1. Blade Runner 1982，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 829456, ID: 0083658 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, initially received mixed reviews and suffered an underwhelming box office performance. The film, set in a future Los Angeles, follows a bounty hunter as he tracks down rogue synthetic humans. Despite its initial reception, Blade Runner is now considered a classic, with its unique blend of science fiction and noir elements, and its exploration of deep philosophical questions.
2. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 193958, ID: 0443680 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, despite its underwhelming box office performance, is now regarded as a classic. The film, starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, explores the complex relationship between the infamous outlaw Jesse James and Robert Ford, leading up to the titular killing. Its nuanced performances and contemplative narrative have earned it a place among the classics.
3. Office Space 1999，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 290532, ID: 0151804 Photo by https://www.executivecentre.com/hong-kong/premium-office, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Office Space, a satirical comedy about the drudgery of cubicle culture, initially didn’t perform well at the box office. However, its sharp dialogue, relatable characters, and humorous take on office life have since made it a cult classic. The film’s critique of modern corporate life continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic.
4. Fight Club 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2353098, ID: 0137523 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Fight Club, directed by David Fincher, was initially met with controversy due to its violent content and was not a box office success. However, its exploration of themes such as consumerism, masculinity, and identity, along with standout performances by Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, have since made it a classic. Despite its initial reception, Fight Club has gained a significant following and is now considered a defining film of its era.
5. The Shawshank Redemption 1994，IMDB Rating: 9.3, IMDB Votes: 2920646, ID: 0111161 Photo by pousadanerd.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 The Shawshank Redemption, despite underperforming at the box office upon its release, is now widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. The film, which tells the story of a man wrongly sentenced to life in prison, is celebrated for its themes of hope, friendship, and redemption. Its powerful performances, particularly by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, and its moving narrative have ensured its status as a beloved classic.
6. The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 168420, ID: 0073629 Photo by hgm.sstrumello.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a long-running social phenomenon, was initially ignored by everyone but later found redemption with a loyal fanbase. It’s a musical about a fashionable mad scientist, a stranded newly-engaged couple, a blonde creation, and a bunch of aliens. Despite being a box office flop, it’s loved by many for its obscurity and weirdness.
7. Dazed and Confused 1993，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 202065, ID: 0106677 Photo by thecreativeparty.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Dazed and Confused is more than a stoner cult classic or sentimental high school comedy. It captures the zeitgeist of the slacker movement and provides insight into a cultural moment in American history. Despite being a box office flop, it’s now considered a beloved and timeless classic.
8. Happiness 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 75021, ID: 0147612 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Happiness is a dark ensemble-comedy centered on the three Jordan sisters. It’s a film that perplexes its viewers as it challenges the ways we attempt to respond to it. Despite being a box office flop, it’s now considered a comedy classic.
9. Repo Man 1984，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 42007, ID: 0087995 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Repo Man is a 1984 American science fiction black comedy film. Despite its initial box office flop, it has a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 78% and is now considered a classic.
10. Punch-Drunk Love 2002，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 179608, ID: 0272338 Photo by Wikipedia|, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Punch-Drunk Love is a film that reveals unexpected depths in Adam Sandler’s acting. It’s a film about a sad, desperate man with social anxiety who falls in love. Despite being a box office flop, it’s now considered a classic.
11. The Big Lebowski 1998，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 866943, ID: 0118715 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 The Big Lebowski, a genial, shambling comedy about a human train wreck, initially received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office. However, its unique characters and compelling story, combined with its offbeat humor, have since earned it a place among the classics. The film’s charm lies in its ‘E.T.’-type story about a man trying to hide an alien from his mom, with the alien being a towering metal man.
12. Donnie Darko 2001，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 857274, ID: 0246578 Photo by flickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Donnie Darko, a film about a high school student who receives bulletins about the future from a large and demonic rabbit, was initially met with mixed reviews and a lukewarm box office reception. However, its innovative storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of big themes like life and death, sex and love, fantasy and reality, have since made it a cult classic.
13. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 469138, ID: 0446029 Photo by draco.pe.kr, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, a film that blends the styles of video games, sitcoms, and comic books, initially received mixed reviews and suffered an underwhelming box office performance. However, its fast pace, funny script, and inventive visuals have since made it a favorite among audiences.
14. Children of Men 2006，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 533498, ID: 0206634 Photo by The Oil Drum, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 A dystopian masterpiece, ‘Children of Men’ initially received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office. However, its profound narrative and stunning visuals have since been recognized, making it a classic. The film’s depiction of a bleak future, where humanity faces extinction due to infertility, is both chilling and thought-provoking.
15. The Thing 1982，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 472514, ID: 0084787 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 ‘The Thing’ is a unique blend of science fiction, mystery, and horror that didn’t fare well initially. Despite its initial reception, the film’s tense atmosphere, remarkable creature effects, and compelling performances, particularly from Kurt Russell, have earned it a cult following.
16. Brazil 1985，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 212374, ID: 0088846 Photo by elbinario.net, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 ‘Brazil’, a darkly comical dystopian film, struggled at the box office but has since been appreciated for its satirical take on bureaucracy and totalitarianism. Its imaginative visuals and thought-provoking narrative, coupled with Terry Gilliam’s unique directorial style, have made it a classic.
17. The Princess Bride 1987，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 454437, ID: 0093779 Photo by wait-by-moonlight.xanga.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 ‘The Princess Bride’ is a delightful blend of adventure, romance, and comedy. Despite not being a huge box office success, it has gained a massive following for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and timeless story. Its unique blend of fairy tale elements with a modern sense of humor has made it a beloved classic.
18. Clue 1985，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 110876, ID: 0088930 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Based on the popular board game, ‘Clue’ was initially a box office disappointment. However, its clever plot, humorous dialogue, and memorable performances, especially by Tim Curry, have since earned it a cult following. Its unique approach to storytelling, featuring multiple endings, adds to its enduring appeal.
19. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 1971，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 229811, ID: 0067992 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, while not a box office success upon its release, is now considered a family classic. Its delightful, funny, scary, exciting, and imaginative story has made it a favorite among both children and adults. The film’s portrayal of a magical chocolate factory and its eccentric owner continue to captivate audiences.
20. The Shining 1980，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1118877, ID: 0081505 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a psychological horror film that initially received mixed reviews and had a lukewarm box office performance. However, its chilling narrative, iconic performances, and masterful cinematography have since earned it the status of a classic. The film’s exploration of isolation, madness, and the supernatural continues to captivate and terrify audiences.
21. The Adventures of Baron Munchausen 1988，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 57230, ID: 0096764 Photo by Wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, despite its initial box office failure, is now appreciated for its imaginative storytelling and visual grandeur. The film, directed by Terry Gilliam, is a fantastical adventure that celebrates the power of imagination and the spirit of storytelling. Its unique blend of humor, adventure, and visual spectacle makes it a classic in the realm of fantasy cinema.
22. Hudson Hawk 1991，IMDB Rating: 5.7, IMDB Votes: 60800, ID: 0102070 Photo by exotica.org.uk, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 Hudson Hawk, a film that was critically panned and commercially unsuccessful upon its release, has since gained a cult following. The film’s unique blend of action, comedy, and eccentric characters, led by Bruce Willis, offers a distinctively quirky cinematic experience. Despite its initial failure, Hudson Hawk’s originality and humor have earned it a place among classic action-comedy films.
23. The Hudsucker Proxy 1994，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 85706, ID: 0110074 Photo by Stack Exchange, is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0 The Hudsucker Proxy, despite its initial commercial failure, is now recognized as a classic for its satirical take on corporate America. Directed by the Coen Brothers, the film’s witty dialogue, memorable performances, and visually stunning design make it a standout in their filmography. Its clever commentary on capitalism and ambition continues to resonate with audiences, making it a classic in the realm of comedic cinema.
23 Movie Flops That Became Timeless Classics
