Five Box Office Flops with Minimal Audience Attention - A Devastatingly Underrated Film History

While Hollywood is a place where dreams of stardom and success often become reality, there are countless movies that never manage to capture the public's interest or achieve commercial success. These films often fall through the cracks, disappearing from memory and failing to make even a dent in the box office. Let's delve into five such box office flops and the reasons behind their lack of audience attention.

New York, New York (1977)

Director Martin Scorsese's ambitious venture into the musical genre, New York, New York, stands as a prime example of a film that failed to attract attention and was not commercially successful. This 1977 film, featuring Robert DeNiro and Liza Minnelli, was a critical and commercial disappointment. Although it may have come at a time when Scorsese was creating compelling works such as Taxi Driver, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, and Mean Streets, New York, New York nonetheless appeared to be an odd choice, given the star-power involved.

The only thing that stands out about the film is the memorable song "The Theme from New York New York." Notably, this was not the on-screen version sung by Liza Minnelli but an iconic rendition by Frank Sinatra, released two years later. This film serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of box office success and how even ambitious projects can fall flat.

FM (1978)

In the realm of 1970s cult and classic films, FM is one that almost seems forgotten. Despite featuring a star-studded cast of 1970s actors and musicians and a platinum-selling soundtrack, the film failed to find an audience. Interestingly, the film inspired the equally cult-classic TV show WKRP in Cincinnati, yet it remains elusive in media today. Even major streaming services do not offer this film, and recent DVDs are hard to come by. This narrative provides insights into how popular culture trends and the fleeting nature of media consumption can impact a film's longevity and success in the market.

Father's Day (1997)

While Father's Day may not be as obscure as some on this list, its infamy still lingers in Hollywood lore. Robin Williams and Billy Crystal starred in this film, but despite the well-known actor duo, the movie was a critical and commercial dud. Interestingly, the only reason one might know about it is from a former romantic partner of the director. This reveals the sometimes serendipitous nature of gaining notoriety in the film industry, absent of critical or commercial success.

Connie and Carla (2004)

Connie and Carla was supposed to be the follow-up to the surprise hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding. However, actor Nia Vardalos found herself in a much darker fate after the film's failure. Not only did it drag down her career, but it also negatively impacted her co-star Toni Collette, forcing both talented actresses to stay away from film for several years after. This film serves as a cautionary tale of how the consequences of a box office flop can ripple through an industry for some time.

Moment by Moment (1979)

Finally, Moment by Moment presents a bizarre story of two iconic talents - Lily Tomlin and John Travolta - paired in a film that quickly became a forgotten footnote in movie history. Known for their diverse talents and occasional unconventional choices, Tomlin and Travolta took on a couple role that was decidedly ill-suited for both of them. While Tomlin exhibited her comedic and dramatic range, and Travolta was still at the peak of his acclaim, the film is widely regarded as a failure. This example underscores the importance of casting and script quality in determining a film's success.

These films paint a picture of the unpredictable nature of box office success and the often unfortunate fates of movies that fail to capture the public's attention. While New York, New York, FM, Father's Day, Connie and Carla, and Moment by Moment may be lesser-known, their stories offer valuable insights into the film industry and the importance of thoughtful production and audience engagement.