10 Movies In 2017 That Should Have Flopped (But Didn't)

2. xXx: Return Of Xander Cage

Box Office: $346.1 million

How many sequels to early 2000s action movies ever get made, let alone end up financially successful? Consider further that Vin Diesel didn't even return for the 2005 Ice Cube-starring sequel to xXx, and you've got a dubious "series" receiving a very belated and unnecessary third instalment.

Furthermore, Diesel's box office stature outside of the Fast and the Furious and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises is incredibly shaky, with only two of his movies (The Pacifier and Riddick) actually doubling their budget since he first appeared in xXx back in 2002. Ouch.

So, the prospect of greenlighting an $85 million xXx sequel frankly seemed asinine from a business perspective, but alas, the film's international cast helped propel it to a shockingly good worldwide box office, more than quadrupling its hefty price tag.

The film grossed almost half its entire box office in China, where it made a mental $164.1 million, no doubt thanks to supporting performances by Donnie Yen and Kris Wu.

Unsurprisingly, the film's shock success has ensured another sequel is already in the works.