10 Failed Movies That Became Cult Classics

8. The Boondock Saints

The story of The Boondock Saints' eventual release is an absolutely fascinating one and arguably more compelling than the actual movie itself.

Writer-director Troy Duffy's script started out as one of the hottest being passed around Hollywood in the late-90s.

Even once it actually ended up shot, though, production woes and the unfortunate timing of the Columbine shootings resulted in the final movie only being released in five cinemas in the U.S. for a single week.

After it made just $30,471 theatrically while opening to largely negative reviews, Blockbuster came to the rescue and released it straight-to-video, where it grossed approximately $50 million, pushing the $6 million thriller far into the black.

Critics hated it and the film was sent out to die in cinemas, but the home video crowd fell in love with it.

Fondly remembered as one of the more evocative Tarantino-inspired thrillers of its era, The Boondock Saints has little patience for tone or taste, but its gratuitous violence, entertaining characters and gonzo Willem Dafoe performance make it an easy win.

The less said about that belated 2009 sequel, though, the better.