The 7 Biggest Box Office Flops That Still Won Best Picture

Birdman (2014)

Drawing a box office of $42.34 million, Birdman stars Michael Keaton, who is a struggling actor trying to revive his career on Broadway. It was a very slow movie that failed to attract the audience. Despite failing to perform at the box office, it won the Best Picture award. 

Crash (2004)

Even though Crash won the Best Picture award, it was also considered the most controversial movie of its time as it portrayed racism and inequality. It made $54.5 million and happened to be a financial success; the numbers it drew were very low.

The Artist (2011)

This French comedy-drama was released as a part-talkie or silent black-and-white style movie. It is one of the lowest-grossing movies that won Best Picture in the Oscars. Not just this, but the actor in the film, Jean Dujardin, was the first French actor to receive a Best Actor award. The movie took away 5 Oscars that night. It made $44.67 million at the box office.

Moonlight (2016)

While the audience did not much appreciate the story of a young African American boy who suffered abuse during his childhood and struggles with his sexuality, the critics seemed to love the movie. Besides winning the best picture, Mahershala Ali was named the first Muslim Oscar winner, and Joi McMillon was the first Black woman to be nominated for editing for the movie. The movie just made $27.85 million in domestic box office. 

The Hurt Locker (2008)

The Hurt Locker made just $17.01 million at the box office. It was the first movie to receive the Best Direction award by a female, Kathryn Bigelow. Considering the many awards that it won, it did not attract the audience. 

The Last Emperor (1987)

This was a biographical drama that was based on the life of the Last Emperor of China, Puyi. It won 9 Academy Awards, including one for Best Picture. It made just 43.98 million at the box office. It took several weeks to make it to the top 10; that too, it remained for just a very short period. 

Chariots of Fire (1981)

Compared to the movies that were released during this period, Chariots of Fire was a flop. It earned $58.9 million at the box office. It was a historical sports drama that was based on the true story of Eric Ladell and Harold Abrahams, Olympic athletes from Britain. It barely made it to the top 10 list.