15 Huge Movies That Once Dominated The Box Office And Then Vanished

Remember when everyone talked about the same movie for months?

Some films once ruled theaters, breaking records and selling out every showing, only to fade into the background like yesterday’s viral meme.

Today, we’re looking at 15 blockbusters that were massive hits but somehow slipped out of our collective memory, like they never existed at all.

1. The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

Picture an entire cruise ship flipping upside down during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

This disaster epic had audiences gripping their armrests as survivors climbed through ballrooms that became death traps.

Gene Hackman led an all-star cast through flooded corridors and flaming obstacles, earning $84 million domestically.

Though it spawned countless imitators and disaster movie trends, modern viewers barely recognize the title anymore.

2. Earthquake (1974)

Theaters installed special speakers that literally shook seats during screenings!

This groundbreaking film used Sensurround technology to make audiences feel every tremor as Los Angeles crumbled onscreen.

Charlton Heston navigated collapsing buildings and devastated streets in spectacular fashion, pulling in massive crowds.

Despite revolutionizing cinema sound effects, it’s become a trivia question rather than a cultural touchstone for most people today.

3. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Burt Reynolds made that mustache and Trans Am cooler than any superhero vehicle.

He played a bootlegger racing beer across state lines while dodging a hilarious sheriff played by Jackie Gleason.

This became the second-highest-grossing film of 1977, right behind a little space movie called Star Wars.

Yet somehow, this car-chase comedy vanished from pop culture conversations faster than the Bandit himself disappeared down the highway.

4. 9 to 5 (1980)

Three secretaries kidnap their terrible boss and run the office better without him.

Dolly Parton’s title song became as iconic as the film itself, and the workplace comedy struck a chord with millions.

Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Parton created comedy gold that earned over $103 million, making it one of 1980’s biggest hits.

Though the song still plays on oldies stations, the film itself rarely surfaces in streaming recommendations or nostalgia lists.

5. Stir Crazy (1980)

When Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor teamed up, magic happened at the box office.

Their chemistry as wrongly convicted prisoners planning an escape had audiences laughing until their sides hurt.

This comedy became the third-highest-grossing film of 1980, earning $101 million and proving their comedic partnership was box office gold.

Surprisingly, modern comedy fans rarely discover this gem, and it’s almost never mentioned alongside other classic buddy comedies.

6. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Dustin Hoffman learned to be a single dad while fighting for custody of his son.

This heartbreaking drama tackled divorce from perspectives rarely shown in 1970s cinema, earning five Academy Awards including Best Picture.

It grossed $106 million and dominated conversations about family dynamics and parenting responsibilities.

Despite its critical acclaim and cultural impact then, it’s become overshadowed by flashier films in discussions about great dramas.

7. Arthur (1981)

A lovable drunk millionaire chose love over his inheritance, and audiences adored every minute.

Dudley Moore’s portrayal of Arthur Bach became legendary, while the theme song won an Oscar and topped music charts worldwide.

This romantic comedy earned $95 million, making it one of the year’s biggest surprises at the box office.

8. An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)

Richard Gere swept Debra Winger off her feet in that iconic white uniform.

Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School became the backdrop for romance and personal growth.

The film earned $129 million and turned that factory-floor rescue into a moment everyone tried to recreate.

Strangely, this massive hit rarely appears in modern romantic movie marathons or gets recommended alongside contemporary love stories.

9. Three Men and a Baby (1987)

Three bachelors found a baby on their doorstep and hilariously struggled with diaper changes.

Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson created comedy perfection as clueless dads learning on the fly.

This became the first film ever to gross over $100 million in its initial domestic release for Disney.

Yet somehow, despite spawning a sequel, it’s become a forgotten relic rather than a regularly rewatched family comedy classic.

10. Look Who’s Talking (1989)

Bruce Willis voiced a wisecracking baby who narrated his own life!

John Travolta and Kirstie Alley played the adults, but the real star was the infant’s hilarious internal monologue.

This high-concept comedy earned $140 million domestically and launched two sequels that kept the laughs coming.

11. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

Kevin Costner ditched the British accent but kept all the action and adventure.

His version of the legendary outlaw featured Morgan Freeman as a Moorish companion and Alan Rickman as a deliciously evil Sheriff.

Bryan Adams’ theme song dominated radio while the film earned $165 million domestically.

However, this once-massive blockbuster has been overshadowed by other Robin Hood adaptations and rarely surfaces in streaming suggestions today.

12. The Firm (1993)

Tom Cruise discovered his dream law firm was actually a nightmare.

Based on John Grisham’s bestselling novel, this legal thriller had audiences on edge as a young attorney uncovered deadly secrets.

Gene Hackman and Holly Hunter delivered powerful supporting performances while the film earned $158 million domestically.

Oddly enough, this massive hit rarely appears on lists of great thrillers or Cruise’s most memorable roles in modern discussions.

13. Twister (1996)

Flying cows became the most talked-about special effect of the summer!

Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton chased tornadoes across Oklahoma with cutting-edge technology and pure adrenaline.

The groundbreaking visual effects and intense action sequences helped it earn $241 million domestically, making it 1996’s second-highest-grossing film.

Yet despite its spectacular success and impressive effects, it’s become curiously absent from disaster movie conversations and nostalgia rewatches.

14. Deep Impact (1998)

A comet headed straight for Earth, and humanity had limited time to prepare.

Morgan Freeman played the president while everyday people faced extinction with courage and sacrifice.

This emotional disaster film earned $140 million domestically despite competing with another asteroid movie the same year.

Ironically, its competitor Armageddon became more culturally memorable, leaving Deep Impact forgotten despite strong performances and genuine emotional depth throughout.