In 2017, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets was one of the most talked-about films, especially for fans of science fiction. Directed by the legendary Luc Besson, whose previous work includes iconic films like The Fifth Element and Léon: The Professional, the movie was seen as a groundbreaking step in the genre. With a jaw-dropping budget of $200 million, it wasn’t just Europe’s most expensive film—it was among the priciest films ever made. But despite the heavy buzz and anticipation, the film’s release didn’t match its lofty expectations.
Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to charity in just five years
Diamond batteries powered by nuclear waste promise 28,000 years of clean energy
Valerian: A Visual Marvel That Flopped Financially
From the very first frame, Valerian was a visual spectacle. The special effects were nothing short of groundbreaking, and the world-building was incredibly imaginative. The universe was filled with vibrant alien species, sprawling space stations, and dazzling planetary landscapes that felt almost too big for the screen. Yet, despite these impressive visual elements, the film struggled to make a significant impact at the box office.
With just $232 million in worldwide earnings, the film didn’t come close to breaking even. In fact, for the film to cover its $200 million budget, it needed to earn double that amount—a benchmark it didn’t even approach. I remember discussing the film with a friend who had also seen it, and he remarked, “It’s stunning to look at, but the story doesn’t have any emotional depth.” This sentiment echoed with many others who felt the same—while the visuals were lauded, the storytelling and character development were lacking. Critics were divided: some admired the scale of the film and its technical achievements, while others were left disappointed by the weak plot and underwhelming performances, especially from the lead actors Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne.
Despite their rising star status—DeHaan coming off Chronicle and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Delevingne fresh off Suicide Squad—the chemistry between the two was frequently criticized. The combination of high expectations and their relatively low star power left many viewers feeling disconnected, which is hard for a film of this magnitude to overcome.
A Second Chance: Watch Valerian for Free
If you missed Valerian in theaters or just want to give it another try with less pressure than its initial release brought, there’s good news: the film is now available to stream for free on TF1’s platform. This provides a perfect opportunity to experience the grand scale and visual effects without having to pay for it.
As I watched some of the stunning visual sequences again, I found myself appreciating the world-building and the imagination that went into creating such a complex universe. Even though the movie didn’t find the commercial success it was hoping for, there’s still something uniquely captivating about it. Luc Besson’s creative ambition shines through in the breathtaking environments and the complex alien cultures that are brought to life in dazzling detail.
For fans of imaginative settings and high-concept visuals, Valerian offers a unique experience. It’s not a flawless film, but it pushes boundaries in ways that many other films in the genre don’t.
NASA warns China could slow Earth’s rotation with one simple move
This dog endured 27 hours of labor and gave birth to a record-breaking number of puppies
Is It Worth a Watch?
So, is Valerian worth watching? If you’re a fan of science fiction, the answer is still a resounding yes. Watching it now, free from the weight of the enormous expectations that surrounded its release, you might find yourself appreciating it for what it is—an ambitious film that dared to take risks with its storytelling and visual design. Sure, the plot may falter at times, but the alien landscapes and inventive visuals are worth experiencing, even if the story doesn’t always live up to its potential.
It’s also fascinating how some films, despite being box-office disappointments, find a second life long after their original runs. Valerian may not have been the blockbuster it was intended to be, but it stands as a bold experiment in filmmaking, a reminder of how unpredictable cinema can be. Now, with the opportunity to watch it for free, you can decide for yourself whether this $200 million gamble ultimately paid off—or if, like many daring ventures, it simply didn’t quite make it to the stars.