Sometimes, in the world of cinema, a passion project can quickly have the creatives involved drowning in a sea of behind-the-scenes drama and budgetary woes. Sometimes, the reachfor a big, epic blockbustercan exceed their grasp, leading to one thing that can sink a Hollywood movie: infamy. However, while infamy may strike upon release,cult classic status can soon follow. As is the case with this particular sci-fi action flick that’s now making a splash on free streaming.
Released 30 years ago and directed (mostly) by Kevin Reynolds, the post-apocalyptic action movieWaterworldhas found an audience after all these years, with viewers eager to dive into this remix ofMad Max. Led by Oscar-winnerKevin Costner, who also co-wrote the project alongside Peter Rader and David Twohy and produced (as well as reportedlybeing one of the biggest issuesbackstage),Waterworldremains known for being one of the biggest flops in Hollywood history.
StarringDennis Hopper, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Tina Majorino alongside Costner,Waterworldis currently climbing the charts on free streaming platformTubi, alongside the rom-comBlast from the Past, the sci-fi comedyEvolution, Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino’sThe Devil’s Advocate, andJason Statham’s creature feature action sequel,Meg 2: The Trench. You can check out the official synopsis forWaterworldbelow.
After the melting of the polar ice caps, most of the globe is underwater. Some humans have survived, and even fewer still, notably the Mariner (Kevin Costner), have adapted to the ocean by developing gills. A loner by nature, the Mariner reluctantly befriends Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and her young companion, Enola (Tina Majorino), as they escape from a hostile artificial island. Soon the sinister Smokers are pursuing them in the belief that Enola holds the key to finding the mythical Dryland.
Was ‘Waterworld’ Really as Big a Failure as You Think?
Having left the glorious times of 1995 behind three decades ago, it’s easier now to stand outside the moment thatWaterworldwas released and analyze whether the sci-fi action outingreally was the failureit’s become known as. Met with mixed reviews, as reflected in the 59% from critics and 44% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes,Waterworldundeniably boasts vast science fiction spectacle alongside a vintage, enigmatic performance from Kevin Costner as the mysterious Mariner.
Tonally,Waterworldcan be a little confusing, with the movie leaping from darkly ambitious themes to gleefully cheesy moments in a heartbeat. But honestly, this just adds to the movie’s charm. Charm that was no doubt missed thanks to the toxic buzz thatpollutedWaterworldthroughout production and release.
Not only were the reviews far better than anyone familiar withWaterworld’sreputation likely expected, but the post-apocalyptic action movie didn’t even struggle that much at the box office. Well, not as much as you probably think, anyway. Despite becoming notoriously known for “flopping,” it was far from the financial disaster you might think. Debuting at #1 at the box office,Waterworldgrossed $264 million. While this was considered a disappointment, when combined with the movie’s solid home video release,Waterworlddid turn a profit against its reported production budget of around $175 million.
Waterworld
