25 Big Blockbusters You Forgot Existed

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Just because a movie sells a lot of tickets doesn’t guarantee it will become a classic. Surprisingly, many now-famous films weren’t initially successful in theaters. The Rocky Horror Picture Show, for example, only gained popularity through late-night screenings after failing to attract audiences with a normal release. Its distributor, noticing similar quirky films were finding success with night owls, decided to try the same approach. Similarly, The Shawshank Redemption wasn’t a box office hit in 1994—it actually earned less money than the comedy In the Army Now—but it gradually became one of the most cherished films of the 1990s.

However, being a box office success doesn’t guarantee a movie will stay popular. Over the past thirty years, many films earned huge amounts of money but have since been forgotten. Just because a movie sells a lot of tickets doesn’t mean people actually enjoyed it or remembered it long after seeing it.

We’re exploring big movies that, despite initial success, haven’t become classics. These aren’t films like The Godfather – or even The Godfather Part III. They were huge hits when they came out, but people have largely forgotten about them since. We’ve ranked them from least to most financially successful, so you’ll find the biggest box office successes towards the end of the list. Some of the results are surprising – did you know the movie with Jesse Eisenberg and the talking bird made over half a billion dollars? I, for one, had no idea!

25 Big Blockbusters You Forgot Existed

Dreamgirls (2006)

Dreamgirls earned $155.4 million worldwide and won two Oscars: Best Sound and Best Supporting Actress for Jennifer Hudson. While Eddie Murphy was nominated, he didn’t win (Alan Arkin did), and the film is often remembered today for what many believe was a missed opportunity for Murphy to receive an Academy Award.

Bringing Down the House (2003)

The movie Bringing Down the House, starring Steve Martin and Queen Latifah, earned $164.7 million worldwide. Released in 2003, the comedy follows a lawyer (Martin) who unknowingly connects online with a woman (Latifah) while she’s in prison. After her release, she pressures him to help clear her name, and her presence also leads to a surprising romance for his friend (Eugene Levy). While a film like this might stream directly to a platform like Hulu today, it was a major box office success in 2003, earning more than popular movies like Legally Blonde 2, School of Rock, and Lindsay Lohan’s Freaky Friday.

Couples Retreat (2009)

The film earned $171.8 million worldwide. Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau starred together in three comedies over the 1990s and 2000s, culminating in the 2009 film Couples Retreat, which they also co-wrote. The movie follows couples on a tropical vacation who unexpectedly find themselves in mandatory therapy. While Swingers was a culturally significant film and Made gained a dedicated following, Couples Retreat significantly outperformed both at the box office, earning about 17 times more. However, neither of those films are the ones people most remember when discussing Vaughn or Favreau’s careers.

George of the Jungle (1997)

The movie George of the Jungle, starring Brendan Fraser, was originally based on a little-known animated show. Though several of Fraser’s films from that time became quite popular, George was a surprising success that only led to one direct-to-video sequel. It didn’t have a lasting impact on audiences beyond that. The film earned $174.4 million worldwide.

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

With a worldwide box office total of $174.8 million, Cowboys & Aliens seemed promising – imagine Indiana Jones and James Bond teaming up in a sci-fi western directed by the creator of Iron Man! However, despite its decent earnings, the film was expensive to make and received mixed reactions from both critics and viewers. Ultimately, it failed to launch the planned franchise, and no sequels were ever made.

Double Jeopardy (1999)

The movie Double Jeopardy earned $177.8 million at the box office worldwide. Released during a peak period for crime thrillers in the 1990s and early 2000s, it stars Ashley Judd as a woman wrongly convicted of murdering her husband. When she learns he actually faked his death, a fellow inmate reveals a loophole: she can legally kill him now, thanks to double jeopardy laws which prevent being tried twice for the same crime. This compelling premise deserves to make the film more well-known, and perhaps it’s time for a renewed appreciation of it.

Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)

The movie Gnomeo & Juliet earned $193.9 million worldwide. It’s a surprisingly large amount for a film combining Romeo & Juliet with garden gnomes – many expected it to fail! With stars like James McAvoy and Emily Blunt voicing the characters, this animated musical proved that truly any movie has the potential to be a blockbuster hit.

