The Top 10 Box Office Bombs

Budget: $350 million

Loss: $133-236 million

In 2012, Disney’s John Carter became a notable box-office failure. Despite its ambitious storytelling and a massive budget, the film’s downfall was largely due to poor marketing. The sci-fi action movie, based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novels, tells the story of a Civil War captain on Mars. Its financial loss led to the resignation of Walt Disney Studios head Rich Ross and the cancellation of planned sequels. Over time, John Carter has gained a more favorable reassessment.

Budget: $225-250 million

Loss: $186-221 million

The Lone Ranger, released in 2013, faced production issues and a ballooning budget. Starring Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp, the film underperformed significantly, leading to substantial losses. The creators criticized the media’s focus on the budget over the film’s qualities, but this did little to improve its reputation as a major box-office bomb.

Budget: $200-220 million

Loss: Approx. $200 million

The Flash, part of the DC Extended Universe, is a recent box-office disappointment. Despite a significant budget, the film’s earnings have been underwhelming, indicating a potential loss of around $200 million for Warner Bros. Discovery. This outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of the movie industry.

Budget: $160 million

Loss: $129 million

The 13th Warrior, featuring Antonio Banderas, faced a budget that spiraled to $160 million. The film, based on Michael Crichton’s novel, earned far less than its budget, leading to its status as a financial disappointment and impacting the career of co-star Omar Sharif.

Budget: $135–180 million

Loss: $197 million

Disney’s 2022 animated feature Strange World struggled due to weak marketing. The film, about the explorer family the Clades, didn’t perform well in theaters but found success on Disney+. This showcases the difference between theatrical and streaming success.

Budget: $100–150 million

Loss: $189 million

Mortal Engines, a 2018 steampunk film, failed to resonate with audiences, resulting in a loss of approximately $189 million. Released during a competitive holiday season, it couldn’t stand against major titles like Aquaman and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Budget: $92-98 million

Loss: $187 million

1995’s Cutthroat Island, a pirate adventure, faced production issues and a significant loss of around $187 million. Its failure impacted the production company and the popularity of pirate-themed films until the success of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Budget: $60 million

Loss: $184 million

Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003) struggled at the box office, losing $184 million. Despite a positive audience reception, it couldn’t compete with hits like Finding Nemo and Pirates of the Caribbean, nearly bankrupting DreamWorks.

Budget: $209–220 million

Loss: $177 million

The 2012 film Battleship, inspired by the board game, failed to achieve box office success, losing $177 million. The film was criticized for its style-over-substance approach, showcasing the difficulty of adapting non-narrative source material.

Budget: $175 million

Loss: Not fully quantifiable

Turning Red, released during the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a unique case. The film, which cost around $175 million, had a limited theatrical release and was simultaneously available on streaming, affecting its box office performance.

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