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

In 2017, the buzz surrounding Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets was nearly impossible to ignore. Directed by the legendary Luc Besson, whose films like The Fifth Element and Léon: The Professional became cultural milestones, expectations for this sci-fi epic were sky-high. With a massive $200 million budget, it wasn’t just Europe’s most expensive movie at the time—it was one of the priciest films ever made. Yet, despite the excitement, Valerian turned out to be a box office disaster. Fast forward a few years, and now the movie is available to watch for free. But does it live up to its visual hype?

Valerian: A Visual Marvel That Flopped Financially

Visually, Valerian was nothing short of stunning. The special effects were groundbreaking for its time, offering a vibrant and richly detailed universe filled with diverse alien species and futuristic cities. The world-building was a feast for the eyes, with intricate designs and imaginative settings that felt like something straight out of a dream.

However, despite these breathtaking visuals, the film struggled to connect with audiences on a deeper level. It grossed around $232 million worldwide—a considerable sum, but not nearly enough to cover its enormous production and marketing expenses. In fact, the film needed to make at least double its budget to break even, a goal it failed to achieve by a significant margin (¹).

I remember speaking to a friend after watching it in theaters. “The visuals are incredible, but the story just doesn’t land,” he said. And honestly, many others seemed to agree. Critics were torn: some lauded the film’s bold visuals and ambitious scope, while others pointed out the weak plot, uneven pacing, and lack of character development. Even the leads, Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, didn’t escape criticism. While both were rising stars at the time, their performances didn’t quite capture the chemistry needed to anchor a film of such magnitude. This left many viewers questioning whether the lack of star power impacted the film’s overall appeal (²).

A Second Chance: Watch Valerian for Free

If you didn’t get a chance to see Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets when it first hit theaters, or if you want to revisit it with a fresh perspective, there’s good news. The film is now available to stream for free on TF1’s platform (³). This gives you the perfect opportunity to experience this visually spectacular sci-fi epic without spending a dime.

For me, revisiting the film reminded me of just how unique the world-building is. The movie may not have found success at the box office, but it’s still an experience worth having, especially if you’re a fan of imaginative settings and high-concept visuals. Luc Besson’s vision is clearly present, and while the film’s plot falters in certain areas, the visual storytelling remains its most powerful asset.

Pin

Is It Worth a Watch?

Whether you’re a die-hard sci-fi fan or just someone looking for a visually impressive film, Valerian is still worth checking out. Watching it now—without the burden of all the initial hype and expectations—lets you appreciate it for what it is: a bold experiment that took risks. While the story might not always hit the mark, the movie’s alien landscapes and dazzling effects are enough to make it stand out.

It’s also fascinating to see how films like Valerian, which initially underperform, often find new life years later. While it may not have been the blockbuster it was meant to be, it’s still a testament to daring filmmaking. It serves as a reminder that not every ambitious project will be a commercial success, but that doesn’t mean it lacks value. With the chance to watch it for free, you can decide for yourself whether this $200 million gamble was a risk worth taking.

As streaming platforms continue to offer audiences the opportunity to experience movies that didn’t make a huge impact when they first released, it’s clear that films like Valerian can still find a second life, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to push the boundaries of cinema. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself swept away by its vibrant, out-of-this-world vision.

Footnotes:

1. Box Office Analysis for Valerian’s Global Earnings: https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3044902401/

2. *Critics Review of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/valerian_and_the_city_of_a_thousand_planets

3. TF1 Streaming Information for Valerian’s Free Streaming: https://www.tf1.fr/