In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hollywood found itself grappling with a myriad of challenges, from shifting audience tastes to the logistical hurdles of theatrical releases. Among the myriad of films that struggled to find their footing during this tumultuous period, a select few stand out for their unique circumstances and intriguing narratives. These are the stories of the 15 best movies that flopped during the COVID-19 pandemic, each with its own fascinating tale of triumph and tragedy.
One such film is West Side Story, Steven Spielberg's ambitious musical adaptation. Released in late 2021, it faced an uphill battle against the dominance of blockbusters like Dune and Spider-Man: No Way Home. The film's target audience, older demographics less inclined to risk infection, failed to materialize, resulting in a disappointing $76 million gross against a $100 million budget. In my opinion, the film's failure highlights a broader trend of Hollywood's struggle to connect with audiences in a post-pandemic world.
Another notable example is In the Heights, Jon M. Chu's vibrant musical adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit. Despite its acclaimed score and timely story, the film suffered from Warner Bros.' controversial decision to release its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max. This move, combined with the pandemic's lingering impact on audience behavior, resulted in a disappointing $45 million worldwide gross. Personally, I find this particularly fascinating, as it underscores the delicate balance between artistic vision and commercial considerations in the film industry.
The Last Duel, Ridley Scott's period action drama, also faced a challenging release. Competing against Universal's horror blockbuster Halloween Kills, the film struggled to find its footing at the box office, grossing just over $30 million against a $100 million budget. Scott's blame of millennials for the film's failure raises a deeper question about the changing landscape of cinema and the evolving tastes of audiences.
Nightmare Alley, Guillermo del Toro's neo-noir thriller, also fell victim to the pandemic's impact on cinema. Released a week after West Side Story, the film faced a surge in COVID cases and a less-than-safe theater environment. Despite its critical acclaim and a Best Picture nomination, the film grossed just under $40 million against a $60 million budget, highlighting the challenges of releasing films during a global health crisis.
News of the World, Tom Hanks' grounded Western, also struggled to find its audience. Released in the winter of 2020, the film boldly staked a claim to Christmas Day, hoping to draw audiences back to cinemas. However, the film made only $12 million, highlighting the challenges of releasing films during a time of uncertainty and risk aversion.
Last Night in Soho, Edgar Wright's distinct horror film, also faced a challenging release. Released in October 2021, the film struggled to find its footing against the backdrop of a changing cinema landscape. Despite its critical acclaim and distinct visual style, the film grossed only $23 million against a $43 million budget, raising questions about the evolving tastes of audiences and the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty.
Spencer, Pablo Larrain's biopic of Princess Diana, also faced a challenging release. Released in early November 2021, the film had to compete against other awards-season contenders and struggled to find its audience. Despite its critical acclaim and Kristen Stewart's Oscar-nominated performance, the film grossed only $25 million against a $18 million budget, highlighting the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty and competition.
The Tragedy of Macbeth, Joel Coen's solo directorial debut, also faced a challenging release. Released with a limited theatrical run, the film struggled to find its audience and grossed just over $500,000. The film's limited release and streaming acquisition underscore the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty and the evolving landscape of cinema.
The Card Counter, Paul Schrader's subtle anti-revenge thriller, also faced a challenging release. Released in September 2021, the film struggled to find its audience and grossed only $5 million against an unknown budget. The film's low commercial ceiling and lack of mainstream success highlight the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty and the evolving tastes of audiences.
First Cow, Kelly Reichardt's slow-burn indie film, also faced a challenging release. Released in March 2020, the film struggled to find its audience and grossed only $1.3 million against a $2 million budget. The film's limited release and VOD pivot underscore the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty and the evolving landscape of cinema.
Saint Maud, Rose Glass' tight, terrifying directorial debut, also faced a challenging release. Released in January 2021, the film struggled to find its audience and grossed only $1.6 million against a $2.5 million budget. The film's limited release and VOD pivot highlight the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty and the evolving landscape of cinema.
Pig, Neon's intimate drama, and Petite Maman, Pyramide Distribution's fantastical drama, also faced challenging releases. Released domestically in the spring of 2021, both films struggled to find their audience and register with those aware of their respective directors' work. The films' limited releases and VOD pivots underscore the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty and the evolving landscape of cinema.
Wolfwalkers, Apple TV's animated film, also faced a challenging release. Released with a limited theatrical run, the film struggled to find its audience and grossed only $1.3 million. The film's limited release and competition from other animated films highlight the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty and the evolving landscape of cinema.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Eliza Hittman's critically acclaimed drama, also faced a challenging release. Released in March 2020, the film struggled to find its audience and grossed less than $900,000 worldwide. The film's VOD pivot and lack of mainstream success underscore the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty and the evolving landscape of cinema.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a myriad of challenges for Hollywood, from shifting audience tastes to the logistical hurdles of theatrical releases. The stories of these 15 films highlight the resilience and creativity of filmmakers in the face of adversity, as well as the evolving landscape of cinema and the challenges of releasing films during a period of uncertainty. As we look back on this tumultuous period, it is clear that the film industry will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing world around us.
