20 Movies and Shows That Failed to Live Up to Expectations in 2024
2024 brought big promises in film and TV, but some crashed before taking off. Discover which projects failed miserably and the dark secrets behind their downfall with this backstage of the flops.
Fly Me to the Moon was a romantic comedy that, in theory, had everything to succeed. Its simple premise about two lost souls on a flight to the moon was a solid foundation for a charming story. However, the film turned out to be a disappointment, as it failed to connect with the audience or offer anything unique or fresh.
The chemistry between the leads was lacking, which made the narrative flat and predictable. While the script aimed to be light and entertaining, it felt forced at several points. The criticism was harsh, accusing the film of being a mere repetition of formulas already seen in other romantic comedies without offering anything innovative.
Based on Elly Conway's spy novel, Argylle had an impressive cast in its favor, including Henry Cavill and Sam Rockwell, and an intriguing premise filled with twists and suspense. However, the film collapsed at the box office, grossing only $100 million against a $200 million budget.
Critics pointed out that the movie failed to maintain the pace and tension expected from a spy story. Many found it too predictable and lacking the excitement that other films in the same genre had managed to convey. Although the initial concept was promising, Argylle ended up being a major failure both at the box office and with critics.
Joker: Folie à Deux was the sequel to one of the most acclaimed films of 2019, starring Joaquin Phoenix. However, despite the anticipation, this sequel failed to live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor. Directed once again by Todd Phillips, the film took the bold move of incorporating musical elements, which surprised fans.
While Phoenix's performance was well received, the plot and tone were seen as an attempt to expand a story that didn't need further development. The box office performance was not as successful as expected, grossing $121.1 million, far from the $1.074 billion achieved by the first film. As for the critics, the reception was mixed, with many detractors pointing out its lack of focus and excessive grandiosity.
Dune: Prophecy, the series based on the Dune universe, has sparked mixed reactions since its release. While the plot focuses on the origins of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, established 10,000 years before the main saga's events, it has failed to capture the anticipated impact.
On one hand, the performances, especially those of Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, have been praised, with critics highlighting the complexity of their characters. The atmosphere created through the production design has also been a plus, with a visually captivating world that delves deeper into the Dune universe.
However, the series has not been immune to criticism. The irregular pacing and confusing narrative have been pointed out by many as obstacles to a more satisfying experience. Some fans and critics have found the plot difficult to follow, especially for those not familiar with the more intricate details of the Dune universe.
The film adaptation of the successful video game Borderlands seemed to promise a mix of frenetic action and irreverent humor, something the game franchise had achieved successfully. However, the film, directed by Eli Roth, was met with disastrous reviews from both critics and audiences.
The cast, which included figures like Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, couldn’t save the movie, which was seen as a weak adaptation that failed to capture the essence of the game or meet fans' expectations. The box office performance was also poor, and many criticized the lack of depth in the story and the poor character development. Critically, the film was labeled as predictable and unoriginal.
Back to Black, the biopic of Amy Winehouse starring Marisa Abela, was expected to be a work that would delve into the life and music of the singer. However, the film was widely criticized for failing to capture the complexity of Winehouse’s persona. Abela's performance was seen as inadequate in representing the soul diva, and the script was noted for its lack of depth.
The film failed to generate empathy with the audience, and many considered it a missed opportunity to tell a story that deserved to be more captivating. The box office was also low, with the movie grossing only $40 million.
Trap, the horror film directed by M. Night Shyamalan, was released in 2024 with high expectations due to the director's renowned reputation and history of surprising twists. The plot follows a group of people trapped at a concert of a fictional pop singer, played by Shyamalan's daughter, Saleka, who makes her acting debut in this film. The movie is characterized by its tense atmosphere and a storyline that keeps the audience in constant uncertainty.
The performances have generally been praised, especially Josh Hartnett's portrayal of a complex and ambiguous character. Shyamalan's direction successfully creates a chilling atmosphere, using his signature style to keep the audience on edge. However, some critics have pointed out that the plot features predictable elements and that the pacing can feel uneven at times.
Cruel Intentions, the Prime Video series based on the successful 90s film, tried to revive the spirit of its predecessor but failed to capture the same cultural impact. The series was harshly criticized for its lack of chemistry between the characters and a script that lacked the sexual tension and drama that the original film handled so successfully.
The series was seen as unnecessary and redundant, as it offered nothing new to the legacy of Cruel Intentions. The audience did not respond well, and the show was quickly canceled after its first season.
The Kraven the Hunter film, featuring a villain from the Spider-Man universe, never managed to captivate fans. Despite being given a darker approach, the movie was criticized for its lack of coherence and character development. The special effects were considered mediocre, and the story was seen as an attempt to overexploit a franchise without adding anything new.
The box office performance was disappointing, with $100 million in earnings not enough to justify the film's high budget. The critics were unanimous in stating that the movie was a forgettable product within the Marvel universe.
