10 Unexpected Box Office Failures from Major Movie Franchises

Franchise Film Flop: A Look at Major Box Office Disappointments

Creating a new chapter in a well-loved franchise can seem like a guaranteed route to profitability for film studios. These franchises come equipped with an enormous, pre-existing fanbase eager to experience new stories and adventures featuring their favorite characters. This familiar enthusiasm often leads filmmakers to believe their latest offerings will resonate with audiences and deliver substantial financial returns.

However, history has shown that success is never a certainty; numerous franchise installments have fallen short of expectations. Some have failed not only to captivate audiences but also to impress critics, resulting in significant financial losses. Despite the appearance of successful franchises, certain films have stood out as notable box office bombs that did not measure up to their predecessors.

10. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Budget: $295-387 Million – Box Office: $384 Million

The Indiana Jones franchise, marked by its adventurous spirit and charismatic lead, is dear to many hearts. Yet, in 2023, the latest entry—Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny—struggled to recapture the magic. This film, released fifteen years after its predecessor, raked in approximately $384 million. While this number seems commendable, it pales in comparison to its enormous budget. Coupled with high marketing expenses, Disney ultimately faced losses exceeding $100 million.

The disappointing performance can be attributed to several factors, including the rather tepid reception of the previous installment, a prolonged gap between films, and the controversial application of de-aging technology affecting fan sentiment.

9. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Budget: $270-330 Million – Box Office: $393.2 Million

The Star Wars franchise is revered worldwide but has faced its share of challenges. In 2018, Solo: A Star Wars Story, intended as an origin tale for Han Solo, did not meet box office forecasts, earning less than $400 million against a budget that approached $300 million.

The film’s timing was unfortunate as it debuted less than six months after The Last Jedi, leaving fans less enthusiastic for a new saga. With marketing and production costs factored in, “Solo”emerged as an uncommon financial blunder within the storied universe.

8. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Budget: $200 Million – Box Office: $169.6 Million

After the acclaim of the original Wonder Woman in 2017, expectations were high for its sequel, Wonder Woman 1984. However, the film, set during the Cold War, underwhelmed audiences. Critics and viewers took issue with its convoluted story and overused superhero tropes.

Add to this the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which not only delayed its release but also coincided with its availability for streaming on HBO Max, and the film only grossed $169.6 million, resulting in substantial losses.

7. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Budget: $168 Million – Box Office: $173.8 Million

Following the acclaim of Mad Max: Fury Road, anticipation for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga was exceptionally high. After nearly a decade of waiting, the prequel featuring Anya Taylor-Joy was met with disappointment, earning just $173.8 million against its massive production budget. Despite the film’s solid Rotten Tomatoes rating, it faced challenges linked to its genre’s limited appeal and audience fatigue with prequels.

6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)

Budget: $135 Million – Box Office: $245.6 Million

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has captivated audiences for decades, yet its 2016 movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows fell flat, grossing $245.6 million. Although this exceeded its $135 million budget, costs for marketing and distribution resulted in considerable financial loss for Paramount Pictures.

The film faced challenges owing to a lack of interest stemming from criticism of its predecessor and competing films targeting similar demographics.

5. The Marvels (2023)

Budget: $378 Million – Box Office: $206.1 Million

In an era when the Marvel Cinematic Universe has enjoyed immense popularity, The Marvels represented a dip in franchise fortunes. This sequel to Captain Marvel aimed to thrill with a hero team-up but instead netted only $206 million against a staggering budget of $378 million, not counting extensive marketing expenses.

Disappointingly, this marked the first outright financial failure in the MCU’s illustrious history, attributed to its lackluster response amid an oversaturated market and waning interest.

4. Power Rangers (2017)

Budget: $100-105 Million – Box Office: $142.5 Million

The Power Rangers franchise has undergone various adaptations throughout the years, competing for attention in pop culture. The 2017 reboot faced disinterest from audiences, earning just $142.5 million from a budget of up to $105 million.

A shift in tone toward a more serious narrative, coupled with a PG-13 rating, alienated the younger audience that once adored the franchise, resulting in a notable financial loss.

3. The Flash (2023)

Budget: $200-220 Million – Box Office: $271.4 Million

Despite expecting a blockbuster success, The Flash fell short of box office expectations, pulling in a disheartening $271.4 million against a hefty budget. Touted as a major installment in the DC Extended Universe, this film faced controversy surrounding its lead actor, Ezra Miller, and suffered the consequences of poor early reviews and competition from other superhero films.

The impending reboot of the DC Universe further diminished interest, leading to its lackluster performance.

2. X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

Budget: $200 Million – Box Office: $252.4 Million

The X-Men saga has generated significant acclaim over the years, but X-Men: Dark Phoenix failed to impress, earning $252.4 million against a budget of $200 million. This installment, which delved into Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix, was met with harsh criticism.

Desperately needing a successful turnaround, the film’s insufficient quality contributed to its staggering financial losses, surpassing $100 million.

1. The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

Budget: $190 Million – Box Office: $159 Million

The first three films of the The Matrix franchise achieved tremendous success, but in 2021, The Matrix Resurrections fell victim to dismal financial performance. Released nearly two decades after the last film, it grossed a mere $159 million on a budget of $190 million.

Despite the return of Keanu Reeves as Neo, the film was simultaneously released on HBO Max, leading many fans to opt for streaming rather than theater attendance, thus culminating in its financial troubles.

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