Photo credit: movieweb.com
As we approach the end of another year in the 2020s, the film industry reflects on a decade filled with remarkable cinema alongside notable failures. Many films released during this period came with extravagant budgets, compelling studios to invest hundreds of millions in hopes of attracting audiences to theaters. Such financial commitments often involved high-profile actors and top-tier production efforts.
However, not every investment yields returns. Box office earnings can sometimes drastically miss the mark, transforming eagerly anticipated projects into significant losses for studios. The reasons behind these failures vary; they might stem from critical disappointment, poor audience reception, or simply bad timing. Whatever the cause, let’s examine some of the most significant box office bombs of the 2020s.
10 ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ (2021)
Lost $146 Million
Release Date: December 22, 2021
Runtime: 2hr 28min
The Matrix is often hailed as a hallmark of cinematic innovation. Its legacy gave rise to sequels, but 18 years later, The Matrix Resurrections picked up a storyline that many fans felt was unnecessary. The film’s attempt to revive characters from the original trilogy, particularly Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), left viewers unsatisfied. Despite a moderate 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Resurrections underperformed at the box office, grossing only $159 million against a $190 million budget, resulting in a loss of $146 million. Despite its lackluster performance, rumors of another sequel called Matrix 5 continue to circulate.
9 ‘Onward’ (2020)
Lost $153 Million
Release Date: February 29, 2020
Runtime: 103 minutes
Though Pixar has a legacy of delivering beloved animated features, Onward failed to capture the same audience adoration. Set in a fantastical suburb, the film follows two elf brothers on a quest to briefly reunite with their deceased father. While it featured a strong voice cast, critics found it lacked the spark of earlier Pixar successes. Compounding its struggles, the release coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced theater closures. Ultimately, Onward earned just $142 million on a $175–200 million budget, translating into a $153 million loss for Disney.
8 ‘The Flash’ (2023)
Lost $155 Million
Release Date: June 16, 2023
Runtime: 2 hours 24 minutes
The anticipation surrounding The Flash was high, as it marked the first solo adventure for the titular character in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Featuring a return of Michael Keaton as Batman, the film faced numerous challenges leading up to its release. Issues such as budget overruns, legal troubles for star Ezra Miller, and the looming reboot of the DCEU hindered its performance. It ultimately grossed $271 million against a budget of $200–220 million, resulting in a loss of around $155 million.
7 ‘Wonder Woman 1984’
Lost Between $118 and $161 Million
Release Date: December 16, 2020
Runtime: 151 minutes
The sequel to 2017’s successful Wonder Woman arrived with immense expectations. Featuring Gal Gadot, the film’s release was delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ended up available on streaming services alongside its theatrical debut. Although it became a top-streamed film, the box office results were disappointing; it earned $169 million against a $200 million budget, leading to losses between $118 million and $161 million.
6 ‘Mulan’ (2020)
Lost $166 Million
Release Date: September 4, 2020
Runtime: 115 minutes
The live-action adaptation of Mulan came loaded with expectations but resulted in financial disappointment. The pandemic forced a delayed release strategy, leading Disney to offer the film on its streaming platform with limited theater exposure. Despite generally positive reviews, it ultimately earned approximately $66 million, against a budget estimated between $200 million. The end result was a staggering loss of around $166 million.
5 ‘Jungle Cruise’ (2021)
Lost $169 Million
Release Date: July 30, 2021
Runtime: 2hr 7min
Inspired by a popular theme park ride, Jungle Cruise starred Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt but failed to find its footing at the box office. While the pandemic affected its release strategy, the film’s $200 million budget coupled with only $220 million in earnings led to a loss of around $169 million, raising questions about similar adaptations moving forward.
4 ‘Turning Red’ (2022)
Lost $174 Million
Release Date: March 11, 2022
Runtime: 1hr 40min
Turning Red received acclaim but struggled at the box office, bringing in only $20 million despite its strong message and themes about adolescence. The unique premise and mature themes seemed to alienate some viewers. It was released on Disney+ and theaters only in select markets. The film ultimately resulted in a loss of around $174 million for Pixar and Disney.
3 ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’
Lost $200 Million
Release Date: October 4, 2024
Runtime: 138 Minutes
Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to the acclaimed Joker, features Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga but struggled to meet its predecessor’s success. While the original film grossed over $1 billion on a $70 million budget, the sequel’s $200 million investment yielded a mere $206 million at the box office, resulting in significant losses.
2 ‘Strange World’ (2022)
Lost $197 Million
Release Date: November 23, 2022
Runtime: 102 minutes
In Strange World, a family of explorers embarks on an adventure in a fantastical realm. Although critics received it well, viewers were left divided. The film was fraught with controversy regarding its themes and character representation, ultimately grossing only $73.6 million against a budget estimated at $135-180 million, resulting in a significant loss for Disney.
1 ‘The Marvels’ (2023)
Lost $237 Million
Release Date: November 10, 2023
Runtime: 105 Minutes
The sequel, The Marvels, struggled to recapture the essence of its predecessor, Captain Marvel, and faced significant competition for audiences’ attention. With a budget upwards of $374 million, it earned merely $206 million during its theatrical run, marking it as the biggest disappointment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a reflection of potential superhero fatigue among viewers.
As the film industry deals with increasingly frequent box office flops, it raises an important question: has the momentum for superhero films and lavish adaptations lost its appeal? Moving forward, studios might need to explore fresh narratives and innovative ideas to revitalize audience interest.
Source
movieweb.com