20 times movies were delayed and came out better for it

A studio’s initial plans to release a movie on a certain date may be disrupted by a multitude of reasons. Sometimes, there may be an issue with the budget or sometimes, politics and internal issues may cause the movie release to be delayed. Sometimes, even the production goes on a hiatus. These issues may occur not only in small movies but in big-budget movies as well. However, in this list, we are going to talk about the movies that may have faced the initial hurdle of delay but, when released, turned out to be fan favorites and did well at the box office as well.

1) Black Adam

Black Adam, based on the Tenth Adam, who was an ancient Kahndaqian slave bestowed with the powers of gods, faced initial setbacks during the time of release. The movie faced several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted its premiere from 2021 to 2022. However, these setbacks did not phase the movie’s success. It achieved $393 million worldwide and has amassed a huge fanbase.

2) World War Z

World War Z faced numerous issues during its time of release. With a delay of a year, the challenges faced by the movie, from production issues to the script going through too many hands, were immense. The film even faced a challenge when a warehouse of firearms props for the movie was raided by the Hungarian Counter Terrorism Centre. However, in spite of all these issues, the movie gained $540 million at the box office and became an example in itself.

3) The Cabin In The Woods

The Cabin In The Woods was supposed to be released in 2009, but due to several reasons, the movie was released in 2012. MGM’s financial difficulties were one of the primary reasons for the movie’s delay. The bankruptcy caused uncertainty about the movie’s release date. Despite these setbacks, the movie received immense appraisal from the viewers and was a commercial success. Its clever subversion of horror tropes and unexpected twists made the film unique.

4) Bill and Tedd's Excellent Adventure

Bill and Tedd’s Excellent Adventure faced numerous challenges before its release. The film was viewed as risky as it had unconventional comedy that made the studios hesitant. The issues further deepened when the De Laurentiis Entertainment Group went bankrupt. Despite these initial hurdles, the movie became a cult favorite and has maintained a dedicated fanbase, becoming more and more popular according to the viewers.

5) Idiocracy

Idiocracy’s initial release date was set back for a full year, and there was also the probability of it being shelved forever. This movie received a limited theatre release but became a cult classic. The movie gained a dedicated fanbase for its science-fiction comedy. It has sharp social commentary and relevance. According to its viewers, this movie is a must-watch for fans of dark humor.

6) Avatar 2

James Cameron is known for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking, whether it is through visual effects or underwater filming. This movie of him was not very different. Avatar: Way Of Water faced numerous issues, which caused the delay in the release. The movie required significant time for research and development as it had the requirement for complicated motion capture technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic furthered the delay. However, when released, the movie received immense success at the box office and became a worldwide phenomenon, according to its viewers.

7) Captain Philips

Captain Philips by Paul Greengrass delayed the release of this film to capitalize on the award season. The box office collection of this movie is considerably successful, with earnings of $107.1 million domestically, $111.7 million internationally, and $218 million worldwide. This tense and gripping story has received appreciation from viewers worldwide. The movie is known for its realistic depiction of hijacking, which creates suspense and is emotionally charged.

8) The Bourne Identity

This movie delayed its release from 2001 to 2002, and there are several reasons for this. The script was shifted between many hands, causing an issue. The movie follows Jason Bourne, a skilled assassin who is being followed by a government agency and facing immense danger. After its release, the movie found commercial success even after the delay in its release. According to its viewers, this is a considerably influential film, and it inspired several other movies of this genre.

9) Titanic

The release of Titanic shifted from July to December of 1997. The delay was caused by several reasons, including the big budget, as it significantly exceeded the initial budget amount. The complexity of the visual effects that James Cameron included in the movie required the construction of massive sets, which were inherently complicated, adding to the delay. However, even after all the hurdles the movie faced before its release, it became a box-office phenomenon and has amassed a huge fanbase.

10) Margaret

This movie was filmed in 2005 and had its release in 2011. The movie faced editing disputes as Lonergan wanted a longer movie as, according to him, held the artistic vision. The studio resisted this. As a result, legal issues also became a factor in the delay. The dispute between the studio and Lonergan reportedly furthered the delay of the movie. The movie, however, received a positive reaction from its audience and gained a massive fandom for its complex and thought-provoking drama.

