The cult classic: a term used to describe a piece of media with a passionate fanbase despite its lack of mainstream success. Cult films, depending on who you ask, can include anything from a transgressive or gory genre movie, to a financial flop from a major studio. What unites these projects, no matter their style or story, is that they resonate with a particular niche, leading their loyal disciples to advocate for their brilliance until they receive rightful acclaim years later.
The Nice Guys bombed at the box office in 2016, grossing an estimated $62 million at the end of its theatrical run with a $50 million budget. This commercial turnout is largely credited to releasing the same weekend as the Angry Birds movie, and in the 10 years since critics and fans alike have bemoaned the loss of potential sequels this action-comedy could have spawned had it received more spotlight. To this day, cast and crew still get asked about the possibility of it in interviews.
