Throughout cinematic history, countless films have flopped, but few have lost as much money as these 10 colossal sci-fi disasters.
Science fiction movies often carry high risks and potential rewards, but they can also lead to the downfall of studios when they fail to recoup their investments.
1.
Battleship
(2012)– Budget: $209-$220 million
– Worldwide Gross: $303 million
– Estimated Loss: $150 million
The idea of adapting Hasbro’s board game Battleship into a movie about aliens invading Earth proved to be a colossal misfire. The film, starring Taylor Kitsch, was a critical and commercial failure, earning its place as the biggest sci-fi bomb of all time.
2.
Chaos Walking
(2021)– Budget: $100 million
– Worldwide Gross: $26.5 million
– Estimated Loss: $112 million
Despite its star-studded cast, Chaos Walking was an utter disaster. The adaptation of Patrick Ness’s novel failed to resonate with audiences, resulting in a box office bomb.
3.
Ghost in the Shell
(2017)– Budget: $110-$180 million
– Worldwide Gross: $169.8 million
– Estimated Loss: $60-$100 million
Ghost in the Shell faced controversy for casting Scarlett Johansson in the lead role. The film underwhelmed at the box office and has since become difficult to find on streaming services.
4.
The Adventures of Pluto Nash
(2002)– Budget: $100 million
– Worldwide Gross: $7.1 million
– Estimated Loss: $96 million
Eddie Murphy’s sci-fi comedy was a colossal failure, grossing a mere $7.1 million worldwide. The film has become known as a cure for insomnia.
5.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
(2001)– Budget: $137.5 million
– Worldwide Gross: $85.1 million
– Estimated Loss: $94 million
Square’s attempt to create a virtual starlet with their realistic character model failed miserably. The film’s incomprehensible story and lack of success put an end to Square’s movie ambitions.
6.
Gods of Egypt
(2016)– Budget: $140 million
– Worldwide Gross: $150.7 million
– Estimated Loss: $76-$90 million
The casting of a predominantly Caucasian cast in the roles of Egyptian deities sparked controversy for Gods of Egypt. The film failed to impress critics and audiences.
7.
Blade Runner 2049
(2017)– Budget: $150-$185 million
– Worldwide Gross: $260.5 million
– Estimated Loss: $80 million
Despite being a critically acclaimed masterpiece, Blade Runner 2049 failed to make a significant impact at the box office. The film’s box office failure remains a disappointment.
8.
Battlefield Earth
(2000)– Budget: $73-$103 million
– Worldwide Gross: $29.7 million
– Estimated Loss: $73.3 million
John Travolta’s passion project, Battlefield Earth, was a notorious disaster. The film’s ridiculous makeup and costumes, combined with its generic story, made it a laughingstock.
9.
The Chronicles of Riddick
(2004)– Budget: $105-$120 million
– Worldwide Gross: $115.8 million
– Estimated Loss: $47-$73 million
While Pitch Black made Vin Diesel a star, The Chronicles of Riddick failed to capture the same magic. The film’s attempt to turn Riddick into a hero fell flat, and its intriguing ideas were overshadowed by a lackluster execution.
10.
The Astronaut’s Wife
(1999)– Budget: $75 million
– Worldwide Gross: $19.6 million
– Estimated Loss: $65 million
The Astronaut’s Wife has faded into obscurity since its release. Despite its forgettable nature, the film’s excessive spending on a sci-fi take on Rosemary’s Baby makes it a notable flop.