The Acolyte, the Star Wars series that promised to explore the origins of the Force and the Jedi, was one of the major bets of 2024. However, the series did not meet the high expectations of fans of the galactic saga. Despite a storyline that tackled a lesser-explored period of the Star Wars universe, the critical reception was harsh, pointing out a storyline that was too slow and a lack of development for key characters.
The plot failed to create the connection the audience expected, and the series received mixed reviews, leaving it in an uncomfortable position within the franchise. At the box office, the interest was lukewarm, and many were disappointed with the results.
The return to the world of Orphan Black with the series Echoes was highly anticipated by fans of the original. However, the spin-off failed to replicate the success of the original series. The plot focused on a new set of clones, but the story was seen as less intriguing and more predictable than that of the original series.
The performances were generally praised, but critics pointed out that the narrative lacked the same level of intrigue and sophistication that made Orphan Black a success. While the series garnered some attention in its early episodes, the lack of substance and the flatter storyline failed to maintain viewer interest.
The adaptation of The Crow, which promised to revive the 90s cult classic, faced several challenges from the moment it was announced. Although Bill Skarsgård’s name as the lead gave a glimmer of hope, the film was a commercial and critical failure. The premise of a man returning from the dead to avenge the death of his beloved, a story that had been so powerful in its original version, failed to capture the dark and unique essence that made it famous.
The movie was criticized for its lack of originality, mediocre visual effects, and a direction that failed to leverage the rich legacy of the story. The box office was disappointing, with $80 million in earnings against a high budget, clearly indicating a lack of connection with modern audiences.
Based on the eponymous TV series, The Fall Guy was another adaptation that failed to connect with modern audiences. The film was poorly received, both by fans of the original series and new viewers. The script was considered weak and the action direction unappealing.
Critics felt the movie lacked originality and didn’t offer anything new to the action formula. Despite a star-studded cast led by Ryan Gosling, the film only managed to gross $28.5 million, which was considered a complete failure.
Madame Web was one of the most anticipated titles for Spider-Man universe fans, especially due to its focus on one of the most mysterious characters in the comics. However, the film turned out to be a major flop. S.J. Clarkson's direction was widely criticized for failing to capitalize on the opportunities the character offered, and the plot felt scattered and superficial.
Despite a promising cast with Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, the film failed to connect with audiences and was considered one of the worst Marvel adaptations on the big screen. The box office was a disaster, with earnings not even reaching $50 million, and the criticism was relentless regarding its lack of vision and coherence.
Megalopolis, the epic vision of Francis Ford Coppola, was another big promise of 2024 but quickly became one of the year's biggest failures. The film was praised for its ambitious scale but rejected for its execution. The script was considered incoherent, and the lack of commitment to the characters caused the audience to disconnect quickly.
The film, which explored themes of power and ambition in a futuristic city, was labeled "horribly written" by critics. In terms of box office, the movie failed to connect with viewers, generating a lukewarm response both in theaters and on streaming platforms.
This film, directed by Ethan Coen, did not live up to the expectations that independent cinema fans had for a Coen brothers movie. Despite having a promising script, the film was a commercial and critical failure. The plot, which dealt with a dark comedy and a heist on a road trip, was perceived as boring and overly superficial.
The lack of the magic that typically accompanies the Coen brothers' work was evident. The movie only grossed $10 million on its release, marking a major failure for the filmmakers.
Furiosa, the highly anticipated spin-off of the successful Mad Max: Fury Road saga, arrived with high expectations due to its intriguing premise and the return to the post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max. However, the film could not replicate the impact of its predecessor. While Anya Taylor-Joy's performance was praised, the story was seen as unnecessary and less exciting than that of Fury Road.
Many critics pointed out that the movie failed to offer the same visual and emotional intensity as the original film. The movie was a disappointment both critically and commercially, with a gross that barely reached $150 million, well below the expectations for a film of this caliber.
The fourth season of True Detective, titled Night Country, failed to recapture the magic that the series had achieved in its first season. Despite featuring Jodie Foster as the lead, the mystery story set in the Arctic was criticized for its lack of originality and predictable plot twists.
Fans who were expecting a complex and deep suspense experience were disappointed by a script that failed to bring anything new to the genre. The critical reception, though mixed, was not as favorable as in previous seasons, and the series did not make a significant impact on the audience, with a decline in viewership.
The Regime, a political series starring Kate Winslet, was an attempt to capitalize on the success of political drama series. However, the show failed to impress both critics and audiences. While the script had potential, the plot was seen as confusing and not exciting enough to maintain long-term interest.
Critics pointed out that the series tried to replicate the success of other similar productions but failed to develop its own distinctive elements. The response was lukewarm, and the audience numbers reflected the lack of enthusiasm from viewers.
The New Look, centered on the life of Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, was one of the most anticipated productions of the year due to its focus on one of the most influential figures in fashion. However, the series failed to captivate both critics and audiences. The actors' performances were generally praised, but the script was criticized for being superficial and not delving deeply enough into Chanel's life.
While productions about historical figures often attract attention, The New Look failed to stand out and received negative feedback for its lack of narrative depth. The reception was lukewarm, and the audience numbers reflected the general disinterest.