Every year brings breakout hits and a handful of films that remind audiences just how unpredictable the box office can be. 2025 proved especially complicated, underscoring the ongoing tension surrounding the alchemy of the theatrical experience. While several releases exceeded expectations, many highly anticipated films struggled to connect with audiences, raising fresh questions about the future of cinema.
Whether this is due to franchise fatigue, shifting viewing habits, or studios misreading audience demand, these 10 films fell short of their potential despite significant buzz.
Disney’s live-action “Snow White” became one of the year’s most talked-about releases, for all the wrong reasons. Starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, the remake received mixed reviews despite its massive scale, global rollout and Disney pedigree. It was also mired in controversy early on, fueled by reports of tension between its stars.
Pixar faced a rare stumble with “Elio,” an original animated film that struggled to find its audience. Though praised for its imagination and heart, the movie posted a disappointing box office turnout, highlighting the continued challenges original stories face in theaters.
Marking the return of James L. Brooks, director of classics like “Terms of Endearment” and “Broadcast News,” “Ella McCay” seemed positioned to resonate with adult audiences craving more mature storytelling. Instead, it delivered one of the weakest wide-release openings of the year.
“Roofman” arrived with little fanfare and quickly slipped through the cracks. Starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst and directed by Derek Cianfrance, the film generated minimal conversation despite its notable talent. It’s another sign that star power alone no longer guarantees box office success.
Glen Powell stars in Paramount Pictures' "THE RUNNING MAN."
Expectations were high for “The Running Man,” which aimed to revive a cult favorite for a new generation led by Glen Powell. While early curiosity drove opening-weekend interest, momentum faded quickly, with the film unable to sustain audience engagement.
Julia Roberts stars as Alma in AFTER THE HUNT, from Amazon MGM Studios
Directed by Luca Guadagnino and featuring a high-profile cast, “After the Hunt” positioned itself as a prestige thriller with awards-season aspirations, particularly following last year’s hit “Challengers.” Ultimately, the film delivered a modest box office run and middling reviews.
“Mickey 17” emerged as one of the year’s most debated releases. While it found support among critics and sci-fi fans, its ambitious scope and sizable budget proved difficult to overcome commercially.
Marvel Studios faced a noticeable shift with “Thunderbolts.” While not a full-fledged box office collapse, the film fell short of expectations traditionally associated with the MCU. As superhero fatigue continues to influence audience behavior, “Thunderbolts” signaled a moment of recalibration for the franchise.
9. Christy
Sydney Sweeney transformed into ex-boxer Christy Martin
The biographical drama “Christy” ranked among the year’s quietest disappointments. Despite a compelling real-life story and a well-received lead performance from Sydney Sweeney, the film struggled to attract audiences and quickly faded from theaters.
Rounding out the list was “M3GAN 2.0,” which failed to replicate the viral success of its predecessor, a film that helped create one of modern horror’s most recognizable villains.
These films reflect a year of shifting audience priorities, where brand recognition alone is no longer enough. Viewers are increasingly selective, and originality, timing, and genuine excitement appear to matter just as much as the scale of the project.
