Disney has a long history of producing cinematic masterpieces embedded in our culture. The company’s brand is synonymous with enchanted stories and captivating environments. But not every foray into the world of fantasy has been a financial success. Let’s explore the less enviable side of Disney’s filmography—the occasions when the magic didn’t pan out financially.
1. The Black Cauldron (1985)
With a budget of $44 million, The Black Cauldron took audiences on a fantasy adventure. Set in a mystical realm, the movie follows a young pig keeper named Taran, a spirited princess, and their allies as they embark on a quest to thwart the sinister Horned King. Despite its ambitious animation and dark themes, the film struggled at the box office, grossing approximately $21.3 million.
2. Around the World in 80 Days (2004)
This modern adaptation of the classic tale boasts a budget of $110 million. The film stars Jackie Chan as Passepartout and Steve Coogan as Phileas Fogg, who journey across the globe in an attempt to win a wager by circumnavigating the world in 80 days. Although it features a star-studded cast and grand scale, the movie managed to gross only approximately $72.2 million.
3. Bambi (1942)
Despite being a beloved classic today, Bambi had a modest estimated budget, around $858,000, due to its production during wartime constraints.
The heartwarming story of a young deer’s coming-of-age amidst the challenges of the forest captivated audiences. Over its various releases, the film has amassed a total gross of approximately $267.4 million, cementing its place in animation history.
4. The Alamo (2004)
Recounting the historic battle at the Alamo, this epic production had a budget of $145 million. Featuring an ensemble cast including Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob Thornton, the film aimed to depict the events leading to Texas’ fight for independence. However, it struggled to attract audiences, grossing around $25.8 million, leading to its designation as a box office disappointment.
5. Treasure Planet (2002)
This animated adventure, a futuristic take on the classic story Treasure Island, was created on a $140 million budget. Following young Jim Hawkins as he sets sail searching for intergalactic treasure, the film combines traditional animation with CGI elements. Despite its imaginative concept, Treasure Planet garnered approximately $109.6 million in total gross.
6. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
With a budget of $100 million, this comedic animated tale took a lighthearted approach. The film centers on the arrogant young emperor Kuzco, voiced by David Spade, who is transformed into a llama by his scheming advisor. The movie accumulated approximately $169.3 million in total gross, featuring a unique blend of humor and heart. It’s since acquired a cult following.
7. John Carter (2012)
This science fiction epic, based on the Barsoom series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, was a massive undertaking with a budget of $250 million. Starring Taylor Kitsch as the titular character, the film follows a Civil War veteran embroiled in an otherworldly conflict on the red planet Mars. Despite its ambitious scope, John Carter grossed approximately $284.1 million, falling short of its production costs.
8. Soul (2020)
Exploring profound existential questions, Soul had a budget of $150 million. The animated film follows a middle school music teacher, voiced by Jamie Foxx, who embarks on a metaphysical journey after an accident. Its poignant themes and inventive storytelling contributed to a total gross of approximately $397.7 million.
9. The Lone Ranger (2013)
With a budget of $225 million, The Lone Ranger sought to revive the iconic Western hero. Starring Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer as the titular character, the film follows their unlikely partnership as they combat corruption and injustice.
Despite the star power and high-octane action, the movie faced mixed reviews and managed to gross approximately $260.5 million, barely surpassing its production costs.
10. Lightyear (2022)
The animated film Lightyear illuminates the origin of the character who inspired the toy astronaut Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story series. With a budget of $200 million, the movie explores the adventures of Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Chris Evans. While it garnered attention for its cutting-edge animation, Lightyear earned around $226.4 million at the box office.
11. Tomorrowland (2015)
Imagining a futuristic utopia, Tomorrowland had a budget of $190 million. The film stars George Clooney and Britt Robertson, portraying a little girl who uncovers a secret universe of limitless inventiveness. Despite its ambitious concept, the movie struggled to resonate with audiences and grossed approximately $209.2 million.
12. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
This animated classic enchanted generations with its whimsical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s tale. While its original budget isn’t readily available, the film’s timeless magic made it a beloved masterpiece. In its original release, Alice in Wonderland earned approximately $2.4 million. Its endearing characters and enchanting story have since become ingrained in popular culture.
13. Mars Needs Moms (2011)
With a budget of $150 million, this animated feature explores the interplanetary adventure of a young boy attempting to rescue his abducted mother. Despite its imaginative premise, the movie faced challenges at the box office and only grossed around $39 million.
14. Pinocchio (1940)
Crafted with an estimated budget of around $2.2 million, Pinocchio remains a cherished Disney classic. This touching story chronicles the journey of a wooden puppet on his quest to become a real boy. Over its original release, the film garnered a total gross of approximately $87 million, leaving an indelible mark on animation history.
15. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Expanding the Star Wars universe, Solo: A Star Wars Story delves into the backstory of the iconic Han Solo, played by Alden Ehrenreich. With a budget of $275 million, the film explores Han’s adventures before joining the Rebel Alliance. While it accumulated approximately $392.9 million in total gross, the film’s performance fell below the high expectations set by the franchise.
16. The Rocketeer (1991)
Set in a retro-futuristic world, The Rocketeer was made with a budget of $35 million. The film follows a pilot who discovers a rocket-powered jetpack, embarking on daring adventures. Although it gained a cult following, the movie generated around $46.7 million in total gross, making it a modest box office entry.
17. Strange World (2022)
With a budget ranging from $135 to $180 million, Strange World ventured into the realm of science fiction. The film depicts a group of people who are striving to solve the riddles of an unexplained event while exploring the notion of time travel. Despite its intriguing premise, the movie garnered a total gross of $73 million, falling short of expectations.
18. The Little Mermaid (2023)
Diving back into a beloved fairy tale, The Little Mermaid had a budget of $250 million. A live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, the film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel. Bringing the underwater world to life, the movie captivated audiences and earned an impressive total gross of $567 million.
19. A Christmas Carol (2009)
The budget for this animated version of Charles Dickens’s classic tale was $200 million. With Jim Carrey voicing multiple roles, including Ebenezer Scrooge, the film portrayed the transformative journey of the miserly character. Its visually stunning animation and heartfelt story contributed to a total gross of approximately $325.3 million.
20. Mulan (2020)
With a budget of $200 million, the live-action adaptation of Mulan brought the legendary Chinese warrior to life. The film depicts Mulan’s journey to protect her family by disguising herself as a man and joining the Imperial Army. Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, its box office performance peaked at almost $70.3 million at one time.
21. The 13th Warrior (1999)
This historical action film was made with a budget of $160 million. Starring Antonio Banderas, the movie follows an Arab ambassador who joins a group of Norse warriors on a quest to combat a supernatural enemy. Despite its production value, The 13th Warrior accumulated only approximately $61.7 million in total gross.
22. Encanto (2021)
The musical fantasy Encanto enchanted audiences with a budget ranging from $120 to $150 million. Centered around the magical Madrigal family, each member possesses unique powers. The film resonated with viewers with captivating music and vibrant animation, earning a total gross of $256 million.
23. Hocus Pocus (1993)
This cult classic witchy comedy was crafted with a budget of $28 million. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, the film follows three resurrected witches wreaking havoc in the modern world. While its quirky charm has garnered a devoted fanbase over the years, Hocus Pocus amassed an approximate total gross of $44.9 million.
24. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Created with an estimated budget of around $6 million, Sleeping Beauty is a timeless animated fairy tale. Chronicling the story of Princess Aurora and the curse placed upon her, the film is a hallmark of Disney’s animation legacy. Over its lifetime, the movie earned a total gross of approximately $51.6 million, solidifying its status as a classic.
25. Return to Oz (1985)
A darker take on the beloved Wizard of Oz story, Return to Oz, had a budget of $28 million. Directed by Walter Murch, the film continues the adventures of Dorothy Gale as she returns to a transformed Oz. The movie resonated with a niche audience with its eerie atmosphere, resulting in a total gross of approximately $11.1 million. It also traumatized a generation of latchkey kids.
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