Many of the films that we consider cult films today only became important references in popular culture after a while. When they were first released, they did not receive the same recognition.

In fact, many of them were not well received by the public and ended up being a complete box office failure. But over time, their particular style and genius managed to win over the hearts of the public.

With that in mind, we compiled some of those modern classics that weren’t necessarily appreciated at the time, but have become some of the biggest movies in film history.

Donnie Darko (2001)

8 Movies That Failed at the Box Office, but Are Now Considered Modern Classics
© Donnie Darko / Flower Films

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

8 Movies That Failed at the Box Office, but Are Now Considered Modern Classics
© The Shawshank Redemption / Columbia Pictures

Fight Club (1999)

8 Movies That Failed at the Box Office, but Are Now Considered Modern Classics
© Fight Club / Fox 2000 Pictures

Heathers (1989)

8 Movies That Failed at the Box Office, but Are Now Considered Modern Classics
© Heathers / Cinemarque Entertainment

The Thing (1982)

8 Movies That Failed at the Box Office, but Are Now Considered Modern Classics
© The Thing / Universal Pictures

Blade Runner (1982)

8 Movies That Failed at the Box Office, but Are Now Considered Modern Classics
© Blade Runner / The Ladd Company

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

8 Movies That Failed at the Box Office, but Are Now Considered Modern Classics
© Scott Pilgrim vs. the World / Universal Pictures

The Big Lebowski (1998)

8 Movies That Failed at the Box Office, but Are Now Considered Modern Classics
© The Big Lebowski / Working Title Films

Do you think these films are good even if they weren’t popular when they first came out? Which other movies would you add to this list?

Preview photo credit Donnie Darko / Flower FilmsThe Wizard of Oz / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer