11 Hated Sci-Fi Movies That Became Cult Classics
6. Dark City
Dark City is, for all intents and purposes, The Matrix if The Matrix didn't treat its audience like children. It embraces all the cliches and visionary possibilities that science fiction allows while also paying homage to classic film noir and old-school Hollywood. Both films even used the same set, coming out a year apart, but for some reason, The Matrix captured audience imagination with more success.
Perhaps it was the unnecessary voiceover from Kiefer Sutherland's off-kilter mad scientist, removed on the director's cut but not in the theatrical, that turned off audiences. But if one had to choose between the bleak, stark and strangely old-fashioned style of Dark City and the overbearing lime green and cold metal Matrix look, Dark City wins out when it comes to imagination.
Also, unlike the unnecessary Matrix sequels, Dark City has a self-contained plot with tangible conclusions. No condescention necessary.