There are countless factors that go into influencing the critical and financial success of any film: budget, performers, directors, studio, special effects, source material, even the serious nature in which a movie carries itself before release. But the most important factor is what we, the audience, thinks about the film. It is nearly impossible to control every facet of a single film to create the next Oscar winner or blockbuster hit. Yet there is one variable that any studio can controla variable that can make or break a film before entering post-production, and that is the release date. Most moviegoers do not think of what their calendar reads every time they have a ticket stub ripped in half, but very important people wearing very expensive suits do think about that. Is it summer blockbuster season? Oscar nomination season? Halloween? A holiday? Are most families on vacation or at home? Are any other big films opening around the same time? The decision of when to release a film could be considered formulaic. And the effects of said release date can end a franchise before it begins because the flow of willingly paying theater patrons are low due to motivation to see a or any film in particular. So have there been great films you've missed because it opened early January (which never happens) and the movie-going vibe is non-existent in a culture? Or has a decent cinematic journey you've been looking forward to been overshadowed by an already established sequel based on toys from the 90s? It happens. A lot. And potential experiences have been brushed aside by audiences or suits not willing to give them the time of day. Now, here is a list of 10 of those great movies ruined by moronic release dates.