10 Blockbusters No One Talks About Anymore

The ’80s and ’90s were a golden era for blockbuster films, with theaters packed for larger-than-life stories that defined pop culture. Many of these movies were massive in their time, earning huge box office numbers and sparking endless conversations among fans.

But not every blockbuster stands the test of time. Some, despite their initial hype, have slipped from memory, overshadowed by bigger classics or lost to changing tastes. Here are 10 blockbusters that once ruled the box office but are rarely mentioned today, complete with their release years and why they’ve faded.

Crocodile Dundee (1986)

This Australian fish-out-of-water comedy starred Paul Hogan as Mick Dundee, a rugged outback adventurer navigating New York City. It grossed over $300 million worldwide, making it one of the biggest hits of 1986, thanks to its charming humor and Hogan’s laid-back charisma.

Its dated elements, like some cringeworthy stereotypes, haven’t aged well, and its sequels diluted the original’s spark. I loved Mick’s clueless confidence as a kid, but today, it feels like a time capsule of ’80s excess that’s rarely revisited.

The Mask of Zorro (1998)

Antonio Banderas brought swashbuckling flair as Zorro, trained by Anthony Hopkins to fight corruption in old California. With a global gross of $250 million, this action-packed adventure was a summer hit, blending romance, swordplay, and a catchy soundtrack.

Its lack of a lasting franchise and competition from flashier superhero films have pushed it aside. I still think of Banderas’ slick moves and that fiery chemistry with Catherine Zeta-Jones, but it’s a gem most skip over now.

The Last Action Hero (1993)

Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in this meta-action flick about a kid entering a movie world with a larger-than-life hero. Despite its $137 million worldwide gross, it was a bold swing with self-aware humor and big stunts that felt fresh for 1993.

The film’s mix of satire and action confused audiences, and it got buried under other Schwarzenegger hits like ‘Terminator 2’. I remember loving the over-the-top explosions, but it’s rarely brought up in action movie debates today.

Waterworld (1995)

Kevin Costner’s post-apocalyptic ocean adventure was a notorious gamble, with a then-record $175 million budget. It still pulled in $264 million globally, driven by its wild premise of a flooded world and Costner’s gritty hero, the Mariner.

Its bloated production stories and mixed reviews overshadowed its ambition, and it’s now more a punchline than a classic. I was hooked on the crazy boat chases as a kid, but it’s not a film anyone raves about anymore.

Congo (1995)

This Michael Crichton adaptation about a jungle expedition hunting for a lost city and killer gorillas grossed $152 million worldwide. With stars like Laura Linney and Tim Curry, it rode the ‘Jurassic Park’ wave of tech-driven adventure.

Its campy tone and dated effects haven’t held up, and it’s overshadowed by Crichton’s bigger hits. I still grin thinking of Linney blasting laser-wielding apes, but it’s a forgotten footnote in ’90s blockbusters.

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson teamed up for this motion-capture animated take on the classic comic, earning $374 million globally. Its fast-paced story and stunning visuals promised a new franchise, with Jamie Bell voicing the intrepid Tintin.

The motion-capture style didn’t fully click, and plans for sequels stalled, leaving it in limbo. I loved the Indiana Jones-style thrills, but it’s rarely cited among Spielberg’s best or modern animated hits.

Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)

This sequel to the 1994 hit ‘Speed’ swapped a bus for a cruise ship, with Sandra Bullock returning as Annie. It grossed $164 million worldwide, banking on the original’s action-packed legacy and Bullock’s star power.

Without Keanu Reeves and with a weaker plot, it fizzled fast. I remember the ship-crashing climax being wild, but it’s mostly a trivia answer now, not a go-to action classic.

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Spielberg’s sequel to ‘Jurassic Park’ brought back Jeff Goldblum as Ian Malcolm, facing more dinosaurs on a second island. It roared to $618 million worldwide, fueled by the original’s hype and bigger dino action.

Its thinner story and less memorable characters pale next to the 1993 classic, so it’s rarely celebrated. I was glued to the T-Rex city rampage, but it doesn’t get the love of its predecessor.

Wild Wild West (1999)

Will Smith and Kevin Kline starred as slick agents in this steampunk Western, complete with a giant mechanical spider. It pulled in $222 million globally, riding Smith’s star power after ‘Men in Black’.

Its goofy tone and clunky effects haven’t aged well, and it’s often mocked instead of praised. I enjoyed the wild gadgets as a kid, but it’s not a film anyone brings up in Western or sci-fi talks.

A View to a Kill (1985)

Roger Moore’s final James Bond outing pitted 007 against Christopher Walken’s villainous Max Zorin. It grossed $152 million worldwide, a solid hit in 1985, with a memorable Duran Duran theme song and high-stakes action.

Moore’s age and the film’s over-the-top plot make it one of the less revered Bond entries. I loved Walken’s creepy vibe, but it’s a deep cut even for 007 fans today.

Which of these forgotten blockbusters do you still love, or is there another faded hit you’d add to the list? Share your picks in the comments!