Not every film is immediately recognized as a masterpiece. Some flop hard at the box office but find their audience years later. Maybe they were ahead of their time, had the wrong marketing or audiences simply didn't get them. Whatever the reason, these ten films eventually got the recognition they deserved.
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The Big Lebowski (1998)
On release, The Big Lebowski was a disappointment: it barely earned more than its budget in the US and critics were lukewarm. Yet this Coen Brothers comedy grew into a cult phenomenon. The absurd humor, the iconic Dude and endlessly quotable lines make it timeless.
Blade Runner (1982)
On release, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner was largely ignored by audiences who found it too slow and philosophical. Today it's considered one of the best science fiction films ever, with a huge influence on the genre.
On release, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner was largely ignored by audiences who found it too slow and philosophical.
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Fight Club (1999)
David Fincher's Fight Club had everything to be a hit: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and a thrilling, violent story. Yet it disappointed at the box office, with critics finding it too nihilistic. On DVD it became a huge hit and one of the most discussed films of all time.
Honestly, visual perfection.
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The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter's horror masterpiece was one of the year's biggest failures, completely overshadowed by E.T., with critics finding it too gory and depressing. Today it's seen as one of the best horror films ever, with groundbreaking practical effects.
The atmosphere throughout the entire film is incredible without question.
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Donnie Darko (2001)
Due to unfortunate timing, shortly after 9/11, Donnie Darko didn't stand a chance in theaters and earned very little. Through DVD sales and midnight screenings, it grew into a cult favorite, especially among teens and young adults.
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Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
A visual spectacle full of video game and pop culture references, yet Scott Pilgrim flopped badly, earning about 47 million dollars on an 85-million-dollar budget. A loyal fan base and rediscovery through streaming turned it into a cult classic.
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Office Space (1999)
Office Space flopped because nobody knew what to expect: a comedy about boring office life? But on DVD and through repeated TV airings, it became the ultimate satire of office life, loved by millions.
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Hocus Pocus (1993)
This Disney horror comedy struggled in theaters, probably because it was released in summer instead of around Halloween. Through annual Halloween TV airings, it grew into an autumn classic.
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Dredd (2012)
On release, Dredd drew hardly any audience and didn't recoup its budget of around 50 million dollars. But it quickly gained cult status thanks to its great action and dark cyberpunk atmosphere, and fans still beg for a sequel.
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The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Perhaps the ultimate cult classic. It was a complete failure on release, but found its audience through midnight screenings where fans sang and acted along. Today it's the longest-running theatrical release ever.
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On release, The Big Lebowski was a disappointment: it barely earned more than its budget in the US and critics were lukewarm.