The 2024 box office has come with a lot of surprises. Sure, we knew the Pixar sequel Inside Out 2 would do well, but nobody could've predicted the records it shattered. The success of Deadpool & Wolverine was a bit more expected, but even that film surpassed previous R-rated movie achievements in record time. Each year a cohort of cinephiles bemoan the drying up of the film industry and each year a handful of films prove that the cinema is still very much alive.
Then there are other films that feed right into the worry that, "people just don't go to the theaters anymore." Madame Web was trashed by critics and audiences and barely eked out ticket sales over its budget. Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 released to lukewarm reception and earned just over half its budget.
Most would agree that these box-office bombs deserved these lackluster results. However, others perhaps weren't given a fair shot. Here are 10 that deserve a second look.
10 Lisa Frankenstein
Lisa Frankenstein is the directorial debut of Zelda Williams, daughter of the late and beloved actor Robin Williams. Set in the late '80s, it follows a teenager named Lisa who's a recluse still coming to terms with her mom's gruesome murder. After being assaulted at a party, Lisa goes to her safe space, which happens to be the local cemetery. There, when a bolt of lightning strikes, an unconventional relationship begins.
In the Original's Shadow?
This film was penned by Diablo Cody, the same screenwriter behind Jennifer's Body. Cody claims both movies are part of the same cinematic universe. With the resurgence of love for Jennifer's Body in recent years and a small budget of $13 million, Lisa Frankenstein should've been a moderate success. But it finished at just under $10 million at the box office.
Like its predecessor, it's a bit campy and the humor doesn't land with everyone. Lisa Frankenstein may not have the same edge and quirkiness as Jennifer's Body, but it's a solid debut from Williams.
Stream on Prime Video
9 Mothers’ Instinct
Mothers' Instinct is the second film adaptation of the 2012 novel of the same name, following the 2018 French version. Here, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain star. The story revolves around Alice and Céline (Chastain and Hathaway) who are neighbors in the '60s. They have sons who are the same age and husbands who work a ton. Their routines are upended when a decision made by Alice leads to the death of Céline's son.
A Non-Meandering Character Study
Chastain and Hathaway both have producing credits on this movie and it's clear they were heavily invested in bringing this story to life. One second the viewer is siding with Céline, the next Alice, and the following neither of them. This story is guaranteed to spark discussion about who was truly at fault for the son's death, or if was a simple accident.
While the exact budget hasn't been released, it's safe to say not topping $3 million was a disappointment. Mothers' Instinct theatrical release was short-lived, but it deserves a second life on streaming platforms.
Rent on Apple TV
8 The Fall Guy
The Fall Guy is an action comedy starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Colt Seavers (Gosling) is a former stuntman who agrees to work on his ex-girlfriend Jody's (Blunt) directorial debut. Colt is shocked to learn that Jody didn't approve his hiring and that the film's lead actor, Tom Ryder, is missing.
This was Gosling's first released project after the monster success of last year's Barbie. That, coupled with Blunt's star power and the increasing popularity of Aaron Taylor-Johnson (who played Tom), should've made this a hit.
Too Loose with the Cash
Perhaps this is yet another case of inflated budgets ruining a box office return before it had even a chance. There's no reason an action comedy needed a $125-150 million budget (it made $178 million). Bad Boys: Ride or Die, another 2024 release, capped its budget off at $100 million (with two veteran actors) and became one of the year's best-performing movies. All that aside, The Fall Guy is a fun movie that brings solid acting performances and deserves a watch when it comes to streaming.
Rent on Apple TV
7 Argylle
In Argylle, Elly Conway is an author who writes spy novels, some of her most famous being from the Argylle series. While traveling to visit her parents, an actual spy saves her from being ambushed. Turns out that what Elly is writing in her series predicts the future and an organization called the Division wants her in their claws.
This film features an ensemble cast populated by the likes of Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua Lipa, and John Cena, among others. It should've been a hit.
A Fun, Silly Time
A budget of $200 million was a rugged mountain to climb and Argylle couldn't manage to do it. It failed to hit even $100 million at the box office and critics largely slammed it. However, if viewers go into Argylle expecting a fun, silly time that veers into parody territory, it's a highly entertaining watch.
The plot twists keep the audience engaged and the ensemble cast is a treat, even those with less acting experience. Is it Oscar-worthy? Absolutely not. But movie night worthy? One-hundred percent.
6 The Bikeriders
The Bikeriders is a crime drama about the Vandals Motorcycle Club based in Chicago. Set during the '60s, Benny Cross is a member of this club and wants to prove his loyalty to his fellow members. However, he begins to question his own fealty when he meets and eventually marries Kathy. She is less willing to put up with the crimes and dangerous lifestyle of the Vandals and soon Benny must make a choice.
A Quiet Release
Some films on this list were surprise flops, whereas with others it was expected. Little buzz surrounded The Bikeriders in the leadup to its release or directly following it. Bad word of mouth often kills films, but this one had practically no word of mouth. The budget hovered around $40 million and it finished in theaters scraping out $35.5 million.