The Vow (2012)

With a worldwide gross of $196.1 million, The Vow is a surprisingly successful romance film, despite its fairly typical storyline. Starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams as a married couple, the movie centers around the aftermath of a car accident that causes McAdams’ character to lose her memory, straining their relationship and creating conflict with her family. It’s a familiar plot, but clearly resonated with audiences.

Yogi Bear (2010)

The movie earned $203.5 million worldwide. Similar to George of the Jungle, Yogi Bear was based on a classic cartoon. By the time the live-action/animated movie came out in 2010 (with Justin Timberlake voicing Boo-Boo!), Yogi Bear wasn’t as well-known as he once was. Surprisingly, the movie itself has also faded into obscurity, despite earning over $200 million in theaters.

The Break-Up (2006)

The movie The Break-Up earned $205.6 million worldwide. While it didn’t receive positive reviews when it was released in 2006, the film gained a lot of attention thanks to its stars, Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, and rumors of a romantic connection between them. Some wondered if their real-life relationship could have boosted the film’s popularity, given the movie’s plot about a couple realizing they need to separate. However, any connection between Vaughn and Aniston didn’t last, and the film’s buzz eventually faded. Despite this, many consider The Break-Up to be a surprisingly good movie.

Into the Woods (2014)

The movie Into the Woods earned $212.9 million worldwide. Despite featuring a star-studded cast including Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, and Anna Kendrick, it wasn’t a huge hit compared to other Broadway-to-film adaptations. The movie combined several Grimm’s fairy tales, which might have confused audiences—it seemed aimed at children but contained dark and complex themes. This made it less likely viewers would want to see it again, especially families. Still, it did well initially, earning over $120 million in the U.S.

Vertical Limit (2000)

The film starring Chris O’Donnell and Robin Tunney earned $215.6 million at the box office worldwide, which is over $420 million in today’s money. It’s surprising, because while I remember seeing it when it came out in 2000, it wasn’t a very good movie! It’s a mystery why it was so successful – maybe Chris O’Donnell’s hair was the key?

Bad Teacher (2010)

As a movie fan, I always remember Cameron Diaz bursting onto the scene with those hilarious ’90s comedies, The Mask and There’s Something About Mary. But she didn’t stick to just one genre – she did action films, voice work in animated movies, romances, and even historical epics. Then, about ten years later, she found her way back to comedy, and while nothing quite reached the same iconic status as those early hits, a lot of those films did really well. Take Bad Teacher, for example – it made a massive $216 million, and honestly, the title pretty much tells you everything you need to know about the movie!

American Wedding (2003)

The American Pie movies have earned a total of $232.7 million worldwide. The original film, famous for a memorable scene involving Jason Biggs and an apple pie, became a defining comedy of the 1990s. Biggs’ willingness to embrace silly roles helped launch a surprisingly lengthy series of sequels. Although most went straight to home video, three Pie films were released in theaters, and each of those earned over $200 million, including American Wedding in 2003. Perhaps these films, often labeled as “gross-out comedies,” were simply very successful at the box office in the early 2000s.

Robots (2005)

As a movie fan, looking at the box office numbers and then at the titles, it really hits me: a movie can definitely make money even with a pretty bland title! But if you want a film to stick in people’s minds, a good title really helps. Seriously, check out some of these – most of them have incredibly generic names. Double Jeopardy, The Vow, American Wedding… and Robots, which, let’s be honest, was about exactly what you’d expect. There are a few exceptions, like Gnomeo & Juliet, but overall, it’s a noticeable pattern!

Epic (2013)

The movie earned $268.4 million worldwide. It’s one of those films with a forgettable title that made a lot of money but quickly faded from public awareness. It seems to be about a boy who’s shrunk down to a tiny size and goes on an adventure with a group of little warriors. Honestly, I’d forgotten all about it – I’m not even sure I ever saw it!

