As 2024 approaches its conclusion, cinephiles around the world are reflecting on the year’s cinematic offerings. It has been a vibrant year for the film industry, highlighted by significant releases such as Dune Part Two and Wicked, which captured the hearts of both critics and audiences. However, amidst the blockbusters, there were films that fell short of expectations and faced critical and commercial failure. Examining this year’s cinematic landscape also reveals which films struggled to make an impact and the reasons behind their disappointing performances.
Similar to previous years, 2024 saw its fair share of movies that flopped at the box office. These films, met with disappointing receptions, failed to resonate with viewers or critics alike. Factors such as inadequate production quality, misleading marketing campaigns, or other aspects contributed to their lackluster performances. As we review the films of 2024, let’s take a closer look at the most significant cinematic misfires of the year.
10. Joker: Madness for Two
Budget: $190-200 Million | Box Office: $206.4 Million
The original Joker, released in 2019, garnered immense success, taking home multiple Academy Awards and raking in over $1 billion on a modest budget of approximately $55 to $70 million. Unfortunately, the highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, released in 2024, failed to replicate this success. Picking up two years later, it follows Arthur Fleck as he crosses paths with Harleen Quinzel just before facing trial, plunging into chaos.
Disappointment ensued as fans found the sequel’s unique musical format jarring and divergent from the tone of its predecessor. With a substantial budget nearing $200 million, the film only managed to gross $206.4 million, illustrating a significant commercial shortfall.
9. Madame Web
Budget: $80-100 Million | Box Office: $100.5 Million
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe has struggled to find its footing, and Madame Web, released early in 2024, did little to alter that trajectory. The film, featuring Dakota Johnson as Cassie Webb, aimed to deliver an engaging origin story, but it fell flat at the box office.
With earnings of just $100.5 million—equivalent to its production costs—Madame Web was met with scathing reviews that positioned it among the worst superhero films of the year, underscoring its failure in every realm.
8. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1
Budget: $50 Million | Box Office: $38.2 Million
Kevin Costner, known for his work in the Western genre, faced a setback with his 2024 release, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1. Serving as the initial installment in a planned series, the film explores life in the Midwest during the Civil War. Despite its ambition, it fell considerably short, earning only $38.2 million against a $50 million budget.
The lengthy runtime of over three hours also deterred audiences, casting shadows over the franchise’s prospective future.
7. The Crow
Budget: $50 Million | Box Office: $24 Million
Remakes often pose a tempting opportunity for studios to monetize nostalgia, but the 2024 version of The Crow showcased that this strategy isn’t foolproof. Led by Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs, this iteration chronicles the tragic story of a resurrected man seeking vengeance after the murder of himself and his girlfriend.
The film’s performance—$24 million against a $50 million budget—signified a significant financial disappointment, compounded by poor critical reception, marking it as a flop on all levels.
6. The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Budget: $60 Million | Box Office: $27.3 Million
Guy Ritchie, known for his eclectic storytelling style, has delivered various successful films over the years; however, the release of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare in April represented a notable miss. The film depicts a fictionalized, action-filled take on a World War II mission, yet it garnered only $27.3 million at the box office against a $60 million budget.
Despite some positive critiques, the financial results were paltry, indicating a clear need for Ritchie to seek greater success in future projects.
5. Here
Budget: $45-50 Million | Box Office: $13.4 Million
Renowned for hits like Back to the Future and Forrest Gump, director Robert Zemeckis received mixed reactions for his newest film, Here. This unique narrative explores the historical evolution of a specific piece of land over millennia.
Despite its intriguing premise, the film grossed only $13.4 million against a $50 million budget, representing a disappointing return on investment and signaling a downturn in Zemeckis’s recent cinematic ventures.
4. Fly Me To The Moon
Budget: $100 Million | Box Office: $42.2 Million
Director Greg Berlanti’s romantic comedy, Fly Me to the Moon, set in the late ’60s, follows a marketing professional and a NASA launch director as they concoct a fake moon landing. Despite its charming storyline and a star-studded cast featuring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, the film underperformed dramatically.
With a production budget of $100 million, its box office revenue of $42.2 million left substantial financial gaps. The film struggled to find its audience, primarily due to an ineffective marketing strategy that left potential viewers confused about its premise.
3. Borderlands
Budget: $110-120 Million | Box Office: $33 Million
Capitalizing on the success of video game adaptations, Borderlands sought to capture audience excitement. Directed by Eli Roth and featuring a star-studded ensemble cast, the film’s exciting premise unfortunately did not translate into box office success, drawing in only $33 million on a budget estimated between $110 and $120 million.
Despite potential, the film fell flat critically, illustrating that merely adapting popular source material does not guarantee financial success.
2. To Argy
Budget: $200 Million | Box Office: $96.2 Million
Despite its notable premise and an all-star cast helmed by Matthew Vaughn, Argylle struggled to attract audiences. The intricate plot involving an author whose novel mirrors real events proved to be convoluted, leading to mixed reactions regarding its humor and storyline.
With an astounding budget of approximately $200 million, the film’s box office gross of $96.2 million marked a significant financial disappointment for Universal Pictures and Apple Original Films.
1. Megalopolis
Budget: $120-136 Million | Box Office: $13.9 Million
Writer-director Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis sparked extensive discussions upon its release, with audiences divided on its artistic directions. After many years following classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, Coppola returned with an expansive sci-fi narrative.
Regrettably, the film was a monumental box office failure, reportedly costing between $120 to $136 million and recouping a mere $13.9 million—just a fraction of the investment. This stark outcome cements Megalopolis as one of 2024’s most significant flops.
Sources: Box Office Mojo | Source & Images
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