Box office success is only one metric for judging a movie’s longevity and quality, but it does have a major impact on opinion and conversation surrounding a film. When it comes to cult classics of the 2010s, likeScott Pilgrim vs. the World, it’s hard to imagine that there was a time when people didn’t recognize what a visionary work this was. However,it’s very common for movies to underperform in theaters only to become belovedand highly sought-after works in the years after they’ve been released.
While there are plenty ofso-bad-they’re-good movies from the 2010s, these films are genuinely high-quality and unforgettable. A few have earned the title of cult classic because they’re a little campy or over-the-top, but that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable to watch. It’s disappointing that the poor box office performance of some of these works meant that any potential sequels or franchises never happened, but it’s a joy to revisit these movies and remember their value today, even without more works within the story’s world.
One of Edgar Wright’s most visionary and dynamic projects,Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, is now considered one of the best comic book adaptations of the 2010s.Michael Cera loved filmingScott Pilgrim vs. the World, and it seems that much of the cast and production team felt the same way.Most contemporary audiences have just as much fun watching the stylized and magical moviethat transports them into Scott’s thrilling world.
It might not be perfect, but it’s enormously fun and unforgettable and has been highly influential in the development of the genre.
Based on the current opinion surroundingScott Pilgrim vs. the World, it’s likely that the film will remain a significant part of the cultural conversation for years to come. It might not be perfect, but it’s enormously fun and unforgettable and has been highly influential in the development of the genre. Featuring one of Cera’s best performances,Scott Pilgrim vs. the Worldsynthesizes Wright’s work as a director, setting the project apart from everything else released in the 2010s.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
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The director ofUnder the Skin, Jonathan Glazer, would go on to make the Oscar-winning filmThe Zone of Interest. The success of this project contrasts with the poor financial performance ofUnder the Skin, butGlazer’s style and sensibilities can be seen in both works.Starring Scarlet Johansson as the alien lifeform who assumes the identity of a human woman,Under the Skinis an unsettling, offputting addition to the sci-fi genre and thrives on its most surreal moments.
In recent years, Glazer has achieved wider name recognition,and audiences have discoveredUnder the Skinand immersed themselves in the strange world of the story. It was an unexpected turn from Johansson, but she gives a sharp, knowing performance that lends humanity to this otherworldly creature. There are many ways to interpretUnder the Skin, and this open-ended and sweeping narrative makes it such an interesting watch today.
Under the Skin (2014)
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The campy, over-the-top sensibilities ofBurlesqueare what has made it so beloved by audienceswho find the movie fun and hilarious today. Though the dialogue and story are on the weak side,Burlesquedoes boast some fun musical numbers, as well as an incredibly talented cast. Christina Aguilera and Cher both get to show off their singing chops, with Kristen Bell playing a surprisingly sharp villain who Aguilera’s Ali crosses on her rise to the top of the burlesque scene in Los Angeles.
Following the tradition of movies likeCabaretandShowgirls,Burlesqueis perfect for musical theater lovers looking to have a good time.
While the big choices and performances inBurlesqueare part of what initially turned audiences and critics off, they’re what set the project apart in the contemporary era. Even if the characters aren’t the most nuanced or complex, all the actors give their all to their roles and lay everything out on the stage in the film. Following the tradition of movies likeCabaretandShowgirls,Burlesqueis perfect for musical theater lovers looking to have a good time.
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ThoughThe Man From U.N.C.L.E.’s box office could have been worse, expectations were high for the period espionage thriller. Based on the classic TV series of the same name from the 1960s and boasting a cast with strong name recognition, there was a world whereThe Man From U.N.C.L.E.found its audience much more quickly. Unfortunately,it’s only in recent years that the value of the stylish project has been recognized.
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As Henry Cavill’s star has risen in Hollywood, more viewers have sought outThe Man From U.N.C.L.E., revitalizing the film and demonstrating what a tight and thrilling ride the movie is. The 1960s aesthetics are colorful and fun, and alongside the expansive set pieces and gorgeous setting, the visuals ofThe Man From U.N.C.L.E.have only become more attractive. While critics argued that the story was a touch formulaic,part of the fun of a Cold War thriller is diving into the genre’s tropes.
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Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe make a hilarious and charismatic team in the crime buddy-comedyThe Nice Guys, which has found an amazing second life after its premiere. Audiences and critics have been hoping for a sequel toThe Nice Guysfor years, and while it’s unlikely that this will happen, it’s a testament to the film’s longevity that fans haven’t given up the fight. One of the reasonsThe Nice Guyshas aged so well is that the atmosphere and aesthetic are as engaging as the comedy and story.