We’re the Millers (2013)

With a budget of under $40 million, the comedy We’re the Millers grossed an impressive $270 million worldwide, becoming a major surprise hit in 2013. It’s the second Jennifer Aniston comedy on this list! She stars as a woman who pretends to be married to her neighbor (Jason Sudeikis) to help him smuggle drugs from Mexico into the United States. The film was so successful that Warner Bros. attempted to create a sequel, We’re Still the Millers, though it never came to fruition. Had the sequel been made, the original might not feel like such a unique example of 2010s box office success.

The Perfect Storm (2000)

The movie The Perfect Storm earned $328.7 million at the box office worldwide. A powerful image of a small fishing boat facing a massive wave was central to the film, and it helped turn a tragic real-life event into a successful movie in 2000. When adjusted for inflation, The Perfect Storm actually grossed more in theaters than any movie released in 2026 so far, with the exception of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

The movie 300 earned $337.5 million worldwide and became incredibly influential in the 2010s, inspiring many action films with its unique style, slow-motion battles, and depiction of Spartan warriors. While a sequel, 300: Rise of an Empire, was also released, it didn’t achieve the same level of cultural impact, though it still earned over $337 million at the box office.

Noah (2014)

The movie Noah earned $359.2 million at the box office worldwide in 2014. While it made a profit, it wasn’t a particularly well-loved film.

Home (2015)

The film earned $386.0 million worldwide. The title Home doesn’t really give you a clue about the story – you wouldn’t expect it to be about an alien befriending a human after aliens invade Earth! The movie is based on a book originally titled The True Meaning of Smekday, which is a much more descriptive and memorable title.

Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Snow White and the Huntsman brought in $396.5 million worldwide at the box office, largely thanks to the popularity of its stars, Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth. Despite being a familiar retelling of the Snow White story, it proved successful with audiences. The sequel, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, featuring only Hemsworth, wasn’t as memorable. While it earned $165 million with a $120 million budget, it’s questionable whether it truly qualifies as a blockbuster.

Lucy (2014)

With a worldwide gross of $469 million, Lucy was a major success in theaters. The sci-fi film stars Scarlett Johansson as a woman who accidentally gains incredible powers after absorbing a drug she was meant to deliver. While the movie is quite outlandish – Johansson’s character essentially becomes a superhuman – it clearly resonated with audiences, proving that sometimes a bit of silliness is exactly what people want to see.

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)

Worldwide, the first Wicked movie earned $493.3 million. Last year’s second Wicked film brought in $539.6 million, but when adjusted for inflation, that’s actually about $150 million less than the 2013 film Oz the Great and Powerful. Oz the Great and Powerful was a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. However, due to the success of the Wicked Broadway show, the first film, and related merchandise, Wicked has become a major cultural phenomenon for a whole generation – something Oz the Great and Powerful hasn’t achieved.

Rio 2 (2013)

The movie Rio 2 earned $498.7 million in theaters worldwide – even more than the original Rio! However, despite its success, the film has largely been forgotten after just over a decade. Hopefully, if a third Rio movie is ever made, it will remind audiences about the adventures of these popular animated birds.

Overlooked ’90s Movies That Should Have Been Bigger

The Paper (1994)

With a box office total of $48.4 million, The Paper is perhaps the most overlooked film directed by Ron Howard in the 1990s – a decade that also brought us hits like Backdraft, Apollo 13, and Ransom. However, it could also be his strongest work from that period. The film is a fast-paced story about the daily grind at a major newspaper. Michael Keaton plays the editor of a New York City tabloid, and his relentless pursuit of a story puts both his job and his marriage at risk. If you enjoy movies about investigative journalism, The Paper is a standout, featuring an impressive cast including Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Jason Alexander, Marisa Tomei, and Jason Robards.

Guilty As Sin (1993)

The film Guilty As Sin earned $22.8 million at the box office. Director Sidney Lumet, known for realistic crime dramas like Dog Day Afternoon and 12 Angry Men, teamed up with exploitation film expert Larry Cohen – an unlikely pairing that surprisingly worked well. The movie starts with an interesting idea: a twist on Basic Instinct, where a lawyer (Rebecca De Mornay) finds herself attracted to the main suspect (Don Johnson) in his wife’s murder. Lumet lets his actors lead the way, and the film really becomes a platform for Don Johnson to shine as a charming but awful character. He’s incredibly entertaining, even though you desperately want to see him get what he deserves. (There’s a scene where he lets a woman pay for his drink, then immediately leaves her with the empty glass and the bill – it perfectly captures his personality.)

