2025 was a year that left Hollywood scratching its head. The box office numbers were bleak, with one big movie after another failing to connect with audiences. Studios spent millions, sometimes hundreds of millions, on films that were supposed to be the next big thing. But instead of breaking records, these movies broke the bank. Many of them were expected to be blockbusters, but they ended up as box office bombs. Yet, despite their poor performance in theaters, some of these movies managed to find a second life. They didn’t win awards or make headlines for their opening weekends, but they slowly built up a loyal audience. This is the story of the top box office bombs of 2025 that still found fans, even if they never found success at the box office.
One of the most talked about flops of the year was Tron Ares. Disney had high hopes for this sequel, hoping it would reignite the franchise and bring in a new generation of fans. The movie was expensive, with a budget that reportedly topped $200 million. The marketing campaign was massive, with trailers playing before every major release and billboards in every big city. But when the movie finally hit theaters, it was met with silence. The opening weekend was weak, and the numbers only got worse in the following weeks. Critics were not kind, and audiences stayed away in droves. The domestic total barely reached $68 million, and the worldwide total was far below what Disney needed to break even.
Yet, Tron Ares did not disappear completely. In the months after its theatrical run, the movie started to gain traction on streaming platforms. Fans of the original Tron films, who had been waiting for a sequel for years, finally gave it a chance. Online forums and social media groups began discussing the movie, pointing out its strengths and weaknesses. Some viewers appreciated the visual effects and the attempt to modernize the story. Others liked the performances of the cast, even if the script was lacking. Slowly, Tron Ares became a cult favorite. It was not a hit, but it found a small but dedicated audience that kept it alive long after it left theaters.
Another movie that bombed at the box office but found fans later was The Smashing Machine. This biopic about MMA legend Mark Kerr was supposed to be a turning point for Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock. He wanted to show that he could do serious acting, not just action movies and comedies. The film was directed by Benny Safdie, a respected filmmaker known for his gritty, realistic style. The production was intense, with Johnson training for months to get into shape for the role. The movie premiered at a major film festival, where it received mixed reviews. Critics praised Johnson’s performance but were divided on the overall quality of the film.
When The Smashing Machine was released in theaters, it was a disaster. The opening weekend was terrible, and the movie quickly disappeared from screens. The final box office total was just over $7 million, a catastrophic loss for a film with such a high budget. But like Tron Ares, The Smashing Machine found a second chance on streaming. MMA fans and sports enthusiasts started watching it, drawn by the real-life story and Johnson’s commitment to the role. Online communities discussed the accuracy of the portrayal and debated the film’s merits. Some viewers even called it one of Johnson’s best performances, despite its flaws. The movie may have been a flop, but it earned respect from a niche audience that appreciated its ambition.
Good Fortune was another film that failed to impress at the box office. This romantic comedy was supposed to be a feel-good hit, with a star-studded cast and a charming story. The marketing promised laughs and heartwarming moments, but the movie did not deliver. Critics called it predictable and uninspired, and audiences agreed. The opening weekend was weak, and the movie quickly lost momentum. It was pulled from theaters after just a few weeks, with a final box office total that was far below expectations.
But Good Fortune found a new life on streaming platforms. Romantic comedy fans, who are always looking for something light and entertaining, started watching it. Some viewers enjoyed the chemistry between the leads, while others liked the quirky supporting characters. The movie became a go-to choice for people who wanted something easy to watch and didn’t mind a few clichés. Online reviews began to shift, with some calling it a guilty pleasure. Good Fortune may not have been a critical success, but it found a place in the hearts of viewers who just wanted a simple, fun movie.
Bugonia was a horror film that also struggled at the box office. The movie was marketed as a terrifying experience, with a unique premise and a talented cast. The trailers were creepy, and the buzz was strong before release. But when Bugonia hit theaters, it was met with indifference. The opening weekend was disappointing, and the movie quickly faded from view. Critics were harsh, calling it derivative and lacking in scares. The box office numbers were so bad that the studio pulled the movie from theaters early.
Despite its failure, Bugonia found an audience among horror fans. The movie’s unusual concept and atmospheric visuals attracted viewers who were looking for something different. Online horror communities discussed the film, analyzing its themes and debating its effectiveness. Some fans even called it a hidden gem, praising its creativity and originality. Bugonia may not have scared the masses, but it earned a loyal following among those who appreciate unconventional horror.
After the Hunt was another movie that bombed at the box office but found fans later. This thriller premiered at a major film festival, where it received mixed reviews. Critics were divided, with some praising the film’s ambition and others criticizing its pacing and plot. When it was released in theaters, the movie was ignored by audiences. The box office numbers were terrible, and the movie disappeared quickly.
But After the Hunt found a second life on streaming platforms. Thriller fans and cinephiles started watching it, drawn by its festival pedigree and unique story. Online discussions focused on the film’s themes and the director’s vision. Some viewers appreciated the slow burn and the atmospheric tension, while others liked the performances of the cast. After the Hunt may not have been a commercial success, but it earned respect from a niche audience that values artistic ambition.
Kiss of the Spider Woman was a musical drama that also struggled at the box office. The movie was based on a famous stage production and featured a well-known cast. The marketing promised a powerful story and memorable songs, but the movie did not connect with audiences. The opening weekend was weak, and the movie quickly lost momentum. Critics were mixed, with some praising the performances and others criticizing the adaptation.
Despite its failure, Kiss of the Spider Woman found fans among musical theater enthusiasts. The movie’s songs and performances attracted viewers who love musicals. Online communities discussed the film, comparing it to the stage version and debating its merits. Some fans even called it a worthy adaptation, praising its emotional depth and musical numbers. Kiss of the Spider Woman may not have been a hit, but it found a place in the hearts of musical lovers.
Anemone was another movie that bombed at the box office but found an audience later. This indie drama was praised by critics for its performances and storytelling, but it failed to attract audiences. The opening weekend was weak,
