Biggest Box Office Bombs of the 2020s that Are Worth Watching

Not every big movie finds a big audience the first time around. Some get lost in crowded calendars, tricky release strategies, or changing tastes, even though they deliver real craft and personality.

This list rounds up fifty box office stumbles from the 2020s that still deserve a spot on your watchlist. Think bold swings, memorable performances, ambitious visuals, and stories that stick with you long after the credits roll.

‘The Flash’ (2023)

This multiverse sprint gives DC a rare mix of goofy energy and sentimental heart. The time travel hook sets up playful detours and surprising character beats.

Keaton steps back into the cape with relaxed charm while the final act goes for emotional closure. The result is messy in a human way that rewards a patient viewer.

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ (2023)

Harrison Ford brings weathered warmth to one more globe trotting puzzle. The adventure plays like a fond goodbye with sturdy action and a soft spot for aging heroes.

James Mangold finds grace notes in quiet scenes between chases. It feels like an old friend telling one last big story.

‘The Marvels’ (2023)

Body swap hijinks and cosmic cats give this team up a breezy spirit. The trio at the center has lively chemistry that lifts every scene they share.

It moves fast and keeps the tone bright without losing the core about connection. You can feel the joy of a comic book hangout.

‘Lightyear’ (2022)

This sci fi spin is a thoughtful look at ambition and second chances. The space mission setup lets Pixar play with cool gadgets and clean design.

Sox steals scenes with gentle humor while the story lands a sweet lesson about teamwork. It is sleek and sincere at once.

‘Strange World’ (2022)

A pulpy expedition unfolds with lush color and warm family dynamics. The world building feels like a vintage magazine cover brought to life.

Under the adventure beats sits a kind message about legacy and acceptance. It is gentle fun for anyone who loves creature filled journeys.

‘Wish’ (2023)

Asha’s musical quest leans into storybook charm and hopeful themes. The hand drawn textures give the frame a soft glow that feels timeless.

The songs are easy to hum and the humor stays light on its feet. It is comfort food animation with a kind heart.

‘Haunted Mansion’ (2023)

This theme park romp blends cozy spooky vibes with a game cast. The house itself is packed with playful details that reward a second look.

It is never too scary and keeps a friendly tone even as ghosts pop in. Families looking for a mild chill will have a good time.

‘Babylon’ (2022)

A roaring party turns into an operatic ode to Hollywood dreams and disasters. The filmmaking swings for the fences with wild set pieces and daring cuts.

It is messy and intoxicating with music that carries you along. If you like movies about movies this is a feast.

‘Amsterdam’ (2022)

A trio of oddballs stumbles through a conspiracy with offbeat charm. The period style is rich with costumes and smoky interiors.

Even when the plot meanders the hangout energy stays sweet. It is the kind of star packed curio that rewards a relaxed mood.

‘The Last Duel’ (2021)

Ridley Scott delivers a gripping medieval drama told from three angles. Each chapter reshapes the truth and tightens the tension.

The final duel is brutal and earned. Strong performances give the story weight that lingers.

‘West Side Story’ (2021)

Steven Spielberg stages classic numbers with fresh movement and glowing light. The camera dances along with the cast in scene after scene.

The romance plays tender and tragic without sanding off the edges. It is a beautiful revival that sings on its own terms.

‘In the Heights’ (2021)

This neighborhood musical bursts with summer warmth and community pride. Big numbers spill into streets and pools with joyful energy.

It celebrates small dreams with care and humor. The vibe is generous and infectious.

‘Blue Beetle’ (2023)

A family first superhero tale gives the genre a welcome twist. The suit action is punchy but the dinner table scenes are the real heart.

Xolo Maridueña brings easy charm while the Reyes clan steals every moment. It is colorful, kind, and proudly specific.

‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ (2023)

The Shazamily leans into goofy teamwork and sweet growing pains. Mythic monsters crash bright Philadelphia streets with kid inside a hero fun.

