After a $200 Million Flop, One of the Most Expensive Movies Ever is Now Free to Watch

When Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets hit theaters in 2017, it was met with high expectations. Directed by the visionary Luc Besson, the man behind classics like The Fifth Element and Léon: The Professional, the film was touted as a groundbreaking entry in the science fiction genre. With a budget of $200 million, it wasn’t just Europe’s most expensive film, but one of the priciest ever made. Yet despite the heavy buzz and grand ambitions, the movie’s box office performance told a different story, and it has since become one of Hollywood’s most notable flops.

Valerian: A Visual Marvel That Flopped Financially

Visually, Valerian was nothing short of a masterpiece. The special effects were cutting-edge, and the world-building was nothing if not ambitious. Audiences were transported to a dazzling universe filled with vibrant alien species and futuristic space stations. Yet despite all these visual marvels, the film failed to meet its financial expectations. Grossing about $232 million worldwide, it didn’t even come close to covering its hefty production and marketing costs. To break even, the movie needed to earn at least double its budget, but it fell short of that mark.

I remember watching the film in the theater and being in awe of the stunning visuals. But as one of my friends put it after we left the cinema, “It’s like eye candy with no emotional depth.” That sentiment seemed to resonate with many viewers. While critics lauded the innovative visuals and grand scope, many felt the plot was weak and the pacing uneven. The performances from leads Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne were also met with mixed reactions, with some questioning their on-screen chemistry. Despite their rising star power—DeHaan coming off Chronicle and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Delevingne fresh off Suicide Squad—the lack of a strong emotional connection between the two characters left the film feeling hollow.

A Second Chance: Watch Valerian for Free

For those who missed Valerian when it first hit theaters, or for those who want to experience the visual spectacle again without the weight of expectations, there’s good news: the film is now available to stream for free on TF1’s platform. This provides a perfect opportunity to revisit the world of Valerian and appreciate it on its own terms, without the pressure of its commercial failure hanging over it.

Despite its box office struggles, I still find myself reflecting on the breathtaking world-building and the sheer imagination on display. While the film may not have achieved the commercial success it was hoping for, it remains a unique cinematic experience. For fans of visually-driven films and those who appreciate creative ambition, Valerian stands out as a testament to Luc Besson’s distinctive vision. It may not have been the blockbuster many anticipated, but it certainly pushes the boundaries of sci-fi filmmaking in an often predictable genre.

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Is It Worth a Watch?

Whether you’re a die-hard sci-fi enthusiast or simply looking for something visually striking, Valerian is still worth checking out. Now that the pressure of its initial hype and commercial expectations is behind it, it’s easier to enjoy the film for what it truly is: an ambitious, risk-taking project with moments of brilliance. If you go in without the baggage of its financial flop, you might find yourself swept up in the dazzling alien landscapes and stunning effects, even if the plot occasionally falters.

It’s also fascinating how films like Valerian can find a second life long after their initial release. While it may not have been the blockbuster it was intended to be, it stands as an example of how cinema can be unpredictable, with films sometimes failing in the box office only to find an audience years later. Now, with the chance to watch it for free, you can decide for yourself if this $200 million gamble was truly worth it in the end.