Do Audiences Really Want Original Stories? These 10 Cases Show Mixed Results

Hollywood loves sequels, reboots, and franchises, but what about original stories? Some say audiences crave fresh ideas, while others argue they stick to familiar IPs. The box office tells a mixed tale: original films can soar or sink, depending on execution, marketing, or just plain luck.

I’ve looked at the last decade to explore how original stories fare with audiences. Below are ten films—five that bombed despite their bold ideas, and five that struck gold, proving original stories can still win hearts when they hit the right notes.

‘The Tomorrow War’ (2021)

This sci-fi action flick had Chris Pratt fighting aliens in a time-travel war to save humanity. Its high-concept premise and big budget aimed for blockbuster glory, but it struggled on streaming after a limited theatrical run, with audiences finding it generic despite its originality.

The film’s predictable beats and weak character arcs didn’t hook viewers. I enjoyed the action, but it felt like a missed chance to stand out in a crowded genre.

‘Amsterdam’ (2022)

A star-studded mystery-comedy about a 1930s murder plot, ‘Amsterdam’ boasted Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and a twisty original story. Critics praised its ambition, but audiences stayed away, confused by its messy narrative and lackluster marketing.

It grossed just $6.5 million domestically against a $80 million budget. I was intrigued by its quirky vibe, but the convoluted plot lost me halfway through.

‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ (2022)

George Miller’s fantastical romance, with Tilda Swinton as a scholar meeting Idris Elba’s djinn, was a visually stunning original tale. Critics loved its bold storytelling, but it tanked, earning $2.9 million domestically on a $60 million budget.

Its abstract narrative and late-summer release didn’t click with crowds. I found its mythic charm captivating, but it felt too niche for mainstream appeal.

‘Babylon’ (2022)

Damien Chazelle’s wild take on Hollywood’s silent-to-talkie era had a fresh story and big names like Brad Pitt. Critics admired its chaotic energy, but audiences found its three-hour runtime and excessive style off-putting, grossing $15 million domestically against a $78 million budget.

The film’s bold swings were thrilling for me, but its indulgent tone didn’t resonate widely.

‘The Fall Guy’ (2024)

This action-comedy about a stuntman, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, offered a fresh love letter to the stunt industry. Despite charm and big stunts, it flopped, earning $92 million worldwide against a $125 million budget, overshadowed by bigger summer releases.

I loved its witty energy, but poor marketing and competition buried its originality.

‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (2022)

This multiverse tale about a laundromat owner saving reality blew audiences away with its wild creativity. The Daniels’ blend of humor, heart, and action grossed $139 million worldwide on a $25 million budget, becoming A24’s biggest hit.

Its fresh story and emotional depth hooked me completely, proving originality can dominate when it connects.

‘Get Out’ (2017)

Jordan Peele’s horror-thriller about race and identity was a game-changer. Its sharp, original premise—blending social commentary with suspense—drew crowds, earning $255 million worldwide on a $4.5 million budget.

I was floored by its clever twists and chilling relevance, showing how a bold idea can resonate universally.

‘Knives Out’ (2019)

Rian Johnson’s modern whodunit, with a fresh cast and clever murder mystery, charmed audiences. Its original story and sharp wit led to $311 million worldwide on a $40 million budget, spawning a franchise.

I loved its playful take on a classic genre, proving audiences crave smart, original mysteries.

‘Parasite’ (2019)

Bong Joon-ho’s genre-bending tale of class struggle was a global phenomenon. Its fresh narrative, blending thriller, comedy, and drama, grossed $262 million worldwide on an $11 million budget, winning four Oscars.

Its unpredictable story kept me glued, showing how original films can cross cultural barriers.

‘Barbie’ (2023)

Greta Gerwig’s bold take on the iconic doll, blending satire and heart, smashed records. Its original story about identity and empowerment grossed $1.4 billion worldwide on a $145 million budget, becoming a cultural juggernaut.

I was charmed by its wit and surprised by its depth, proving original ideas can be massive hits.

What’s your take—do audiences want original stories, or are they stuck on franchises? Share your thoughts in the comments!