10 Movies That Should Never Have Bombed At The Box Office (But Totally Did)
1. Dredd 3D
In 2012, the 3D bubble hadn't quite burst and studios were still making every effort to squeeze every bit of extra cash out of our pockets. As such, it was announced the new adaptation of Judge Dredd would be in 3D too. However, the biggest mistake the distributers made was limiting the availability of 2D prints for the movie, and practically forcing exhibitors to solely play it in 3D.
As a result, it alienated an entire demographic of people who either couldn't watch 3D or didn't want to. A criminal error in judgment in an industry where you want your movie to reach the widest possible audience to ensure success, especially when it's already saddled with an 18 certificate.
Because of this, Dredd was handicapped before it even got out of the gate. So it didn't matter that critics praised the movie and its enforced gimmicky 3D. It also didn't matter that those who watched it thought it was better than the maligned 1995 effort starring Sylvestor Stallone. Dredd 3D was going to need some phenomenal performance rarely seen from an age-restricted movie to become a financial success. Therefore its box office gross of $41 million against a $40 million budget isn't really a surprise. If the release plan had been better thought out, it likely wouldn't have bombed, though.
If you want to hate 3D for anything, hate it for saddling Dredd with a 3D release and limited 2D prints.