Buzz
Though a film's box office struggles don’t always reflect its true quality, it’s fascinating to discover movies that failed to capture audiences initially but ended up offering inspiring lessons. Films full of genuine emotion are often dismissed as corny or overly sentimental, which may contribute to their lack of success. Here are 10 films that didn’t perform well upon their initial release but continue to motivate viewers who are open to giving them another shot.
10. Slow Dancing in the Big City
The 1978 romantic drama Slow Dancing in the Big City is largely remembered as a significant box-office failure. The film revolves around the powerful theme of overcoming immense challenges to achieve one's dreams, focusing on the poignant relationship between Sarah Gantz, a gifted but ailing young ballerina on the brink of fame, and Lou Friedlander, a down-to-earth, out-of-shape newspaper columnist. The film’s promotional materials drew comparisons to the massively successful Rocky, and it’s easy to see why. Both films share common elements, such as the same director, John G. Avildsen, composer Bill Conti, and the story of an underdog fighting for their place in the world.
Slow Dancing in the Big City ultimately became the failure that many had predicted for the low-budget Rocky. The film’s shortcomings are evident: Lou (Paul Sorvino) often comes across as too passive, and the relative inexperience of newcomer Anne Ditchburn, who plays Sarah, is apparent. Additionally, the film's minimalist, rough style—which worked well for Rocky—didn’t quite translate here. Nevertheless, despite these flaws, the film remains enjoyable and succeeds in delivering an inspiring message to those who give it a chance.
As Roger Ebert remarked, the film: “joyfully lives in a world of big hearts, brave tears, and happy endings that leave you reaching for a tissue. It’s a prime example of melodramatic excess.”
9. Author! Author!
Al Pacino earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of playwright Ivan Travalian in the 1982 comedy Author! Author!, but the film was a critical and commercial failure. The story follows Ivan as he tries to produce his latest play on Broadway while navigating the chaos of raising his blended family as an unlikely single father after his unfaithful wife Gloria (Tuesday Weld) leaves him and their children. Meanwhile, Ivan further complicates matters by starting an affair with a free-spirited actress, Alice Detroit (Dyan Cannon).
The timing of Author! Author!'s release likely played a role in its poor box-office performance, as it competed with a year dominated by action-packed blockbusters like First Blood and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Nevertheless, the film is far from flawless. One notable issue is its lack of focus—there’s so much going on that the audience becomes as distracted as Ivan himself. However, Pacino’s portrayal of Ivan stands out as a touching and refreshing change from his iconic roles. Ivan’s love and devotion to his unorthodox family shine through, making the audience root for his success as he balances the demands of family life and the theater.
8. The Rewrite
Hugh Grant has starred in countless romantic comedies, and while the 2014 film The Rewrite is often categorized as such, it also delves into themes of personal growth and second chances. Grant portrays Keith Michaels, a screenwriter whose career hit a dead end after writing one huge hit many years ago.
Struggling financially, Keith reluctantly relocates to Binghamton University in New York to take a teaching job, where he immediately clashes with the academic environment and nearly gets fired for his unconventional teaching style. To his surprise, he discovers a natural talent for teaching, forcing him to decide whether to continue this new path or return to the film industry.
While the film offers plenty of humor and a sweet romance between Keith and single mother Holly (Marisa Tomei), the real heart of The Rewrite lies in its message about self-discovery and fresh starts. Despite being directed and written by Grant’s frequent collaborator Marc Lawrence, with a stellar supporting cast, the film failed at the box office and received mixed reviews. However, it certainly excels in encouraging audiences to consider new possibilities in life.
7. Lost in Yonkers
The 1993 dramedy Lost in Yonkers, set in WWII-era Yonkers, New York, tells the story of a dysfunctional family and is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Neil Simon. Featuring standout performances from Mercedes Ruehl and Irene Worth, who reprise their Tony-winning roles for the screen, the film still failed to find success at the box office. The story follows two teenage brothers, Jay (Brad Stoll) and Arty (Mike Damus), who are sent to stay with their eccentric grandmother one summer. Its quirky, offbeat nature may have kept it from reaching mainstream popularity, but that's part of what gives it its charm.
The film, which features Richard Dreyfuss alongside a memorable performance, follows the story of Aunt Bella, a childlike woman who dreams of having her own home and family. However, her oppressive mother continuously holds her back. Lost in Yonkers oscillates between moments of farce, emotion, and heartbreak, ultimately offering an inspiring journey as Bella achieves her independence.