Austin Butler, who played Benny, continues to show why he pops up on "stars to watch" lists, as his performance was excellent. At times the narrative gets a bit melodramatic, but otherwise, it's a riveting peek into Midwestern motorcycle culture.
Stream on Peacock
5 IF
Actor John Krasinski has been branching out more and more to behind-the-camera work. IF was his latest project, a fantasy comedy. In it, Bea is a twelve-year-old girl living with her grandma as her dad prepares to undergo open-heart surgery. She already lost her mom, so the thought of losing her dad is terrifying. Soon, Bea begins to see other people's imaginary friends who have been forgotten or left behind. A man named Cal works with these imaginary friends, or IFs, to place them with new children as their previous ones grow up.
A Comfort Watch
The consensus when trailers first dropped was that it was going to be a predictable cheese-fest. So, many people likely avoided it. It wasn't a huge failure, as it grossed $190 million (albeit against a $110 million budget), but it was certainly not what a movie with Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds' names attached was anticipated to bring.
Despite the lack of surprises, it's a heartwarming, feel-good movie that is perfect for viewers who want a pick-me-up. And big streaming numbers show that it does indeed have an audience.
Stream on Paramount+
15 Actors Who Became Great Directors
It isn't strange for actors to move behind the camera and direct their own films. In fact, some of the best directors were once actors.
4 Cuckoo
Cuckoo centers on a teenage girl named Gretchen who moves to Germany to live with her father and his new family after the death of her mom. The Bavarian Alps may provide amazing views, but there's something off about the town and the hotel her family's helping to build. The owner of the hotel, a man called Herr, offers Gretchen a desk job. From day one, Gretchen notices things are off with the other staff members and mysterious figures in town.
Why It's Worth a Second Look
This was meant to be a niche film. The budget came in at around $7 million, but it's a shame Cuckoo only earned back $5.5 million of that relatively small sum. Like in any good thriller, viewers won't know who to trust. Herr, Gretchen's family, the townspeople, anyone and everyone could be behind the strange events plaguing our protagonist. And it's not just the main horror plot that hooks viewers. Learning more about Gretchen's mother and how the film's title connects to their relationship gave Cuckoo added emotional depth.
3 Ordinary Angels
Ordinary Angels is a drama inspired by a true story that took place during a cold wave in the '90s. Sharon Stevens (portrayed by Hilary Swank) is a hairdresser who co-owns a salon in Louisville, Kentucky. Sharon learns about a sick little girl who lost her mother and wants to help, though Sharon is dealing with her own battles, ones she tries to forget about with excessive alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, she's determined to get her entire community together to help the young girl before it's too late.
A Quiet Film
Again, nobody expected Ordinary Angels to be a mega blockbuster. With $13 million poured into it, amassing even just twice that amount at the box office would've been a win. Yet it ended up with a mere $20 million. In a crowded market of films with splashy action sequences and huge premises, this one got lost in the crowd. But Swank dug deep to give Sharon the portrayal she deserved.
Stream on Starz
2 Love Lies Bleeding
Love Lies Bleeding is a thriller that takes place in 1989. Lou is part of a crime family but spends her days now running a gym. She's rattled when the FBI asks her questions about her father and his illegal acts. But Lou attempts to put that behind her once she meets a bodybuilder named Jackie. Her new companion is preparing for a competition and Lou offers her steroids to give her an edge. This is the catalyst for their tumultuous relationship that pulls Lou back into the world of crime.
Here for a Good Time
A24 is known for releasing quirky, inventive projects and not relying solely on IP. Love Lies Bleeding is no different. All the actors in the main cast brought so much fun to their roles, from Kristen Stewart who plays Lou to Dave Franco who had a smaller role as Lou's brother-in-law. The relationship between Lou and Jackie is toxic, but in a way, viewers can't quite tear their eyes away from it.
Exact numbers of Love Lies Bleeding's budget have not surfaced online, though Screen Daily puts it as " multiple times bigger than that of [director Rose Glass'] $2.5m (£2m) debut." It earned $12.5 million, though it is likely to find an audience digitally.
Stream on Max
1 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is the latest installment in the Mad Max franchise. This film is a prequel and the origin story of one of the coolest characters in this world, Furiosa (played here by Anya Taylor-Joy). It starts showing Furiosa as a young, intelligent, and resourceful child and how she grew to hate the warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). As she matures, her focus remains clear to take back what Dementus and his henchmen have stolen from her.
Not Just for Megafans
The previous film in the franchise, Mad Max: Fury Road, was released in 2015 and was a financial success. However, time has passed and even with notable talent like Taylor-Joy and Hemsworth, it seems there was no audience to market to. Despite the niche appeal, Furiosa had a blockbuster-level budget of $168 million but made a little more than $172 million at the box office.
For individuals not invested in the Mad Max franchise lore, this is a fine cold watch. Previous knowledge of the franchise enhances the experience, but it's not required. With a fascinating world and surprisingly hilarious moments from Hemsworth, it's a great addition to the post-apocalyptic genre.
Stream on Max
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