15 1980s Box Office Bombs That People Absolutely Love Today
Daniel Bonfiglio
Published
11/03/2024
in
wow
Just because a movie fails financially, doesn't mean it was bad. Hundreds of movies throughout history have bombed at the box office, only to find a cult following later.
80s movies were no different, and plenty of films considered failures by their studios are now some of the most beloved flicks ever. Here are 15 80s box office bombs that people absolutely love today.
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1. Blade Runner (1982)
Blade Runner only made $5 million in it's original theatrical run but is widely considered the standard by which all sci-fi movies are measured. -
2. Labyrinth (Labyrinth)
How David Bowie in tight pants only made $12 million is beyond us. The movie is beloved by fantasy geeks and Jim Henson heads today. -
3. Ishtar (1987)
The movie synonymous with box office flop, Ishtar lost 40 million dollars in its initial run but critics as esteemed as Tarantino defend its virtues. -
4. Clue (1985)
It only broke even during its time, but four decades later the movie is beloved for Tim Curry and its comedic tone. -
5. The Thing (1982)
Made $13.8 million on a 15 million budget, but its practical effects, led by Stan Winston, revolutionized the industry. -
6. Brazil (1985)
A clinically berserk masterpiece, Brazil only made $10 million against a $15 million budget. -
7. Big Trouble In Little China (1986)
The first of two undeserved John Carpenter entries on this list, the movie's diverse cast was way ahead of 80s audiences and the movie lost $18 million. -
8. Highlander (1986)
Highlander lied to us because as we soon found out, there COULD be more than one. This over-the-top bombastic masterpiece only made $13 million in its initial run. -
9. The King Of Comedy (1982)
As you'll see, 1982 was a year where audiences didn't appreciate what was right in front of them. This DeNiro vehicle is definitely source material for Joaquin Phoenix's Joker and only made two million dollars. -
10. UHF (1989)
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11. Earth Girls Are Easy (1989)
Yes, a movie with Jim Carrey, Jeff Goldblum, and Geena Davis bombed. It's a campy sensation that earned $3 million against a $10 million budget before Comedy Central started showing it 12 times a week. -
12. Heathers (1988)
The movie that walked so 'Mean Girls' could run only made $100k against a $3 million budget. -
13. The Running Man (1987)
The movie was barely a break-even proposition in its initial run, but audiences have stayed with it in the long run. -
14. Dune (1984)
Director David Lynch was so disgusted with the cut of the film he completely removed his name from it. Audiences today know the power of the story but this first iteration only made $30 million against a $42 million budget. -
15. The Princess Bride (1987)
The now-standard for comedy'fantasy, it only broke even during its theatrical run.
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Replay - 15 1980s Box Office Bombs That People Absolutely Love Today
Blade Runner (1982)
Blade Runner only made $5 million in it's original theatrical run but is widely considered the standard by which all sci-fi movies are measured.
Blade Runner only made $5 million in it's original theatrical run but is widely considered the standard by which all sci-fi movies are measured.
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