Every year, the film industry witnesses a diverse range of movies that either soar to success or dwindle into obscurity. However, 2024 has highlighted a series of films that, despite having the potential to captivate audiences and critics alike, ultimately fell flat at the box office. Understanding the parameters that define a movie’s success is crucial—primarily, critical reviews and box office earnings. While box office numbers indicate attendance, critical reception reflects audience enjoyment, both essential for a film’s perceived success. Nonetheless, there are instances when critical acclaim does not necessarily translate into financial gain.
This article explores films released in 2024 that, although they received favorable reviews, failed to achieve financial viability. Despite earning commendable ratings on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, these films did not reach the financial benchmarks necessary for survival, leaving their creators at a loss. Some of these movies deserved more attention than they received, while others were disappointing in light of high expectations. Let’s delve into these unanticipated box office flops.
10 Here
Not An Audience Favorite
One of the most noteworthy disappointments was “Here,”which debuted in October and is adapted from a graphic novel focusing on the life of several generations within one American household. Despite a unique premise and a renowned cast—including the reunion of Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, and director Robert Zemeckis from their iconic work on Forrest Gump—the film grossed a mere $13 million against a $45-50 million budget.
Poor critical reception clouded its prospects, recording a mere 38% on Rotten Tomatoes as viewers criticized its lack of depth and cliché storytelling. Additionally, the use of de-aging technology on its leads failed to resonate, leaving audiences disappointed and making “Here”one of the year’s unexpected failures.
9 Argylle
Critics Were Not Fans
“Argylle,”directed by the acclaimed Matthew Vaughn, followed a novelist who uncovers the reality of a character she created and becomes embroiled in an espionage thriller. While audience reception was relatively positive, boasting a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes, critics were far less forgiving, rating it at only 33%. With a rumored budget of around $200 million, its box office return of $96 million was disappointing, resulting in significant losses and branding it a flop.
The ambitious scope of “Argylle”may have contributed to its mixed reviews, as it struggled to balance action and storytelling effectively, leaving critics and audiences wanting.
8 Saturday Night
An Under The Radar Ensemble Film
Despite rave reviews, “Saturday Night”fell short at the box office after its September release. This film, depicting the behind-the-scenes struggles before the first episode of “Saturday Night Live,”featured an ensemble cast including Gabriel LaBelle and Rachel Sennott. However, with a box office return of just $9.8 million against a $25 million budget, it did not reflect the favorable 78% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It appears overshadowed by larger blockbusters released during the same timeframe.
7 The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare
A Marketing Mistake
Guy Ritchie’s “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,”a World War II action film, attracted attention thanks to its star-studded cast, but faltered at the box office despite a favorable audience score of 92%. Its $27 million gross, compared to a $60 million budget, raised eyebrows. The film’s underperformance was largely attributed to poor marketing choices, particularly releasing alongside streaming options. Many critics appreciated the film’s high-energy storytelling (68% on Rotten Tomatoes), but it failed to generate the cinematic turnout expected.
6 The Fall Guy
Audiences Didn’t Get It
“The Fall Guy,”featuring Ryan Gosling as a stuntman, offered a nostalgic nod to a beloved 1970s TV show. Despite achieving a solid box office return of $181 million and an impressive 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it was perceived as underwhelming, missing out on the blockbuster success many anticipated. This, in part, was due to a lack of recognition of its source material, as audiences preferred to explore more established franchise offerings during the summer season.
5 Horizon: An American Saga
A Passion Project Gone Wrong
“Horizon: An American Saga,”spearheaded by Kevin Costner, chronicled complex narratives in the American West during a pivotal historical period. Unfortunately, despite significant expectations, it only garnered $38 million against a $100 million budget, earning a mediocre 51% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics voiced concerns about its convoluted storyline and vast ensemble cast diluting character development, highlighting the struggle over the execution of Costner’s long-cherished ambition.
4 Transformers One
Catered To The Wrong Crowd
3 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Already Overshadowed
Another surprising flop was “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,”the anticipated prequel featuring Anya Taylor-Joy. Despite earning $173 million—exceeding its $168 million budget—the film did not satisfy expectations set by its predecessor, “Mad Max: Fury Road.”The divergence in storytelling and themes may have contributed to lukewarm audience reactions, leading to disappointment after a lengthy anticipation.
2 Joker: Folie à Deux
A Critical Hiccup
The highly awaited sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux,”featuring Joaquin Phoenix, received significant attention but ultimately disappointed at the box office. Grossing $200 million, it only marginally surpassed its extensive budget. Critics were harsh, giving it a disappointing 31% on Rotten Tomatoes, criticizing the film’s ambition and its disjointed musical elements, which diverged from audience expectations.
1 Megalopolis
A Colossal Disappointment
Finally, “Megalopolis,”directed by Francis Ford Coppola, aimed to explore grand ideas of modern civilization through a narrative centered on a visionary character. However, despite a mammoth budget of $120 million, it only raked in $13 million, consolidating its status as one of the year’s biggest failures. Critics described the film as chaotic and unfocused with a mediocre score of 45% on Rotten Tomatoes, leading to disappointment from both critics and audiences.
In conclusion, these films from 2024 illustrate the unpredictable nature of cinematic success and the delicate balance creators must navigate between ambition and audience expectations. For some, high production values and star power weren’t enough to guarantee survival in today’s competitive market.