Old West, however, did not resonate as strongly. Bringing in only around $38 million globally against a staggering $100 million budget, the film suffered from a lack of strong acclaim compared to its television predecessor.
The performance of Chapter 1 has led to a postponement of its sequel’s release, now tentatively scheduled for 2025. With the first chapter recently revitalized on streaming platforms, there’s speculation that Chapter 2 could potentially bypass theaters altogether, further emphasizing the current trend where home viewing reigns supreme.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024) |
51% |
70% |
8 The Fall Guy (2024)
Directed by David Leitch
The Fall Guy, featuring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, combined strong elements for a potential hit: action, comedy, and star power. Despite positive reviews, it only managed a worldwide box office total of $181 million against a $125 million budget, leading it on the brink of being overshadowed.
Post-theatrical run, however, the film garnered unexpected popularity via streaming, owing to its quick debut on Peacock. This scenario illustrates a shift in audience behavior; many viewers preferred waiting for a home viewing experience, particularly as Gosling and Blunt had just starred in two of 2023’s massive successes, Barbie and Oppenheimer.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Fall Guy (2024) |
82% |
85% |
7 Madame Web (2024)
Directed by S.J. Clarkson
Unfortunately, Dakota Johnson’s latest endeavor, Madame Web, continues a trend of poor critical reception in her filmography. Criticism attributed to the film’s quality contributed to its disappointing box office, generating $100 million against a budget of $80 million. Despite the shortcomings, a silver lining appeared when the film gained traction on Netflix, showcasing how less popular superhero narratives find a more welcoming digital audience.
The mixed audience ratings signal a pressing need for change in the franchise trajectory of spinoff movies like these, particularly as they venture into the streaming realm.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Madame Web (2024) |
11% |
55% |
6 For Argy (2024)
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Despite a dismal box office of $96.2 million against a $200 million budget, Argylle has found a second chance after its streaming release. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, this film failed to resonate during its initial theatrical release, yet it has surged in popularity on Apple TV+, ranking as a top title shortly after launch.
While this film represents one of Henry Cavill’s several underperforming projects this year, it mirrors a notable trend where many films find renewed success and an audience after a streaming release.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
For Argy (2024) |
33% |
71% |
5 The Bikeriders (2024)
Directed by Jeff Nichols
Though not as widely recognized as some bigger budget films, The Bikeriders, starring Austin Butler, contributes to the conversation surrounding mid-budget films in the current landscape. Despite a budget of $40 million, it only managed to bring in $36.1 million. However, its streaming performance during summer 2024 breathed new life into the project, garnering positive reception post-release.
This situation indicates a growing trend; audiences may perceive films that lack major visual spectacles as better suited for home viewing, contributing to their post-theatrical successes.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Bikeriders (2024) |
80% |
74% |
4 The First Omen (2024)
Directed by Arkasha Stevenson
The horror genre flourished in 2024, yet The First Omen failed to ignite significant audience interest, accruing only $53.8 million on a $30 million budget. This performance underscores dwindling anticipation for entries in long-standing franchises. However, its eventual streaming release, particularly on Hulu, has revitalized discussions and viewership.
For those who discovered The First Omen on streaming, it has not only offered a fresh take on familiar narratives but also exemplified the ongoing evolution in storytelling within horror films.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The First Omen (2024) |
83% |
70% |
3 The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Directed by Guy Ritchie, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare faced tough times at the box office, earning just $29.7 million against a budget of $60 million. This outcome is a surprising turn for Ritchie, known for his thrilling and entertaining projects, especially given the film’s blend of stellar casting, including Henry Cavill.
Despite mixed reviews, audiences have shown appreciation for the film’s unique action sequences once it transitioned to streaming, demonstrating a niche viewership that values Ritchie’s distinct style.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) |
68% |
92% |
2 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Directed by Wes Ball
An ambitious project, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes had a budget of $160 million, requiring a strong box office performance to recover costs. While it grossed a more respectable $397.4 million, this is only marginally above breakeven, indicating a performance below expectations for its franchise.
After its theatrical release, the film found a new audience on streaming platforms, allowing it to maintain relevance in the expansive Planet of the Apes saga.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) |
80% |
77% |
1 Transformers One (2024)
Directed by Josh Cooley
The latest addition to the storied Transformers franchise, Transformers One, failed to replicate the typical box office success synonymous with the series, drawing only $129 million globally. Despite positive reception from critics and audiences, this origin story exploring the relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron did not make a lasting impression at the box office.
However, since launching on streaming services like Paramount+, the film has resonated with a wider audience and is gaining traction through VOD platforms. As more viewers discover the nuanced storytelling and artistry within Transformers One, its success may start a new chapter of animated films within the franchise.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Transformers One (2024) |
89% |
97% |
Sources: Box Office Mojo & The Numbers
Related Articles:
Wallace & Gromit’s New Film Sheds Light on Tough Truths About the Franchise After 36 Years
4:32
Tim Allen Reveals Exciting Toy Story 5 Storyline Tease: “It’s A Really Cool Thing”
4:17
Hard Truths: Where to Watch, Showtimes, and Streaming Availability
2:52
Leave a Reply