10 Cult Sci-Fi Films That Flopped Financially

The science fiction genre, perhaps more than any other, has a knack for producing cult classics. By nature, these films deal with speculative and futuristic ideas that are often ahead of their time. As a result, many sci-fi movies open to tepid reactions only to be hailed as masterpieces decades later. 

Take Blade Runner for example. Upon its release in 1982, it was deemed a commercial disappointment yet today it is celebrated for its groundbreaking visuals and complex narrative. Similarly, The Thing was initially dismissed as overly gory but is now lauded for its suspenseful storytelling and innovative special effects. 

Indeed, the history of cinema abounds with beloved sci-fi movies that were critical duds or box office failures upon their initial releases. Here are ten such films that bombed at the box office but have since become cult classics. 

A Scanner Darkly (2006) directed by Richard Linklater is set in an all-time-high escalated war on drugs future where Bob Arctor (Keanu Reeves), an undercover cop infiltrates drug users to uncover the source of Substance D - a powerful new hallucinogenic drug causing him to question his reality. This film fared poorly commercially but has since gained a devoted fan base due to its depth and unique experimentation. 

Annihilation (2018) starring Natalie Portman follows biologist Lena who enters "The Shimmer", an area where laws of nature seem distorted filled with monsters after her husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) returns from there mysteriously ill. Despite weak box-office performance this film managed to garner an intense fanbase thanks largely due to its philosophical richness combined with visual appeal. 

Titan A.E.(2000) directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman tells the story about Cale Tucker(voiced by Matt Damon) living in post-apocalyptic earth destroyed by alien race Drej searching Titan spaceship which holds key for humanity's survival.This animated movie flopped badly at box-office but gained popularity over time due to its impressive animation and unique storyline. 

Idiocracy (2006) directed by Mike Judge is a sci-fi satire imagining the future where intelligence and critical thinking have dramatically declined. Despite being a commercial failure initially, this movie has gained recognition in recent years for its prophetic satirical humor. 

Strange Days (1995) directed by Kathryn Bigelow tells the story of Lenny Nero(Ralph Fiennes), a former cop turned black-market dealer who stumbles upon incriminating evidence against powerful figures. This film was a box-office bomb but has since been recognized as one of the strongest sci-fi movies from the 90s. 

Sunshine (2007) directed by Danny Boyle follows astronauts on a mission to reignite the dying sun with a nuclear bomb.This thought-provoking psychological thriller made loss at box office but came out as a strong darker sci-fi flick gaining popularity overtime. 

Children of Men(2006) Directed by Alfonso Cuarón takes us into bleak future where humans have become infertile leading society towards collapse.Theo(Clive Owen) protects miraculously pregnant Kee(Clare-Hope Ashitey).Although it lost money during initial release,this movie is hailed as one of best sci-fi movies dealing with compelling themes like faith,refugee crises,population decline etc. 

Event Horizon(1997) directed by Paul W.S.Anderson revolves around rescue crew sent to investigate reappearance of spaceship Event Horizon which vanished seven years earlier testing experimental gravity drive.Despite weak performance at box-Office,this horror-sci fi fusion gained cult following over time thanks largely due to its killer premise and unsettling visual appeal 

Blade Runner(1982),directed by Ridley Scott,is another iconic Sci-Fi that imagines grim future with advanced robots known as replicants.Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard,a retired "blade runner" tasked with hunting down rogue replicants.Initially received mixed response,this movie has since been hailed as a masterpiece for its visionary direction and atmospheric world-building. 

The Thing(1982) directed by John Carpenter is about team of American researchers who encounter shape-shifting alien that assimilates into any living organism.Initially dismissed,this film has come to be viewed as touchstone of sci-fi horror being frequently listed in greatest films of all time making it definitive sci-fi cult classic.  

In conclusion, the Sci-Fi genre lends itself to producing cult classics due to futuristic ideas they deal with which are often ahead of their times allowing audiences to appreciate them years later when the ideas have become more resonant or relevant.