The Quick and the Dead (1995)

With a box office total of $18.6 million, Sam Raimi is now considered one of the most talented filmmakers of his generation. However, back in the early 1990s, many critics dismissed his work as being all flash and no depth. They underestimated films like his Western, The Quick and the Dead, which was arguably the most visually striking Western since Sergio Leone’s films. The movie also boasted an incredible cast, including Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Pat Hingle, Keith David, Lance Henriksen, Tobin Bell, Gary Sinise, as well as a pre-fame Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio. Despite all this, Westerns weren’t popular at the time, and audiences largely ignored The Quick and the Dead. It’s surprising that such a visually exciting film wasn’t better received – audiences in the 90s really didn’t appreciate what they had.

Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

With a box office total of $16.1 million, Devil in a Blue Dress is a standout film, and Denzel Washington’s performance is a major reason why. It’s hard to imagine anyone looking better in a white tank top! Based on Walter Mosley’s novel, the movie features Washington as Easy Rawlings, a man pulled into a complex mystery after agreeing to help find a missing person. The supporting cast, including Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, and a young Don Cheadle, is excellent. Director Carl Franklin’s script brilliantly explores the racial tensions of 1940s Los Angeles. Ultimately, Denzel Washington is captivating to watch throughout the entire film.

Trial and Error (1997)

The movie earned $14.5 million at the box office. While many sitcom stars from the 1990s didn’t succeed in film, this movie stands out as a charming and unusual comedy. It’s similar in spirit to Kindergarten Cop, and stars Michael Richards of Seinfeld as a man who pretends to be a lawyer when his friend (Jeff Daniels) is unable to attend court due to a wild bachelor party. It’s a fun, lighthearted film—a type of comedy we don’t see much anymore—and it also features an early film role for Charlize Theron.

Lone Star (1996)

I recently learned that John Sayles, a really respected independent filmmaker from the 80s and 90s, hasn’t been as active since the 2000s, and it seems like a newer generation of movie fans might not know his work as well. I checked out his 1996 film, Lone Star, and it was fantastic. It even featured an early role for Matthew McConaughey! The story centers around a sheriff’s son, played by Chris Cooper, who investigates the discovery of remains years after his father’s death. It quickly becomes clear that this investigation will uncover some uncomfortable truths about their town. Lone Star is a really compelling mystery, and it does a great job of showing a realistic, and sometimes unflattering, side of small-town life. The film earned $12.4 million at the box office.

The Two Jakes (1990)

With a box office total of $10 million, The Two Jakes initially seems like an unnecessary sequel. However, once you watch it, it feels like the perfect follow-up to Chinatown. Years after the events of the first film, private investigator Jake Gittes (played and directed by Jack Nicholson) finds himself embroiled in a complex case. His client, Harvey Keitel, may be using him to conceal a planned murder, and the investigation leads Gittes to uncover secrets from his own past. Though the production was troubled and the film flopped, The Two Jakes, penned by the original Chinatown writer Robert Towne, is a beautifully sad story about being haunted by the past. While the ending of Chinatown is famous, the final line of The Two Jakes—”It never goes away”—is arguably even more chilling.

The Red Violin (1999)

The movie earned $10.0 million at the box office. It’s a fascinating, often-overlooked film that tells the story of a centuries-old violin. The movie jumps between different time periods, starting in the 17th century and ending with an auction in Montreal in the late 1990s. We see the violin’s journey through Vienna, Oxford, and Shanghai, and how it impacts the lives of its various owners. Samuel L. Jackson plays a quiet appraiser who uncovers a key secret about the violin’s history.

