MomSkoop
Movies don’t always find their audience in theaters. Some films crash at the box office but later become streaming sensations when viewers discover them from the comfort of their couches. These financial disappointments often get a second chance in the digital world, where production costs matter less than viewer engagement. Let’s explore films that bombed initially but found their true audience through streaming platforms.
1. Strange World: Disney’s Animated Gem
Disney’s vibrant adventure about the Clade family flopped hard in theaters, losing nearly $200 million after its November 2022 release. The colorful exploration tale featuring unique creatures and family drama barely made a blip on the theatrical radar.
When Strange World hit Disney+, however, viewers discovered its heartwarming story and gorgeous animation. Families appreciated its themes of environmental conservation and generational healing from home screens. The film’s imaginative world-building and inclusive representation resonated with streaming audiences in ways it never did in theaters.
2. The Suicide Squad: Redemption on HBO Max
James Gunn’s R-rated superhero romp earned critical praise but struggled at the box office in 2021, making just $168 million against a $185 million budget. The pandemic-era release suffered from simultaneous streaming availability and audience confusion with the earlier Suicide Squad film.
HBO Max viewers, however, embraced the colorful chaos. The bloody, irreverent take on DC’s band of misfits found its perfect audience at home. Fans appreciated Gunn’s distinctive style, the film’s wild humor, and standout performances from Margot Robbie and Idris Elba without theater hesitations.
3. Wonder Woman 1984: Pandemic Pivot
Released during the height of COVID-19 in December 2020, this superhero sequel faced impossible theatrical odds. Warner Bros. made the unprecedented decision to release it simultaneously on HBO Max and in available theaters.
The box office numbers were predictably dismal at $169 million against a $200 million budget. On streaming, however, the film broke records. HBO Max reported that nearly half of its retail subscribers watched the film on its first day.
Families stuck at home during holiday lockdowns embraced the colorful 80s aesthetic and Gal Gadot’s return as Diana Prince, making it a streaming hit despite mixed reviews.
4. In the Heights: Musical Magic at Home
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s vibrant musical celebration of Washington Heights stumbled at theaters in June 2021, earning just $45 million against its $55 million budget. The film’s summer release coincided with lingering pandemic concerns that kept many moviegoers home.
On HBO Max, the musical found its rhythm. Viewers fell in love with the infectious songs, spectacular dance numbers, and heartfelt immigrant stories from their living rooms. The film’s celebration of Latino culture and Anthony Ramos’ charismatic lead performance connected with streaming audiences.
The ability to rewatch favorite musical numbers became a particular advantage on streaming platforms.
5. The Taking of Pelham 123: Streaming Thriller Revival
This 2009 remake starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta underwhelmed at theaters with $150 million against a $100 million budget. Critics found it inferior to the 1974 original, and audiences largely stayed away.
Years later on streaming platforms, the fast-paced subway hijacking thriller found new life. The confined setting and tense standoffs between Washington’s transit employee and Travolta’s villain translated perfectly to home viewing.
Streaming algorithms regularly recommend this film to thriller fans, introducing it to viewers who missed its theatrical run. The film’s straightforward action approach works better without the weight of box office expectations.
6. The Great Wall: International Streaming Success
Matt Damon’s monster movie set in ancient China earned just $45 million domestically against a massive $150 million budget in 2017. Critics panned it for whitewashing and a thin plot, while American audiences largely ignored it.
The film found surprising longevity on streaming platforms, particularly internationally. Its visually stunning battle sequences and colorful monster designs played well on home screens. The straightforward story and action-heavy approach made it perfect background viewing.
Streaming data showed viewers were more forgiving of the film’s flaws when they didn’t pay specific theater prices. The Great Wall became a reliable streaming performer years after its theatrical disappointment.
7. Mulan (2020): Disney+ Premier Access Experiment
Disney’s live-action Mulan remake faced the impossible challenge of a pandemic release. Rather than delay indefinitely, Disney tried something new – a $29.99 “Premier Access” release on Disney+ in September 2020.
The experiment bypassed traditional box office entirely in most markets. While Disney never released exact figures, the film reportedly generated significant revenue through this model. Families could watch the epic adventure from home without risking theater visits.
When Mulan later became available to all Disney+ subscribers without additional cost, it found an even wider audience. The film’s beautiful visuals and action sequences translated well to home viewing.
8. The Fall Guy: Stunt Spectacular Streaming Hit
Ryan Gosling’s action-comedy about a stuntman trying to solve a mystery underperformed at theaters despite strong reviews. Released in a crowded summer 2023 slate, it failed to recoup its $125 million budget from theatrical runs alone.
Once hitting streaming platforms, the film found its perfect audience. Action fans appreciated the practical stunt work and behind-the-scenes Hollywood story from home. The chemistry between Gosling and Emily Blunt resonated more with viewers who discovered it through recommendations.
The film’s blend of comedy, romance, and spectacular stunts made it ideal for repeat streaming viewings, building a devoted following that theatrical release never achieved.
9. Kraven the Hunter: Streaming Redemption
Sony’s dark Spider-Man villain origin story starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson disappointed at the box office despite its star power. Released amid superhero fatigue, the R-rated action thriller failed to connect with theatrical audiences expecting traditional comic book fare.
Digital release transformed the film’s fortunes. Streaming viewers appreciated the gritty, violent approach and Taylor-Johnson’s committed performance without theater expectations. The film found its niche with action thriller fans rather than superhero audiences.
Word-of-mouth spread through social media as viewers discovered the film’s unique tone and brutal action sequences, creating a cult following that theatrical release never achieved.
10. Lisa Frankenstein: Cult Horror Comedy Revival
This quirky horror comedy starring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse bombed at theaters in early 2023. The 1980s-set zombie romance earned just $12 million against its $25 million budget as audiences missed its theatrical window.
Streaming platforms gave this oddball film new life. Horror fans and younger viewers discovered its unique blend of dark humor, romance, and 80s nostalgia through digital recommendations. The film’s distinctive visual style and Newton’s performance as a teen bringing her crush back from the dead resonated with home viewers.
Social media buzz helped spread the word about this undiscovered gem, creating a passionate fan base that continues to grow.