10 '70s Box Office Flops Now Loved: From 'Rocky Horror' to 'Sorcerer'

The 1970s served as a period of unprecedented creativity in Hollywood, yet this also led some films to be released ahead of their audience’s understanding, resulting in poor box office performance. However, despite the commercial failures of movies like Jaws, The Godfather, and Star Wars, which have since left lasting impressions on pop culture, there were many films that initially flopped financially but gained appreciation over time. It often takes a while for viewers to fully appreciate a movie’s brilliance, and unfortunately, all these productions fell short of making an impact during their initial release.

Many remarkable films from the 1970s didn’t do well financially and have lingered in relative obscurity as cult favorites or hidden treasures. Even renowned directors such as Steven Spielberg experienced flops during this decade, but upon reflection, it is evident that his distinctive style was already taking shape. From standout performances like Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka to timeless horror movies, a film’s poor box office performance doesn’t necessarily indicate that it lacks quality.

10. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Directed by Jim Sharman

As a dedicated cinephile, I can confidently assert that not many films have cultivated a more passionate and spirited following than the enthusiasts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” This timeless gem still attracts a vast, eccentrically dressed audience at late-night cinema events. With its unforgettable tunes and an extraordinary cast of bizarre yet captivating characters, this cult sensation has left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community, with its songs reverberating through the annals of pop culture.

In the role of the transvestite alien scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the inimitable Tim Curry delivers a performance that has seen the film’s standing evolve dramatically over the years.

Initially met with criticism upon its release, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has since become one of the most celebrated movie musicals in history. Initially, it struggled to draw audiences at the box office and was not warmly received by mainstream viewers. However, its fortunes changed when it was re-released as a midnight movie in the 1970s. Over time, fans began attending screenings dressed as characters and singing along, which helped establish the film’s cult status, eventually transforming it into the cherished classic we know today.

9. Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Directed by Mel Stuart

In a remarkable display of whimsical acting, Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka from the film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” seemed like a masterclass in cinematic enchantment. However, contrary to popular belief, this Roald Dahl adaptation initially underperformed at the box office upon its release. With a production budget of $3 million, it managed to earn only $4 million. It wasn’t until frequent airings on television during the 1980s that the movie gradually grew in popularity and eventually became recognized as a beloved children’s classic.

1996 saw a resurgence of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’s popularity when it was re-screened in cinemas for its 25th anniversary. It performed exceptionally well at the box office, earning $21 million. The film’s enduring fame is largely due to Wilder’s memorable performance, which continues to inspire numerous internet memes. Later on, Tim Burton remade it as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp, and there’s also a prequel titled Wonka featuring Timothée Chalamet.

8. 1941 (1979)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge that Steven Spielberg is undeniably one of the greatest directors to have ever graced the silver screen. However, even he had his challenges, particularly with slapstick comedy, a genre that proved elusive for him. This was evident in the underperformance of his comedic war movie, 1941, which followed the monumental successes of Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Fueled by ambition, Spielberg poured all his energy into this elaborate farce, populated by some of the biggest names in comedy, including Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, and John Candy. Despite the brilliance evident in every frame, 1941 fell short of financial expectations and remains a rare misstep in Spielberg’s impressive early career.

Initially seen as a complete flop in 1941, its influence has grown steadily over time. Scenes such as the dancehall fight sequence suggest that Spielberg was the ideal choice to remake West Side Story decades later. With hindsight, 1941 can be considered an impressive film, although it’s challenging to dispute Stanley Kubrick’s reported remark to Spielberg that it was “great, but not funny” (as shared by Collider).

7. The Wicker Man (1973)

Directed by Robin Hardy

1970s British folk horror film “The Wicker Man” was both chilling and immersive, yet surprisingly it failed to impress audiences at the box office. Often referred to as the “Citizen Kane of horror films,” this movie’s impact is evident in modern classics like “Midsommar” and “The Witch.” The story revolves around a police officer searching for a missing girl on a secluded Scottish island, where he later discovers that the inhabitants practice a cultish form of sacrificial Paganism.

The film ‘The Wicker Man’ faced studio meddling, leading to crucial scenes being removed in its initial release. Eventually, as restored versions hit screens, The Wicker Man was acknowledged for the authentic masterpiece it represents. Contrastingly, the 2006 American remake featuring Nicolas Cage failed at the box office and has yet to receive a positive reevaluation, unlike this original version.

6. Phantom Of The Paradise (1974)

Directed by Brian De Palma

Brian De Palma, director of films such as Scarface, The Untouchables, and Mission: Impossible, among others, has had an exceptionally captivating career, despite not always receiving recognition for the intrigue in his body of work. One underrated gem from the 1970s that warrants more attention is Phantom of the Paradise, a unique rock opera with ties to works like The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Phantom of the Opera. This movie narrates the tale of a ghostly musician haunting a music hall, but due to its unconventional nature, it underperformed at the box office initially, only to later gain cult status.