The humor is corny in the best way and the found family theme lands. It is a candy coated crowd pleaser at heart.

‘Black Adam’ (2022)

Antihero swagger meets ancient legend in a punch heavy spectacle. The Justice Society adds stylish flair and banter.

It is big and brash with a metal album mood. Turn it up and enjoy the ride.

‘The New Mutants’ (2020)

A haunted hospital sets a moody stage for a young super team. The horror tint gives familiar powers a fresh flavor.

It works best as a character piece with sparks of romance and fear. A small and spooky detour in a massive franchise.

‘Chaos Walking’ (2021)

The concept of thoughts made visible creates unusual tension. The frontier planet feels raw and lived in.

Even with bumps the central duo finds a gentle rhythm. It is a curious little sci fi road trip.

‘Moonfall’ (2022)

Roland Emmerich lets the moon go rogue and the result is delightfully bonkers. The disaster images are grand and unapologetic.

Beneath the chaos sits a story about trust and courage. It is popcorn fun with an earnest streak.

‘Reminiscence’ (2021)

Neo noir moods wash over a drowned city with smoky narration and longing. The memory machine conceit gives a cool visual hook.

Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson spark with old school romantic tension. It is a dreamy puzzle worth sinking into.

‘The King’s Man’ (2021)

A prequel turns the spy series into a pulpy war caper. The action blends grit with playful choreography.

Ralph Fiennes gives the film a mentor soul. It is a stylish origin with surprising heart.

‘The Empty Man’ (2020)

Part detective story and part cosmic horror this creeper builds slow dread. The Midwestern night landscapes feel haunted.

It rewards patience with an unnerving final stretch. Cult status feels well earned.

‘The Last Voyage of the Demeter’ (2023)

A ship bound horror tale takes one chapter of a classic and stretches it into a mood piece. The creaking wood and mist feel almost tactile.

The monster is frightening without losing mystery. It is a sturdy campfire story told with craft.

‘Last Night in Soho’ (2021)

Edgar Wright channels swinging London into a neon ghost story. The past looks dazzling and dangerous at once.

Anya Taylor Joy and Thomasin McKenzie share a haunting connection. The final reveal hits like a pop song with teeth.

‘The Many Saints of Newark’ (2021)

This crime prequel plays like a family scrapbook with bruises. Nostalgia mixes with the ache of bad choices.

It deepens the myth without copying the show. Fans will find layered echoes to savor.

‘Cry Macho’ (2021)

Clint Eastwood crafts a quiet road tale about regret and grace. The tone is gentle and patient.

It is less about action and more about listening. That calm gives the ending a soft glow.

‘The Matrix Resurrections’ (2021)

Lana Wachowski turns a legacy sequel into a reflection on identity and choice. Familiar code shimmers with new feelings.

Keanu Reeves and Carrie Anne Moss bring soulful warmth. It is personal and playful at once.

‘Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)’ (2020)

Harley Quinn leads a scrappy team up with glitter and grit. The fight scenes pop with creative staging.

The movie radiates chaotic kindness. It is a candy colored break from gloomy tropes.

‘Mulan’ (2020)

This retelling leans into mythic grandeur and sweeping vistas. The score and costumes create a regal atmosphere.

Even without songs it finds a strong spirit of duty and courage. It works as a sincere legend.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2021)

A trust centered adventure unfolds across gorgeous kingdoms. The dragon brings buoyant humor and warmth.

Action scenes have crisp clarity and momentum. It is a hopeful fable with big heart.

‘Onward’ (2020)

Two brothers chase one more day with dad in a suburban fantasy. The road trip is full of clever magic gags.

The ending carries a lovely message about unseen support. Bring tissues and a smile.

‘Tenet’ (2020)

Christopher Nolan builds an audacious espionage puzzle with time bent rules. The set pieces are large scale brain teasers.

Once the logic clicks the momentum feels electric. It rewards a second viewing with new clues.

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023)

A quippy crew of misfits stumbles through capers with real warmth. Practical effects and lively banter keep the tone light.

