Introduction
The movie industry is a high-stakes game, with big budgets, high expectations, and the ever-present hope of striking box office gold. However, not every film gets to taste success, and some are destined to flop from the start. Let's take a look at 9 movies that were doomed to fail at the box office, despite the hype and anticipation surrounding them.
Grindelwald aiming his wand in Fantastic Beasts
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore
The magic of Harry Potter didn't quite translate to the spin-off series, Fantastic Beasts. The Secrets Of Dumbledore had all the promise of its predecessor but suffered from casting changes and waning interest. The controversies surrounding the central antagonists' actors and the author led to plummeting box office performances, sealing the fate of the franchise.
Jean Grey enhanced by the Phoenix Force in X-Men Dark Phoenix
Monster Hunter
Video game adaptations have always been a risky bet, and Monster Hunter was no exception. Despite high hopes and a star-studded cast, the film continued the tradition of poor video game adaptations and failed to make a mark at the box office. It's clear that the curse on video game movies still lingers, and Monster Hunter was unable to break free from it.
Milla Jovovich in Monster Hunter
The Marvels
Superhero fatigue and a complex storyline proved to be the downfall of The Marvels. With the genre stuck in a rut and intense review bombing for one of its prequel series, The Marvels struggled to capture the attention of audiences. The film's attempt to juggle multiple characters and storylines fell flat, contributing to its failure at the box office.
Monica Rambeau, Carol Danvers, and Kamala Khan join forces in The Marvels
Dark Phoenix
The X-Men franchise took a nosedive with Dark Phoenix, as a muddled timeline and confusing stories left audiences disinterested. Despite the success of previous films, the series failed to sustain its momentum, and Dark Phoenix became one of the least popular films in the franchise. It was a disappointing end for a once-beloved series.
Sophie Turner as Jean Grey in the rain in X-Men Dark Phoenix
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom
The struggle of the DCEU to find its footing was evident in Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom. Despite the announcement of a major restructuring and a fresh start, confusion set in, and the remaining films appeared redundant. The long-awaited sequels failed to revive the franchise, marking the last struggling breath of the DCEU.
Aquaman 2 Jason Momoa as Aquaman and Patrick Wilson as Orm stood looking confused
Bloodshot
The attempt to launch another superhero universe fell flat with Bloodshot. Criticism for the lead performance, theater closures, and lack of awareness around the character resulted in the film's failure at the box office. It was a clear indication that not every comic-inspired story could replicate the success of the MCU.
Vin Diesel from Bloodshot
Strange World
The lack of marketing and a narrow release window led to the financial loss of Strange World. Despite featuring a star-studded cast and a groundbreaking lead, the film struggled to attract audiences in theaters. However, it found popularity among streaming audiences, highlighting the missed opportunity in its theatrical release.
Disney plus strange world
The Flash
The troubled star and delays surrounding The Flash left the movie lagging behind. Despite the potential for a reset in the DCEU, drama around the star, confusing shuffling at DC, and underwhelming CGI hindered the film's success. It was a long overdue movie that failed to make an impact at the box office.
The Flash Barry Allen holding Keaton's Batman's hand as he dies
Birds Of Prey
Despite the popularity of Harley Quinn, Birds Of Prey felt like a cash grab. With a convoluted storyline, brief cameos, and a lack of substance, the movie failed to resonate with audiences. It was a missed opportunity for a beloved character and a disappointing addition to the DC film universe.
Harley Quinn in frilly outfit in Birds of Prey