6 Biggest Box Office Bombs That Became Cult Classics

While the box office isn’t always a clear indicator of how good or bad a movie is, there is usually a trend between box office bombs and cult classics. They may not have earned a lot of money while in theaters, but devoted followers have rekindled the love for these box office bombs and made them stick in the world’s mind for decades after. Check out these six box office bombs that became cult classics, and see if you’ve watched any of them.

6. The Thing (1982)

Starting our list of box office bombs is The Thing. When it was first released, the film received several negative reviews, mainly targeting the characterization and plot. The saving grace? The Thing’s outstanding visual effects that have stood the test of time. Today, it is now seen as an influential sci-fi film that has inspired other paranoia-filled movies.

–IMDb score: 8.2

5. Donnie Darko (2001)

Fifth on our list of box office bombs that are now cult classics is Donnie Darko. Released in 2001 with a budget of $4.5 million, the film only managed to bring in $7.5 million. The main reasons it struggled was a complex narrative and lack of promotion. However, when the film hit home video, younger viewers were drawn to the dark atmosphere and is now a classic in the indie cinema world.

–IMDb score: 8.0

4. The Iron Giant (1999)

Fourth on our list of box office bombs is The Iron Giant. The 2D animated classic was directed by Brad Bird, who went on to work with Ratatouille and The Incredibles. The film cost around $50 million to make but only made just over half that at the box office. But, time has been good for the film, as it is now considered a masterpiece and is popular with home video fans.

–IMDb score: 8.1

Check Out: 6 Best 80s Sci-Fi and Fantasy Shows to Stream

3. Children of Men (2006)

Rounding out the top three box office bombs that became cult classics is Children of Men. Now considered one of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century, the film lost $6 million at the box office and was marked as a failure. While it may deter mainstream audiences, those who prize darker dystopian films have come to love this one with its groundbreaking cinematography.

–IMDb score: 7.9

Also Read: 6 Best 80s Drama and Action Shows to Stream

2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Second on our list of box office bombs is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. One of the most famous cult classics in film history, it was a box office disaster in 1975. Critics and audiences were stunned by the combination of comedy, musical, and horror, and it only grossed $21 million worldwide. How did it become popular? A combination of midnight screenings and interactive showings that still go on to this day.

–IMDb score: 7.4

1. Clue (1985)

Last but not least on our list of box office bombs that became cult classics is Clue. Based on the board game, it took a creative spin on adapting something with no “true” story. Similar to Clue having different endings, the film presented multiple and let the audience choose which one satisfied them, with each showing having just one of three endings. People were put off by the idea, but home videos helped bring Clue back into the light as it showed the whole film.