It treats friendship as the winning spell. Even non players can enjoy the adventure.

‘The Creator’ (2023)

A thoughtful sci fi war story pairs soulful AI ideas with striking scale. Real locations and clean design make the world feel tangible.

The bond at the center is tender and sincere. It is a human tale wrapped in big spectacle.

‘The 355’ (2022)

An all star spy squad brings globe trotting energy and teamwork. The ensemble plays off one another with easy charm.

The action is straightforward and clean. It is comfort food espionage with a friendly vibe.

‘Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins’ (2021)

A gritty origin gives a pulpy franchise some street level texture. The sword fights have a pleasing snap.

Henry Golding carries the lead with steady charisma. It is lean and committed to its legend.

‘Dolittle’ (2020)

A whimsical animal adventure sails on pure storybook spirit. The creatures are expressive and kid friendly.

Robert Downey Jr plays it with eccentric warmth. It is gentle family fare with a soft heart.

‘The Call of the Wild’ (2020)

A classic tale of man and dog finds fresh sincerity. The snowy vistas feel crisp and inviting.

Harrison Ford gives a moving late career turn. The relationship at the core feels honest.

‘The Northman’ (2022)

Robert Eggers scales myth to operatic size with primal force. The rituals and landscapes feel ancient and alive.

The revenge tale plays both savage and spiritual. It is artful and visceral in equal measure.

‘Nightmare Alley’ (2021)

Guillermo del Toro builds a lush carnival of ambition and deceit. Every frame brims with shadowy beauty.

Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett crackle in a dance of manipulation. It is a sumptuous noir to sink into.

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ (2021)

A stage hit becomes an intimate character study about loneliness and truth. The songs carry raw emotion.

Even with awkward moments the message about connection lands. It is earnest and moving.

‘Devotion’ (2022)

A true story of bravery takes flight with sturdy aerial work. The friendship at the center feels grounded and sincere.

The film honors service without empty bombast. It is respectful and heartfelt.

‘Voyagers’ (2021)

A youth crew in space faces fear and temptation in close quarters. The sterile design adds to the tension.

It plays like a morality tale with a sci fi skin. Simple ideas hit hard here.

‘Ambulance’ (2022)

Michael Bay strips the formula down to pure momentum. The city chase has real weight and breathless pace.

Amid the chaos there is a thread of empathy. It is a loud but surprisingly human thrill ride.

’65’ (2023)

A pilot stranded on a prehistoric Earth must survive with grit and wits. The creature encounters are tense and crisp.

The bond between the two leads gives the action a pulse. It is a tight survival yarn.

‘Renfield’ (2023)

This modern monster comedy gives the familiar count a fresh angle. Nicolas Cage feasts while Nicholas Hoult finds sweet awkwardness.

The gore is playful and the jokes land with snap. It is breezy horror fun with a beating heart.

‘Madame Web’ (2024)

A psychic hero story leans into oddball energy and pulpy visions. It plays like a supernatural mystery with capes on the edges.

Dakota Johnson keeps things dry and quirky. It is an offbeat slice of superhero cinema.

‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ (2023)

Undersea spectacle returns with colorful creatures and big sibling energy. The production design is a vibrant playground.

It embraces earnest adventure without snark. Sometimes that is exactly what you want.

‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ (2024)

George Miller crafts blazing action with painterly precision. The wasteland feels mythic and tactile.

Anya Taylor Joy and Chris Hemsworth give fierce and playful turns. The engine roars with purpose.

‘Argylle’ (2024)

A spy romp stuffed with twists leans into cheerful absurdity. Cats and knitwear become part of the secret agent toolkit.

The cast commits to the bit with gusto. It plays like a pop song that keeps changing keys.

‘IF’ (2024)

A gentle family fantasy explores imagination and healing. The imaginary friends are sweet and memorable.

It aims for kindness over snark and that choice pays off. You come away a little lighter.

Share your own picks for misunderstood gems in the comments and tell everyone which ones surprised you the most.