10 Recent Comedy Movie Flops That Remain Unforgettable and Hilarious

Over time, numerous comedy movies have surprisingly failed to resonate with audiences, often underperforming at the box office. Iconic films like Office Space and Wet Hot American Summer are prime examples, having struggled to recoup their initial budgets upon release. This phenomenon raises an important question: why do so many comedies earn their deserved acclaim only after significant delays?

This trend has not abated in the last decade, with several uproarious comedies falling flat financially, despite their ability to elicit genuine laughter from audiences. It’s crucial to note that box office revenue isn’t the definitive measure of a film’s quality, especially in the comedy genre, where the primary aim is entertainment. Even though recent comedic features may not have attracted large crowds to theaters, they continue to deliver hearty laughs when needed most.

10 The Suicide Squad (2021)

Directed by James Gunn

Not many films from the 2020s have generated laughter as effectively as The Suicide Squad. Crafted by James Gunn, this movie acts as a follow-up to the much-criticized 2016 installment, presenting a completely new narrative along with an exciting range of characters.

Featuring a star-studded cast, this film depicts a group of lesser-known villains tasked with an outrageous mission to save the world. Despite receiving generally favorable reviews, it fell short at the box office, unable to recover its $185 million budget.

The film’s underwhelming performance can be attributed to several factors, predominantly the release strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic, which allowed it to stream on HBO Max simultaneously—a decision that hampered theatrical attendance. Additionally, the confusion surrounding its connection to its poorly-received predecessor did not help.

9 Thelma (2024)

Directed by Josh Margolin

Thelma is one of the latest comedy films to disappoint at the box office, creatively blending humor with a heartwarming revenge narrative. It tells the story of 93-year-old Thelma Post, who embarks on a quest to recover $10,000 lost to a telephone scam, showcasing the inimitable June Squibb in the title role.

This film effortlessly highlights the comedic aspects of aging without resorting to cynicism, making it enjoyable for a broad audience. However, despite its uplifting tone and positive reviews—currently boasting a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—Thelma only secured around $12 million at the box office.

8 Bros (2022)

Directed by Nicholas Stoller

In an unprecedented step, Universal Pictures released Bros in 2022, making it one of the first major studio rom-coms to feature a same-sex couple alongside a predominantly LGBTQ cast. Starring Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane, this film explores the complexities of romantic commitment amidst a comedic backdrop.

Bros strikes a balance between humor and significant representation, yet it struggled to thrive at the box office, amassing only $22 million against a $22 million budget. Its lackluster performance could be partially attributed to the timing of its release, coinciding with other major films.

7 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)

Directed by Tom Gormican

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent showcases one of the most inventive concepts in recent comedy, featuring Nicolas Cage as a fictional version of himself, alongside Pedro Pascal. This zany premise follows Cage’s acceptance of a million-dollar offer to attend an obsessive fan’s birthday party.

Despite its engaging storyline and the charming interplay between Cage and Pascal, the film struggled to earn back its $30 million budget due to competition with other releases. Nevertheless, it provides an entertaining experience without equal.

6 BlackBerry (2023)

Directed by Matt Johnson

At first glance, the premise of BlackBerry may not seem inherently comedic; it recounts the rise and fall of the titular cell phone company. However, this 2023 Canadian film injects humor into real-life events, thanks to the clever storytelling of director Matt Johnson.

With a modest budget of $5 million, BlackBerry grossed only a fraction of that, yet it garnered an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and triumphed at the Canadian Screen Awards, indicating its acclaim despite a limited theatrical release.

5 Palm Springs (2020)

Directed by Max Barbakow

Palm Springs, directed by Max Barbakow, breaks the mold of traditional romantic comedies by incorporating science fiction. This unique film immerses viewers in the story of two characters trapped in a time loop, continuously revisiting the same day.

With Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti leading the cast, the film’s limited release resulted in a box office take of under $2 million against its $5 million budget. Yet, its true success blossomed on Hulu, where it attracted a substantial audience, ultimately earning two Golden Globe nominations.

4 Joy Ride (2023)

Directed by Adele Lim

Joy Ride might appear to tread familiar ground with its narrative of four friends on a wild vacation. However, it elevates the comedic genre with its extreme scenarios and vibrant character interactions, featuring Ashley Park and Sherry Cola among others.

Despite a talented creative team, box office returns fell disappointingly short, with the film grossing just under $16 million against a significantly larger budget. Nonetheless, Joy Ride remains a joyously entertaining experience for fans of raunchy humor.

3 The King of Staten Island (2020)

Directed by Judd Apatow

Known for his contributions to modern comedy, Judd Apatow’s The King of Staten Island showcases Pete Davidson in a semi-autobiographical narrative. Despite tackling more serious themes, the film masterfully infuses humor throughout its poignant storytelling.

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic hindered its box office success, leading to a total gross of less than $3 million against a $35 million budget. Nevertheless, this film stands as a testament to the depth of modern comedy.

2 Renfield (2023)

Directed by Chris McKay

In a refreshing crossover of genres, Renfield uniquely blends horror and comedy. Following the character from Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula, it humorously explores the dynamics between Renfield and the notorious vampire, with Nicholas Hoult and Nicolas Cage bringing the roles to life.

Despite its clever execution and mixed-genre appeal, Renfield managed to secure under $30 million in global box office sales, not meeting its production costs. Some uncertainty regarding the film’s classification as comedy or horror may have deterred potential viewers.

1 The Nice Guys (2016)

Directed by Shane Black

The Nice Guys, a buddy cop comedy from 2016, has gained a devoted audience over time, yet it didn’t achieve the immediate success anticipated. Starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, the film follows an unlikely partnership navigating a web of intrigue in 1970s Los Angeles.

While it recovered its budget, viewers have come to appreciate its wit, captivating storytelling, and stellar performances. The film’s launch was hampered by similar comedies debuting simultaneously, causing it to be overshadowed, but thanks to streaming platforms, its comedic brilliance has finally gained recognition.

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