By Sharon Smith | Entertainment | March 21, 2025
The early 2000s bore witness to a unique cinematic phenomenon—the rise of the “flopbuster,” ambitious sci-fi films that, despite lacking commercial success, have since garnered cult followings for their inventive storytelling and audacious visuals.
Films such as “Equilibrium,” “The Chronicles of Riddick,” and “Dredd” epitomize this era, offering richly imagined worlds that, while not box office hits, resonated with a niche audience. These movies dared to push the boundaries of CGI technology and embraced elaborate world-building, resulting in a distinctive blend of visual spectacle and narrative experimentation.
Critically panned upon release, these films have aged into cult classics, cherished for their originality and boldness. The term “flopbuster” has evolved into an endearing label, celebrating the creative risks that defined this period in sci-fi cinema.
