Buzz
Every year, theaters showcase hundreds of new movies, yet some films never progress past the production stage. Others are fully filmed but, due to various reasons, never make it to cinemas. Issues like creative disagreements among the team or lackluster feedback often lead to these films being shelved.
Below is a curated list of the most notable films that were completed but never received a theatrical release.
10. The Day the Clown Cried (1972)
In 1972, Jerry Lewis, famously dubbed “The King of Comedy,” took on the dual role of director and lead actor in the dramatic film The Day the Clown Cried. This somber movie tells the story of a circus clown captured by the Nazis, who is forced to entertain Jewish children before tragically leading them to their deaths in gas chambers.
The production faced numerous financial hurdles, forcing Lewis to cover a significant portion of the expenses himself. Disputes arose when the writer objected to alterations made by Lewis, and no resolution could be reached. As a result, the film was never officially released. Lewis managed to secure a rough version of the movie, which he later donated to the Library of Congress with the condition that it not be made public until after 2025.
9. Uncle Tom’s Fairy Tales: The Movie for Homosexuals (1968)
Before Penelope Spheeris became known for directing popular films like Wayne’s World, The Little Rascals, and Beverly Hillbillies, she created the strangely titled Uncle Tom’s Fairy Tales: The Movie for Homosexuals. Richard Pryor produced and starred in the film, but it remains unlikely that audiences will ever see it. This isn’t due to its controversial theme—a white man being tried for raping a black woman—but rather because of personal conflicts.
Pryor’s wife was enraged that he prioritized the film over their relationship, leading him to destroy the negatives during one of their heated arguments.
8. Empires of the Deep (2010)
Jon Jiang, a Chinese billionaire, conceived the storyline for Empires of the Deep and funded a significant portion of its budget. This science-fiction epic unfolds in a fantastical realm where turmoil erupts among mermaid kingdoms. With a production budget exceeding $130 million, the movie was primarily shot in Fujian and the outskirts of Beijing.
After two years of assembling the right team of producers, directors, writers, and actors, filming commenced in 2009. However, numerous disputes with Jiang caused many key contributors to abandon the project. Initially slated for a 2011 release, the film faced repeated setbacks. Efforts to revitalize the production by reshooting scenes and bringing in new talent also failed, leaving the movie unfinished and unreleased.
7. Hippie Hippie Shake (2010)
Hippie Hippie Shake draws inspiration from Richard Neville’s memoirs about the counterculture magazine Oz. The film chronicles Neville’s romance with Louise Ferrier and their legal battles after publishing a controversial issue of Oz in 1960s London. Starring Cillian Murphy and Sienna Miller, filming began in 2007.
Repeated delays plagued both pre-production and post-production phases. Creative disagreements led to the departure of the director and screenwriter during post-production. In 2011, Working Titles, the production company, announced that the film would not see a theatrical release. It seems unlikely that audiences will ever experience Hippie Hippie Shake on the big screen.
6. The Fantastic Four (1994)
The 1994 adaptation of Marvel’s The Fantastic Four was poised for a theatrical release but never made it to cinemas. This low-budget film aimed to depict the origins of The Fantastic Four and their initial clash with the villainous Doctor Doom. German producer Bernd Eichinger and his company secured the rights to produce the movie. Stan Lee later revealed that the film was never meant for public release, a fact kept hidden from the cast and crew. The production was rushed to retain the rights, which would have expired if the film wasn’t completed by a certain deadline.
Eichinger later secured a deal for a high-budget adaptation, resulting in the successful 2005 film Fantastic Four. The 1994 version, however, remains officially unreleased, though pirated copies can be found on platforms like YouTube and Dailymotion.
5. My Best Friend’s Birthday (1987)
Before Quentin Tarantino became famous for Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, and Kill Bill, he created the amateur project My Best Friend’s Birthday. Made in 1987 with a modest budget of $5,000, Tarantino wrote, directed, produced, and starred in this black-and-white film, featuring his colleagues from the video rental store and friends from acting classes.
The film revolves around Mickey, who is celebrating his birthday after a breakup with his girlfriend. His best friend Clarence, portrayed by Tarantino, aims to make it the most unforgettable birthday ever. Originally 70 minutes long, only 36 minutes survived after a fire at the film lab destroyed the rest. The salvaged footage has been edited and screened at festivals, but the complete version of the movie will never be available.
4. 100 Years (2115)
This movie hasn’t been released yet—and won’t be until the year 2115. 100 Years is an experimental short film penned by John Malkovich and directed by Robert Rodriguez, scheduled for release on November 18, 2115. Marketed as “The Movie You Will Never See,” the 100-year wait mirrors the aging process of Louis XIII Cognac. Remy Martin, the cognac’s producer, collaborated with Malkovich and Rodriguez to create this unique project.
While most details about this sci-fi film remain under wraps, it has been revealed that John Malkovich, Shuya Chang, and Marko Zaror will star in 100 Years. A thousand exclusive metal invitation tickets have been distributed, intended to be passed down through generations for the film’s premiere in 2115.
3. Nothing Lasts Forever (1984)
Nothing Lasts Forever, scheduled for a 1984 release, featured Zach Galligan and Lauren Tom in lead roles, with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Sam Jaffe in supporting roles. This sci-fi comedy tells the story of an artist stuck in a mundane traffic-directing job at the Port Authority, who later embarks on a lunar journey via bus to reunite with his soulmate.
MGM delayed the film’s release just before its planned debut. It never officially hit theaters or home media, though a fan briefly uploaded it to YouTube before it was taken down. Turner Entertainment now holds the rights and has aired Nothing Lasts Forever on the Turner Classic Movies channel.
2. I Love You, Daddy (2017)
Just a week before its scheduled release, I Love You, Daddy was canceled following sexual misconduct allegations against Louis C.K., who wrote, directed, and starred in the film. He portrayed a writer and producer concerned about his daughter (Chloe Grace Moretz) as she falls under the influence of an older director (John Malkovich).
After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017, the film was set for a limited November release, followed by a wider December rollout. However, the release was scrapped after five women accused Louis C.K. of misconduct. He later acquired the film’s rights, making it unlikely the public will ever see I Love You, Daddy.
1. The Brave (1997)
The Brave, released in 1997, tells the story of a Native American man who resorts to extreme measures to provide for his wife and children. Desperate to secure a better future for his family, he agrees to participate in a snuff film for a substantial sum. The narrative builds toward the day of his planned torture and death. Initially, Aziz Ghazal was set to direct, but tragedy struck when he killed his wife and daughter before taking his own life just before filming began.
Johnny Depp stepped in to rewrite, direct, produce, and star in the film. He also covered any costs exceeding the $5 million budget, contributing an estimated $2 million from his own pocket. Despite its premiere at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, the film received largely unfavorable reviews. While it saw international theatrical and DVD releases, The Brave was never distributed in the United States.
