These days most movies are made with the purpose of feeding the viewers whatever is in trend. Some years ago, wizards were very popular thanks to Harry Potter. They were followed by knights and hobbits, vampires and werewolves, and now the most viewed motion pictures feature superheroes. As a result, unique and creative ideas do not have much space to develop and become successful. The biggest movie companies will always follow the interests of their audience. However, every now and then, they do release features with different themes, in order to test the market. More than often, these movies flop at the box office, be it kids movies, animated movies or live action motion pictures. Here is the worst Disney movies list, featuring items that barely covered their costs.
1. Prince of Persia
Year: 2010
Cost: $200m
Domestic gross: $90m
International gross: $244m
This movie was not a complete fail, if we take into consideration the amount of money it made by selling on DVD and Blu Ray. However, it didn’t become one of the highest grossing Disney movies as it was planned. In this case, the fans of the old video game seemed to prefer watching The Prince of Persia at home, in the same places they played the game so many years ago. Disney’s dreams of beginning a new franchise with Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role turned to dust.
2. Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Year: 2010
Cost: $160m
Domestic gross: $63m
International gross: $152m
Among Nicolas Cage’s bad decisions for choosing roles was the Sorcerer’s Apprentice movie. Unfortunately, the Disney motion picture simply didn’t have substance and thus viewers and critics couldn’t connect with the characters or the action. It is a pity when you think that it is based on a beloved piece from the Fantasia Disney movie, a unique feature in the history of animation starring none other than Mickey Mouse. Perhaps if he would have been included, Mickey could have saved this movie.
3. John Carter
Year: 2012
Cost: $250m
Domestic gross: $73m
International gross: $209m
Another item on the worst Disney movies list, John Carter stands as an example that a blockbuster’s recipe for success doesn’t stand in choosing less popular actors. Featuring Tailor Kitsch, this movie was based on a book written a long time ago, which younger audiences didn’t have a strong interest in. Of course, there are books released many years ago that were adored my teenagers nowadays, like The Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, before planning to spend a lot of money on a blockbuster, the producers should always carry on some research on the interests of people, no matter their age.
4. The Lone Ranger
Year: 2013
Cost: $215m
Domestic gross: $88m
International gross: $142m
Sometimes even a successful team cannot draw in as many viewers as they want to. With their previous blockbusters from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp were set to reach the top of the box office. Unfortunately, the western movie released in 2013 didn’t catch on with audiences. The most plausible reason is that the time of western movies has passed a long time ago, and it may take another couple of years before viewers will be interested in them again.
5. Tomorrowland
Year: 2015
Cost: $190m
Domestic gross: $94m
International gross: $115m
Last but not least on the worst Disney movies list is Tomorrowland. Directed by Brad Bird, who worked on the brilliant Ratatouille and The Incredibles, the movie lacked a strong storyline. Not even the spectacular visual effects could convince viewers that Tomorrowland was worth a shot. Similar to The Lone Ranger case, having a famous actor like George Clooney is not a guarantee that the earnings will cover the expenses. It is reported that an additional $150 million were invested by Disney for the marketing of the motion picture. But in the end the movie did not even come close to covering its costs, even if it was part of the family movies category and could be viewed by children as well.
You shouldn’t worry too much though. The Disney company faced some difficult years when it first begun, but now it has more than enough money to continue producing wonderful movies. Not to mention that it will probably get back all that it lost with the new Star Wars movie: The Force Awakens.