Biggest Box Office Failures in Film History

Once upon a time in Hollywood, big budgets often promised big returns — but not always. The film industry has seen its fair share of glittering successes, but behind the glitz lies a shadowy list of massive financial failures. These are the biggest box office disasters in film history, where even star power, huge production costs, and aggressive marketing couldn’t save the day.

Heaven's Gate (1980)

With a budget of $44 million, Heaven’s Gate was expected to be a masterpiece. Directed by Michael Cimino, fresh off the success of The Deer Hunter, it had everything — a talented cast, beautiful sets, and a historical theme. But what happened next was unexpected. The film received terrible reviews, was overly long, and failed to connect with audiences. It earned just $3.5 million at the box office. The disaster was so large that United Artists, the studio behind it, never financially recovered and was eventually sold to MGM. This film became a symbol of Hollywood excess.

John Carter (2012)

Disney’s John Carter had a sky-high budget of around $263 million and needed to perform well to launch a franchise. Based on a classic sci-fi novel series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the film had potential, but the marketing failed. The trailers were confusing and didn’t clearly explain the story. The lead actor, Taylor Kitsch, wasn’t a household name. Though the visuals and effects were praised by some, the plot felt outdated to modern viewers. The movie grossed about $284 million globally, but due to its enormous cost and advertising expenses, Disney reportedly lost over $200 million on the project.

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Another Disney misfire, The Lone Ranger, starred Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer. With a budget of $215 million, it was designed to be an action-adventure hit. Depp played Tonto, a Native American character, which sparked controversy. The film also struggled with tone — shifting between comedy and serious action — and ran too long. Critics and audiences alike were confused by its message. Despite Depp’s popularity, the film made just $260 million worldwide. Factoring in marketing, Disney's loss was estimated to be between $160 and $190 million.

47 Ronin (2013)

47 Ronin, starring Keanu Reeves, was a samurai epic aiming to blend Japanese history with fantasy. Universal Pictures gave it a massive $175 million budget. Unfortunately, the film had a troubled production, several delays, and poor test screenings. It opened poorly in the U.S. and underperformed even in Japan, where it was expected to do well. The story was criticized for being too Hollywood and not respectful enough to the source material. In the end, it grossed just $151 million globally, resulting in a loss of over $100 million.

Jupiter Ascending (2015)

From the creators of The Matrix, the Wachowskis delivered Jupiter Ascending, a colorful space opera with Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis. The film’s concept was unique, but also confusing. With a budget of $176 million, the studio hoped to start a new franchise. Instead, the film was mocked for its strange plot, awkward dialogue, and over-the-top visuals. Critics panned it, and audiences didn’t show up. It earned around $183 million globally, falling short of breaking even. Estimated losses were between $80 and $100 million.

Mortal Engines (2018)

Produced by Peter Jackson, Mortal Engines was based on a popular book series set in a post-apocalyptic steampunk world. The film had a production budget of $150 million. Though visually stunning, many critics said it lacked emotional depth and strong characters. It opened weakly and didn’t gain momentum, earning only $83 million at the global box office. Universal Pictures lost nearly $125 million on the film. It was a classic example of style over substance.

Final Thoughts

These box office bombs show that big budgets and famous names don’t always guarantee success. Sometimes, the story, timing, or marketing just isn’t right. Other times, audiences simply aren’t interested in what the studio thinks will be a hit. The film industry is unpredictable — for every surprise success, there’s a big-budget failure lurking around the corner.

From failed sci-fi dreams to misguided reboots, these movies now live on more for their losses than their legacies. While a few have gained cult followings over time, their financial performances remain among the worst in Hollywood history. These cautionary tales remind us that in the world of film, even a single misstep can cost hundreds of millions.