15 Movie Flops That Still Made Actors Filthy Rich
Some movies crash at the box office, leaving studios with massive losses. Yet, the actors starring in these films often walk away with hefty paychecks, their bank accounts untouched by the financial flop.
This article dives into 15 films that tanked in theaters but still made their stars rich. From big-budget disasters to passion projects gone wrong, these movies prove that a film’s failure doesn’t always hurt the actors’ wallets.
Julia Roberts in ‘Mother’s Day’
‘Mother’s Day’ was a star-studded romantic comedy that aimed for heartfelt laughs but fell flat with critics and audiences. The film’s jumbled plot and lack of charm led to a measly $32 million gross against a $25 million budget.
Julia Roberts, however, pocketed a cool $4 million for just four days of shooting. Her star power couldn’t save the movie, but it ensured she walked away richer.
John Travolta in ‘Battlefield Earth’
‘Battlefield Earth’ is infamous for its chaotic sci-fi mess, tied to Scientology and panned by critics. It grossed just $29.7 million against a $73 million budget, a disaster for the studio.
John Travolta, who also co-produced, invested millions of his own money but still earned a massive paycheck. His gamble didn’t pay off at the box office, but his bank account stayed flush.
Johnny Depp in ‘The Lone Ranger’
‘The Lone Ranger’ was a costly attempt to revive a classic character, but its bloated budget and muddled story led to a $240 million loss. It earned $260.5 million worldwide, far short of its $225-$250 million cost.
Johnny Depp, playing Tonto, walked away with a $20 million salary. Despite the film’s failure, his star status kept the cash flowing.
Eddie Murphy in ‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’
‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ was a sci-fi comedy that bombed spectacularly, earning just $7.1 million against a $100 million budget. Critics slammed its weak humor and dated effects.
Eddie Murphy, the lead, still cashed in with a $20 million paycheck. The film’s failure didn’t dent his earnings or his knack for comedy.
Brad Pitt in ‘Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas’
‘Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas’ was an animated adventure with a stellar cast, but its $60 million budget dwarfed its $80 million gross. It lost nearly $198 million after marketing costs.
Brad Pitt, voicing Sinbad, earned a hefty sum for his voice work. The film’s flop didn’t slow his rise to Hollywood royalty.
George Clooney in ‘Batman & Robin’
‘Batman & Robin’ is notorious for its campy tone and critical backlash, killing the Batman franchise until its reboot years later. It grossed $238 million but fell short of its $160 million budget plus marketing.
George Clooney, donning the cape, earned a $10 million payday. He’s since joked about the film’s failure, but his career soared regardless.
Antonio Banderas in ‘The 13th Warrior’
‘The 13th Warrior’ was an ambitious historical epic with a complex plot that confused audiences. Its $160 million budget ballooned, but it grossed only $61.7 million, a $227 million loss.
Antonio Banderas, the lead, still pocketed a substantial salary. The flop didn’t derail his versatile career in film.
Vin Diesel in ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’
‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ aimed for sci-fi greatness but stumbled with its dense story, earning $115.8 million against a $105 million budget. After marketing, it lost money.
Vin Diesel, starring as Riddick, secured a $11.5 million paycheck. His action-star status remained intact, with more hits to come.
Halle Berry in ‘Catwoman’
‘Catwoman’ was a superhero misfire, criticized for its weak script and odd tone. It grossed $82 million against a $100 million budget, failing to break even.
Halle Berry earned $14 million for her role as the titular character. The flop didn’t stop her from landing major roles later.
Tom Cruise in ‘Legend’
‘Legend’ was a fantasy epic with stunning visuals but a muddled story that alienated audiences. It earned $15.5 million against a $24 million budget, a loss for the studio.
Tom Cruise, the young lead, still banked a solid paycheck. His career was just beginning, and this flop was a minor bump.
Scarlett Johansson in ‘The Island’
‘The Island’ was a sci-fi thriller with big ideas but a confusing execution, grossing $162 million against a $126 million budget. Marketing costs pushed it into the red.
Scarlett Johansson, co-starring, earned a $7.5 million salary. The film’s failure didn’t slow her rise to A-list fame.
Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Dolittle’
‘Dolittle’ aimed for family-friendly fun but was panned for its messy plot and odd tone. It grossed $251 million but lost money against its $175 million budget.
Robert Downey Jr., playing the quirky doctor, pocketed $20 million. His Marvel success ensured this flop didn’t hurt him.
Reese Witherspoon in ‘How Do You Know’
‘How Do You Know’ was a romantic comedy with a strong cast but a weak script, earning $48.7 million against a $120 million budget. It was a financial disaster.
Reese Witherspoon, the lead, still earned $15 million. Her charm and talent kept her career thriving despite the flop.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Last Action Hero’
‘Last Action Hero’ tried to blend action and satire but confused audiences, grossing $137 million against an $85 million budget. Marketing costs made it a loss.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, the action star, banked $15 million. His larger-than-life persona carried him through this misstep.
Angelina Jolie in ‘The Tourist’
‘The Tourist’ was a glossy thriller with little substance, earning $278 million but falling short of its $100 million budget plus marketing. It was a financial letdown.
Angelina Jolie, co-starring with Johnny Depp, earned $19 million. Her star power remained untouched by the film’s lackluster performance.
Which of these box office bombs surprised you most, or did I miss a flop that paid big? Drop your thoughts in the comments!