The well-choreographed action sequences and relatable sense of humor that buoy the story makeThe Nice Guysa flop worth watching.
It’s surprising thatThe Nice Guyswasn’t a box office success, as its cast, premise, and positive reviews all lent themselves to a strong release. However, through word of mouth and a dedicated audience base,The Nice Guyshasn’t faded from memory, continuously being discovered by new viewers every year. The well-choreographed action sequences and relatable sense of humor that buoy the story makeThe Nice Guysa flop worth watching.
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For another, less expensive project, a box office of over $200 million would be impressive. Unfortunately,John Carterhad a budget of around $250 million,making the project a disappointing return on the investment required to produce it. However, it’s a shame thatJohn Carternever received the potential sequels that were initially planned by Disney (viaCollider). With a vivid world and a strong lead performance by Taylor Kitsch,John Carteris a fun watch.
Blending elements of sci-fi and period pieces,John Carterhad a strong source material as it was adapted from an iconic novel series by Edgar Rice Burroughs. While some of the visual effects are dated by today’s standards, they hold up better than expected.Had Disney spent less onJohn Carter, the franchise might have been able to take off,and more audiences would’ve discovered theJohn Carteruniverse. While we’ll likely never get aJohn Cartersequel, the movie does pave the way for a continuation.
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Thoughit’s common for independent films likeBrigsby Bearto have small box office returns,the movie underperformed significantly.Brigsby Bearis likely agreat coming-of-age movie you’ve never seen, but it’s worth watching today, standing out from the typical additions to the genre. Kyle Mooney stars as James, a young man who finds connection and confidence through his attempts to recreate his favorite TV show from childhood after being rescued from his childhood abduction.
Brigsby Bearis still an underseen project, but those who are familiar with it have found it to tread new territory within the coming-of-age format.
While the premise ofBrigsby Bearis surprisingly dark and bizarre, the movie ends up being an uplifting and hilarious story that highlights the way movies and TV can bring people together. Through the creation of his own project, James readjusts to the world and learns that real life isn’t as bad as he thought.Brigsby Bearis still an underseen project, but those who are familiar with it have found it to tread new territory within the coming-of-age format.
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While there are plenty of 2010s cult classics that were critically acclaimed despite their poor performance at the box office,From Paris With Lovewas panned and was a flop. However, with time,From Paris With Lovehas been reevaluated and recognized for its thrilling action and the enjoyable romp of the story.Led by John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers,From Paris With Loveis over-the-top from beginning to end,but this is part of the fun.
ThoughFrom Paris With Loveisn’t considered one of thebest action movies of the 2010s, the fight sequences are fun to watch and aren’t without their excitement. Compared to some of the action films that are released today,From Paris With Loveis full of charm and intrigue, and Meyers is a good balance to Travolta’s somewhat hammy performance. Though not without its obvious problems,people have enjoyed revisitingFrom Paris With Loveto laugh along with the project.
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Paul Thomas Anderson’s intense and atmospheric thriller,The Master, is now well-regarded as a great addition to the writer-director’s filmography. However, whenThe Masterfirst premiered, it didn’t get the same momentum as some of the filmmaker’s most prominent projects, likeThere Will Be Blood. This is somewhat surprising, consideringthe astounding lead performances from Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix.
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The Masteris not easy or comfortable to watch,as it chronicles the descent of Freddie Quell (Phoenix) into the clutches of a dark and insidious cult. In the years following the film’s release,The Masterhas been hailed for its realism and truthful depiction of cult mindsets and the techniques used to prey upon people.The Master’s reflections on the cultural and social shifts in the U.S. in the post-war era are some of the sharpest of the 2010s and give the movie an enduring legacy.
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Only Lovers Left Aliveisn’t your typical vampire movie,and Jim Jarmusch’s gothically beautiful vision breathes surprising life into this tale of the undead. With an all-star cast that includes Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, and Mia Wasikowska,Only Lovers Left Alivehad many elements with mainstream appeal. Unfortunately, the offbeat story might have initially been too strange for viewers in the 2010s. However, when watching it today, it’s clear thatOnly Lovers Left Aliveis something special.
The vampire genre was exploding in the 2010s, with theTwilightsaga in full swing and popular TV shows likeThe Vampire Diariesmaking waves. When compared to these titles,Only Lovers Left Alivehas a much quieter, philosophical tone, critiquing contemporary societythrough the eyes of these ancient beings. This universal message has allowedOnly Lovers Left Aliveto age well as the years have progressed, along with stellar performances from the main cast.
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