Dirty Work (1998)

Norm Macdonald, a comedian who never quite received the recognition he deserved, passed away in 2021. Throughout his career, including after being let go from Saturday Night Live (reportedly for being too funny), he consistently delivered strong performances, though they were often dismissed by critics and overlooked by audiences. One example is the film Dirty Work, which earned just $10 million at the box office and has a low score of 14 on Rotten Tomatoes. In the movie, Norm plays a man who starts a business helping people get revenge, alongside his friend Artie Lange. Directed by Bob Saget, Dirty Work isn’t a cinematic masterpiece and contains some questionable humor. However, it’s genuinely funny—often funnier than many critically praised comedies from the 90s—and Norm Macdonald is fantastic in it. (Though his incredibly oversized shirts are a bit of a mystery.) I definitely need to watch Dirty Work again soon.

Night Falls Over Manhattan (1996)

With a box office total of $9.8 million, Night Falls on Manhattan is a classic Sidney Lumet film. It follows a promising young lawyer (Andy Garcia) who discovers the corruption within New York City’s power structures. While the plot is a bit complex, the movie avoids sensationalism and quickly moves past the expected courtroom drama to explore how ambition and politics can damage the justice system. Keep an eye out for early appearances by future The Sopranos cast members like Dominic Chianese, Frank Vincent, and James Gandolfini, who plays a troubled police officer.

Matinee (1993)

With a box office total of $9.5 million, Matinee offers a heartwarming look back at 1960s B-movies, but acknowledges the difficult realities of the time. The film centers on Gene (Simon Fenton), a teenager living on a military base with his mother and brother while his father is away serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Gene often takes care of his younger brother, Dennis, and the local movie theater provides a much-needed escape for both of them. However, Matinee is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Director Joe Dante uses classic films to examine the difference between genuine fear and the manufactured thrills created by cheesy filmmakers like Lawrence Woolsey (played by John Goodman). Surprisingly, this movie about a low-budget producer is actually quite insightful.

The Spanish Prisoner (1997)

The film The Spanish Prisoner has earned $9.5 million at the box office. This clever and complicated con artist story features a sharp script by David Mamet and a talented cast including Campbell Scott, Ben Gazzara, Ricky Jay, Ed O’Neill, and Steve Martin. The plot centers around Joe, played by Scott, who has developed a potentially valuable invention. When wealthy businessman Jimmy (Steve Martin) shows sudden interest, Joe begins to suspect everyone around him. Is someone trying to swindle him? And what exactly is the “Spanish prisoner”? (It’s actually the name of an old con game, not a person.)

Serial Mom (1994)

As a movie buff, I always find it fascinating when a director just gets the zeitgeist. John Waters totally nailed it with Serial Mom. It’s a darkly funny take on our true crime fascination, and honestly, it feels way more prescient now than it did back in the ’90s. Kathleen Turner is brilliant as a seemingly perfect suburban mom who has a very particular way of dealing with people who cross her. Let’s just say, if you make plans with her daughter, keep those plans! It’s become a cult classic now, but it didn’t do great when it first came out – the box office was around $7.8 million and reviews were just okay. But then the O.J. Simpson trial exploded, and suddenly Waters looked like a total visionary. It’s a really clever, unsettling, and surprisingly funny film.

The Man in the Moon (1991)

The film earned $2.8 million at the box office. Reese Witherspoon became a well-known actress thanks to films like Election and Cruel Intentions, but she showed her talent even earlier in her very first movie, the touching independent drama The Man in the Moon. In the film, Witherspoon, age 14, plays a young girl growing up in 1950s Louisiana and experiencing her first crush on Jason London’s character. Even though it was her debut, Witherspoon acted with the poise of a seasoned professional. Viewers who saw the film when it was released in the early 1990s likely weren’t surprised by her later success.

Household Saints (1993)

I absolutely adore Nancy Savoca’s Household Saints. It’s one of those rare films that manages to be genuinely hilarious and deeply heartbreaking, all while exploring faith in a really honest and thoughtful way. I think its unique nature is probably why it’s not as well-known – it just wouldn’t have been easy to sell! It’s far too spirited for a purely religious audience, but it’s definitely not trying to make fun of Catholicism. That’s precisely what makes it so special – it doesn’t fall into any easy category, and the characters feel incredibly real. Lili Taylor is phenomenal as the heart of this sprawling Italian American family story; I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a character quite like hers on screen before. It earned a respectable $751,233 at the box office, but it deserves so much more recognition.

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2026-04-21 18:55