In a playful imitation of works like Faust and rock ‘n’ roll, the film “Phantom of the Paradise” was an audacious and unconventional production brimming with imagination. This unique creation developed such a devoted fanbase that it spawned Phantompalooza, a festival organized by fans to honor the movie’s legacy. Initially met with critical disapproval in the 1970s, “Phantom of the Paradise” has since become a hidden treasure for enthusiasts of musical films waiting to be uncovered.

5. The Long Goodbye (1973)

Directed by Robert Altman

Over the years, numerous films have showcased the iconic tough-as-nails detective Philip Marlowe. However, Robert Altman’s “The Long Goodbye” stands out as particularly intriguing. This film cleverly skewed traditional film noir conventions by casting Elliott Gould as Marlowe in a tale that exposed the superficiality and self-centered attitudes of 1970s Hollywood high society. With a witty, self-deprecating humor, “The Long Goodbye” offered an engaging exploration of how societal values have changed over time and how notions of friendship, trust, and purpose were becoming increasingly obsolete.

1973 saw the low-key release of “The Long Goodbye”, but in retrospect, it stands out as one of the most intriguing crime tales from the 1970s. Although its satirical take on noir tropes is frequently overshadowed by the acclaim for “Chinatown“, which was released a year later, Elliott Gould’s portrayal here is just as impressive as Jack Nicholson’s Jake Gittes. In this adaptation, Marlowe is depicted as a messy, bearded, and occasionally comical detective, making “The Long Goodbye” a witty and singular noir narrative.

4. The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Directed by John Huston

The movie “The Man Who Would Be King” was a longtime dream production for director John Huston, as he had been planning to create this film since the 1950s. Although this adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s story took several decades to come together, it did not receive significant acclaim or financial success upon its release. This epic tale about two former soldiers embarking on a thrilling journey takes an intriguing twist when one of them is mistaken for a deity in the distant land of Kafiristan.

In the same league as Huston’s masterpieces like “The Maltese Falcon” and “The Treasure of Sierra Madre,” “The Man Who Would Be King” was widely praised by critics but failed to achieve the blockbuster status it truly deserved. Starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine, this classic adventure movie is a must-watch for fans of epic tales from days gone by.

3. Harold And Maude (1971)

Directed by Hal Ashby

In modern times, the unusual humor and unique romance depicted in “Harold and Maude” has proven to be remarkably timeless. However, when it was initially released in 1971, many viewers found the unconventional love story between a teenager and an elderly woman hard to accept. Despite its captivating soundtrack by Cat Stevens, profound themes exploring existentialism, living life to the fullest, and bonding with unexpected individuals, “Harold and Maude” faced failure at the box office. It wasn’t until 12 years later, as reported in the New York Times, that the film finally turned a profit.

Originating from the filmmaker who later directed both “The Last Detail” and “Being There”, it’s now widely recognized that “Harold and Maude” stands among Hal Ashby’s most exceptional works. Featuring a side-splitting portrayal by Bud Cort as the morbidly fascinated Harold, and an unforgettable acting debut by Ruth Gordon as Maude, this unconventional love tale was filled with emotional depth despite initial critics labeling it as strange and disquieting.

2. The Last Movie (1971)

Directed by Dennis Hopper

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but reflect on Dennis Hopper’s groundbreaking debut, “Easy Rider,” which resonated deeply within the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. However, his subsequent venture, “The Last Movie,” fell short of recapturing that magic. Armed with creative freedom and a substantial budget exceeding $1 million, Hopper seemed to lack direction, filming endless hours without a clear vision. Caught in the grips of alcohol and drug abuse, his work during this period was chaotic at best. Despite Universal’s initial faith, the film had a brief stint in theaters and ultimately flopped financially.

Due to the unsuccessful release of “The Last Movie,” director Hopper experienced a self-imposed exile from Hollywood. It took over a decade for him to reestablish his career. Over time, the film has gained recognition and appreciation, particularly for its complex, non-linear narrative structure.

1. Sorcerer (1977)

Directed by William Friedkin

During the 1970s, William Friedkin is often associated with “The Exorcist.” However, it’s “Sorcerer” that shines as his lesser-known masterpiece. This gripping action film initially started as a more modest production, but its budget swelled to over $22 million as it depicted the journey of four marginalized individuals transporting explosive trucks. As a reinterpretation of “The Wages of Fear,” the movie was criticically panned at the time and managed to earn back just $9 million at the box office.

In the same year as “Star Wars” premiered, the dark and philosophical thriller “Sorcerer” was not well received by audiences, perhaps due to their preference for lighter fare at the time. However, over time, the film has earned recognition for its intense suspense and stunning action scenes, despite the confusion caused by its title suggesting it was a fantasy film.

2025-04-25 00:32

10 ’70s Box Office Flops Now Loved: From ‘Rocky Horror’ to ‘Sorcerer’