11) All The Boys Love Mandy Lane

All The Boys Love Mandy Lane was originally scheduled to be released in 2006. However, due to some issues, this movie’s release got delayed. The movie faced production and distribution issues, so the release date was repeatedly postponed. This movie is based on the themes of obsession, jealousy, and desire. Though the movie was delayed, it has gathered a huge cult following. The fans of the movie enjoy the unique blend of horror and psychological drama of this movie. The viewers recommend this movie to the enjoyers of the slasher genre.

12) The Tree Of Life

The Tree of Life was supposed to be released in 2008 but released in 2011. Director Terrence Malick is known for his divisive works, in this movie, he was meticulous and used several unconventional filmmaking styles. This caused a significant delay in the movie. The themes of life and death in the movie needed a creative vision that required time for experimentation and refinement. Though the movie delayed its release, it received several acclamations and the admiration of its fans for its challenging approach and unique storytelling.

13) Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer

Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer has graphic violence along with the portrayal of a psychopath. These reasons gained controversy and required censorship. The distributor of the movie feared legal repercussions and negative public reactions. As a result, the movie was unable to find a distributor, which caused the delay in the release. Michael Rooker’s performance in the film has received an immense positive reaction from the viewers. The movie received many nominations and awards.

14) The Big Sleep

During this time, there was a surge in the number of war films, which were prioritized to entertain the audience and maintain public morale, which was one of the reasons for the delay in its release. The movie revolves around the themes of corruption and the nature of good and evil. Though the film was delayed in its release, it received acclamation for its cinematography and complex characters. The movie gained a huge fan following and became a hallmark of the genre.

15) Gravity

The movie’s director wanted to achieve unprecedented realism in the movie. As a result, extensive research and development were required to create the necessary visual effects for the movie. The meticulousness needed time to achieve, which caused the delay in the release. However, the film received widespread success and grossed over $723 million worldwide. The delay allowed the filmmakers to achieve realism in the visual effects. The movie has a groundbreaking cinematic experience for viewers.

16) Trick 'r Treat

Anthologies were not a common thing during that time, and as a result, the studio behind the movie Trick ‘r Treat was not sure how to market it. Warner Bros. was reportedly hesitant to give the green light to the film's release, which caused the delay. Along with it, the marketing challenge was also a serious issue. However, the movie received critical acclamation for its visuals, performance, and unique format. The movie has become a classic Halloween favorite among its fans.

17) Foxcatcher

The director of this film, Bennet Miller, received the Best Director Award at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival for this movie. The movie was delayed one year because the shooting schedules were pushed back. The movie required time to refine its intricate character dynamics, which required further time. The delay allowed the filmmakers to create this critically acclaimed movie and gathered a loyal fanbase. According to its viewers, the movie is powerful and has a chilling atmosphere.

18) Mad Max: Fury Road

The movie faced numerous delays, from production issues to developmental time. The movie reportedly faced challenges because of the Gulf War, which delayed its production. The movie is a high-budget film. As a result, securing funding was a significant challenge. Despite the many difficulties faced by Mad Max: Fury Road, it became a critically acclaimed movie known for its innovative visual effects and powerful performance. This movie received numerous awards. Despite the delay, the movie cemented its place as a cinematic classic, according to the viewers.

19) Apocalypse Now

There is always a challenge in shooting movies outdoors as nature can change its course anytime, and the movie faces a similar situation. The shooting for this movie was significantly delayed due to natural calamities, and the production was severely hampered. Typhoon Olga destroyed set equipment, causing major delays in the filming. However, according to the viewers, the movie turned out to be one of the most celebrated films in cinematic history. This movie is a visual spectacle, as mentioned by its huge fanbase.

20) A Clockwork Orange

The movie received delays for many reasons, such as graphic violence and disturbing themes. The censorship was a significant issue, along with the worries about public outcry that may have been caused by including dark and mature themes in the movie. The movie received critical acclaim for its innovative cinematography and powerful social commentary. The unique camera angles and striking visuals were praised by its fans. The movie was nominated for four Academy Awards. The movie is admired as an influential masterpiece by the viewers.