2 of Ryan Gosling’s Biggest Box Office Bombs Are Both a Must Watch Right Now (& They’re 5-Star Movies)

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Ryan Gosling has starred in many critically acclaimed movies, but those good reviews haven’t always meant big box office numbers. While films like La La Land and Barbie were hits, his commercial success has been inconsistent considering his status as a major actor. That’s why it was so encouraging to see Project Hail Mary have a record-breaking opening weekend. The film proved that Gosling can draw audiences to a big-budget movie that isn’t part of an existing franchise, which is a good sign for his future projects, including his upcoming film with The Daniels.

It’s clear Ryan Gosling should have become a huge box office star a long time ago. Two of his films that didn’t do well were similar in tone to Project Hail Mary. In 2017, Blade Runner 2049 earned just $276.6 million worldwide, despite costing between $150 and $185 million to make. A year later, his film First Man only brought in $105.7 million globally. It’s unfortunate these excellent movies weren’t successful, and with Project Hail Mary doing so well now, it’s a great time to remember Gosling’s previous sci-fi and space roles.

Blade Runner 2049 Is One of Hollywood’s Best Legacy Sequels

The first Blade Runner is a landmark film, so creating a sequel was a daunting challenge. Director Denis Villeneuve has said he took on the project partly out of fear that someone else would misinterpret the original. While Blade Runner 2049 didn’t perform well at the box office, it’s a film both Villeneuve and Ryan Gosling are proud of. Released during a wave of legacy sequels, Blade Runner 2049 offered a fresh take on the genre by subverting the typical “Chosen One” story, all while delivering the complex science fiction themes fans expect.

What makes Blade Runner 2049 so impressive is its focus on moving forward rather than revisiting old ground or catering to fan expectations. It smartly avoids answering questions that don’t need answering – the way it handles the Deckard-as-replicant question is particularly brilliant. Like the best sequels, it builds upon the original film’s fascinating ideas. Director Villeneuve’s approach keeps the tension high while creating a story centered on Agent K, played by Ryan Gosling. Gosling delivers a compelling and subtle performance, showcasing his dramatic range by toning down his usual charisma.

Beyond its compelling story, Blade Runner 2049 is a visually stunning experience. Director Denis Villeneuve delivers cutting-edge production design, completely drawing viewers into a unique and believable future that both respects and expands upon the look of the original Blade Runner. The film marked a well-deserved Oscar win for cinematographer Roger Deakins, and it’s clear why – every shot is breathtaking. The award-winning visual effects are flawlessly integrated, creating a world that even seasoned sci-fi fans will find extraordinary.

Some viewers believe Blade Runner 2049 is even better than the original Blade Runner. The sequel has a particularly strong emotional center, creating truly moving and impactful scenes that stay with you. Harrison Ford deserves a lot of praise for his performance as an older Deckard; he powerfully portrays the character’s sadness and regret, making the film’s ending especially rewarding. Director Denis Villeneuve successfully created a modern classic, building on the legacy of the first film.

First Man Should Have Been Another Oscar Contender for Damien Chazelle

Damien Chazelle quickly became known as a talented, rising director. He directed the critically acclaimed films Whiplash and La La Land, both of which were nominated for Best Picture, and he even won an Oscar for Best Director. When he teamed up again with Ryan Gosling, the star of La La Land, for the film First Man, many expected another award-winning success. While First Man didn’t receive any major award nominations and wasn’t a hit with audiences, that shouldn’t stop you from watching it.

Just as Blade Runner 2049 broke the mold for legacy sequels, First Man isn’t your typical biopic. This is largely thanks to director Damien Chazelle’s approach to storytelling. The film delves into the personal life of Neil Armstrong, focusing on the man behind the astronaut, and how he throws himself into his work to cope with a devastating family loss. First Man isn’t so much about the moon landing itself, but about a father grappling with grief and finding solace in his work, even if it means becoming distant from those around him. This unique perspective gives the film a strong emotional core that truly connects with viewers.

Ryan Gosling delivers a fantastic performance in First Man, and is a key reason the film is so effective. Like in Blade Runner 2049, he plays a quiet, introspective character who can seem emotionally reserved, but is always compelling to watch – showcasing his impressive acting range. It’s surprising to think this is the same actor who later sang “I’m Just Ken,” but he’s perfectly suited to the role. The connection between Gosling and Claire Foy, who plays his wife Janet, is especially captivating as it unfolds throughout the movie. Director Chazelle saves their most powerful scene for the very end, with the final shot of First Man being incredibly moving and full of emotion.

After demonstrating his talent for elaborate scenes in La La Land, Chazelle further refined his skills with First Man. The film features stunning sequences, particularly the moon landing, that are a joy to watch. Like his earlier film Whiplash, First Man emphasizes the risks and pressures of a demanding profession – in this case, the life of an astronaut. Chazelle doesn’t gloss over the dangers, which heightens the tension. The result is a deeply engaging film that makes you feel like you’re right there with the astronauts in the spacecraft.

You can now rent or buy both Blade Runner 2049 and First Man on digital platforms such as Apple and Amazon.

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2026-03-29 23:42