Inspiring Flops: 10 Movies That Inspire Despite Failure

While box office success doesn’t always equal a film’s quality, it’s surprising to find truly inspiring movies that didn’t initially win over audiences. Often, films with a lot of heart are labeled as corny or overly sentimental, which can hinder their success. Here are 10 films that, despite flopping upon release, still possess the power to inspire those willing to give them a chance.

Slow Dancing in the Big City

The 1978 romantic drama Slow Dancing in the Big City is remembered as a huge flop. The movie explores themes of overcoming obstacles to achieve dreams. It revolves around the relationship between Sarah Gantz, a talented but ailing young ballerina on the cusp of fame, and Lou Friedlander, an earthy, out-of-shape newspaper columnist. The film shares similarities with Rocky, including the same director, John G. Avildsen, composer Bill Conti, and an underdog storyline.

Slow Dancing in the Big City turned out to be the failure that many had expected the low-budget Rocky to be. While it has flaws, such as Lou (played by Paul Sorvino) often seeming like a doormat and the inexperience of Anne Ditchburn (Sarah), the movie is still watchable and succeeds at inspiring audiences. As Roger Ebert said, the movie cheerfully exists in a world of big hearts, brave tears, and happy endings that make you blow your nose.

Author! Author!

Al Pacino received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as playwright Ivan Travalian in the 1982 comedy Author! Author!, but the movie bombed with critics and audiences. The plot revolves around Ivan’s efforts to mount his latest play on Broadway while struggling as an unlikely single father to his blended family after his unfaithful wife, Gloria (Tuesday Weld), leaves him and the children. Amid the chaos, Ivan complicates things further by starting an affair with a free-spirited actress, Alice Detroit (Dyan Cannon).

The timing of its release hurt this movie at the box office, as it was a big year for blockbuster action flicks like First Blood and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Author! Author! is not perfect, lacking focus with so much going on. However, Pacino’s portrayal of Ivan is a heartwarming departure from his most memorable characters. Ivan’s love and commitment to these kids shine through, and we root for him as he juggles between family life and the theater.

The Rewrite

Hugh Grant has starred in many romantic comedies, and the 2014 film The Rewrite is often labeled as such, but it’s also an inspirational movie about comebacks and self-discovery. Grant plays Keith Michaels, a down-on-his-luck screenwriter whose career floundered after penning one hit film.

Struggling to pay bills, he reluctantly takes a teaching job at Binghamton University in New York, where he is a complete misfit and nearly gets fired for his unorthodox approach. However, Keith is surprised to find he has a real calling to teach and must choose whether to keep the position or work in the film industry again.

There’s humor and a sweet romance between Keith and single mom Holly (Marisa Tomei), but inspiration is at the heart of the story, about soul-searching and starting over. Despite being written and directed by Grant’s frequent collaborator Marc Lawrence and featuring an impressive cast, The Rewrite was a major commercial disappointment but encourages us to explore new horizons.

Lost in Yonkers

The 1993 dramedy Lost in Yonkers, about a dysfunctional family in WWII-era Yonkers, New York, is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning Neil Simon play and features critically acclaimed performances. However, it wasn’t a hit at the box office. The film follows two adolescent brothers, Jay (Brad Stoll) and Arty (Mike Damus), who are left with their father’s eccentric family one summer and may have been too offbeat to achieve mainstream popularity, but that’s part of its charm.

The movie centers on the boys’ childlike Aunt Bella, who dreams of a home and family of her own, only to be deterred by her tyrannical mother. Lost in Yonkers veers between farcical, poignant, heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring as Bella finds independence.

Beautiful

Some inspiring films feature storytelling that manages to be soul-stirring but not overly sentimental. This is the case with the dramedy Beautiful, starring Minnie Driver as beauty pageant contestant Mona. Mona must come to terms with her role as a mother to her young daughter Vanessa (Hallie Eisenberg), mainly being brought up by her roommate Ruby (Joey Lauren Adams), posing as Vanessa’s mom so that Mona can compete in the pageants.

However, when Ruby is arrested, Mona must take on maternal responsibility and confront issues rooted in her painful childhood. Though it failed to turn a profit when released in 2000, Beautiful powerfully communicates the importance of making family a top priority.

84 Charing Cross Road

The quirky but heartwarming 1987 film 84 Charing Cross Road, starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins, isn’t expected to be a hit at the box office. It was fairly predictable that critics would embrace the film, considering the impressive cast and critical acclaim of the source material. However, watching 84 Charing Cross Road is inspiring.

Helene’s requests for obscure books and Frank’s skill bring them together. It’s moving to see how these two people, so different, form a long-distance relationship through correspondence without ever meeting. Knowing this was based on a true story makes it even more inspiring.

Children of Men

Well-made dystopian dramas are often inspiring, considering how easy it is to root for a character trying to save the world. Based on a novel by P.D. James, the 2006 sci-fi action thriller Children of Men is set in a world where humans can’t reproduce. Clive Owen stars as Theo Faron, a cynical bureaucrat, who agrees to take a pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea.

Julianne Moore plays Theo’s ex-girlfriend, Julian, who compels him to join her in a mission to effect positive change. One of the most inspiring things about this movie is Theo’s transformation from someone who could be seen as symbolic of the growing pessimism in society into a hero who is fighting for the future of humanity.

Despite all the film has to offer, it was not a financial success but earned critical acclaim. In a Time Magazine article, the publication praised director Alfonso Cuarón and called the film “a cautious incantation for a hopeful future.”

Dominick and Eugene

The 1988 drama Dominick and Eugene is an uplifting film about the relationship between medical student Eugene (Ray Liotta) and his intellectually challenged fraternal twin brother Nicky (Tom Hulce). Nicky is helping to put his brother through school by working as a garbage collector. To Eugene’s girlfriend, Jennifer (Jamie Lee Curtis), it seems like he is taking advantage of Dominick, but Eugene plans to pay him back by supporting his brother.

Eugene’s intention to complete an internship at Stanford and other changes threaten the twins’ closeness. Eventually, their bond strengthens through adversity. While it received praise, especially for the actors’ performances, this inspiring film was not financially lucrative. However, Dominick and Eugene is now a cult classic.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Given its legacy as one of the greatest Christmas films, a lot of movie fans would be shocked to learn that It’s a Wonderful Life was a flop when it premiered in 1947. With its themes of hope, faith, gratitude, and purpose, this fantasy drama is about George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), who gets a new lease on life after an angel shows him the impact he’s had on his family and community. It is an example of how inspiring some originally unsuccessful films can be.

However, the film didn’t inspire much when it was first released besides mixed reviews. Financially, it didn’t break even but was nominated for five Oscars. As with many box office duds, It’s a Wonderful Life later gained popularity when shown on television, becoming a holiday tradition.

The Shawshank Redemption

Prison movies aren’t usually inspiring, but The Shawshank Redemption, a 1994 drama starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, is an exception. A commercial flop when released, this film lives up to its tagline, “Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.” Robbins plays Andy Dufresne, falsely convicted of murdering his wife.

Instead of allowing himself to be eaten up by bitterness, Andy’s positive attitude and compassion see him through the experience, which lasts for more than two decades. Nominated for seven Oscars, the critical reception was positive, praising the delivered message of hope and impressive performances. The film’s popularity has grown, and is considered a cult classic.

These films, despite their initial box office failures, offer powerful messages of hope, resilience, and the importance of human connection. They remind us that true value isn’t always reflected in financial success.

What are your favorite inspiring movies? Leave your comment below!