6. Beautiful
Some of the most motivating films manage to be deeply moving without leaning into sentimentality, and Beautiful is a prime example. The dramedy stars Minnie Driver as Mona, a beauty pageant contestant who struggles to balance her career and her role as a mother to her young daughter, Vanessa (Hallie Eisenberg). To remain eligible for pageants, Mona relies on her roommate, Ruby (Joey Lauren Adams), to act as Vanessa's mother.
When Ruby is wrongly arrested for a crime she didn’t commit, Mona is forced to step up and take real responsibility for her daughter, confronting unresolved issues from her own troubled childhood. Despite underperforming at the box office in 2000, Beautiful remains a feel-good film that poignantly underscores the importance of prioritizing family.
5. 84 Charing Cross Road
The 1987 film 84 Charing Cross Road is a charming yet unconventional story, starring Anne Bancroft as the bold, struggling New York writer Helene Hanff and Anthony Hopkins as her reserved pen pal, Frank Doel, a London bookseller. This film, while never expected to dominate the box office, found its success with critics, thanks to its stellar cast and the acclaim of the bestselling autobiographical book it’s based on.
Both the critical praise and modest box office performance proved to be true, but what really makes 84 Charing Cross Road special is its inspiring nature. Helene’s endless requests for rare, vintage books and Frank’s skill in tracking them down forge a deep connection between these two individuals, who couldn’t be more different. Watching their unique, heartfelt long-distance relationship unfold through letters is moving, and knowing it’s based on a true story adds an extra layer of inspiration.
4. Children of Men
Dystopian dramas are often among the most stirring films, and Children of Men, a 2006 sci-fi thriller based on P.D. James’s novel, is no exception. In a world where humanity has lost the ability to reproduce, Clive Owen plays Theo Faron, a once-idealistic activist turned disillusioned bureaucrat. Theo is tasked with escorting a pregnant woman to safety, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak future.
Julianne Moore portrays Theo’s radical ex-girlfriend, Julian, who pulls him back into a cause for change. What makes this film particularly inspiring is Theo’s journey from a cynical, despairing figure representing society’s pessimism to a hero fighting to protect the future of humanity.
Despite its impressive entertainment value and thought-provoking themes, Children of Men didn’t achieve financial success, though it garnered critical praise. A Time Magazine article about the film hailed director Alfonso Cuarón’s work, describing the movie as “a cautious incantation for a hopeful future.”
3. The Shawshank Redemption
Prison films are rarely considered sources of inspiration, but The Shawshank Redemption, a 1994 drama starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, stands as a notable exception. Initially a box office disappointment, this adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, written and directed by Frank Darabont, lives by its tagline: “Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.” Robbins portrays Andy Dufresne, a man wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover in 1947.
Rather than succumbing to bitterness over his unjust imprisonment, Andy’s optimism and compassion help him endure over two decades. The film received seven Oscar nominations and was widely acclaimed, particularly for its powerful message of hope and remarkable performances. Over time, its fan base has grown significantly, and it is now regarded as a cult classic.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
Despite being widely regarded today as one of the greatest Christmas films, it might surprise many to learn that It’s a Wonderful Life was initially a box-office failure when it first premiered in 1947. This fantasy drama tells the story of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a man on the verge of suicide, who finds renewed hope after an angel reveals the profound impact he has had on his family and community. The film is a powerful example of how some movies, which initially fail, can later inspire generations.
At the time of its release, It’s a Wonderful Life didn’t inspire much other than mixed critical reviews. Financially, it didn’t even recoup its production costs, though it did earn five Oscar nominations. Like many films that initially struggle at the box office but later gain a devoted following, this film found success when it began airing on television, eventually becoming a cherished holiday tradition.
1. Dominick and Eugene
The 1988 film Dominick and Eugene tells a heartfelt story about the intricate relationship between Eugene (Ray Liotta), a medical student, and his intellectually challenged twin brother Nicky (Tom Hulce). Nicky works as a garbage collector to support his brother’s education. Eugene’s new girlfriend, Jennifer (Jamie Lee Curtis), perceives this as exploitation, but Eugene intends to repay Nicky’s sacrifices by ensuring his brother is supported for the rest of his life once he becomes a brain surgeon.
As Eugene plans to leave for an internship at Stanford, changes in their lives threaten to weaken the bond between the twins. However, through facing adversity and uncovering painful memories, their relationship grows stronger. While the film earned praise, particularly for the actors’ performances, it wasn’t financially successful. Yet, Dominick and Eugene has since gained a cult following and is now viewed as a beloved classic.
