After a $200M flop, one of the most expensive films ever is now free to watch

Back in 2017, the buzz surrounding Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets was hard to ignore. Directed by the legendary Luc Besson, known for iconic films like The Fifth Element and Léon: The Professional, the movie was heralded as a major step forward for science fiction cinema. With a staggering $200 million budget, it wasn’t just Europe’s most expensive film; it was among the priciest films ever made. Expectations were sky-high. But despite all the fanfare, the film’s financial results and reception told a very different story.

Valerian: A Visual Marvel That Flopped Financially

Visually, Valerian was a feast for the eyes. The special effects were groundbreaking, and the world-building was imaginative, presenting a universe filled with vibrant alien species and elaborate space stations. Yet, despite its stunning visuals, the movie failed to meet expectations at the box office. While it grossed approximately $232 million worldwide, that figure wasn’t nearly enough to cover its massive production and marketing costs. To break even, the film needed to earn at least double its budget, a benchmark it didn’t even come close to.

I remember a conversation I had with a friend right after the film’s release. “It’s visually stunning, but emotionally hollow,” he said. It was a sentiment that seemed to resonate with a lot of viewers. Critics were divided: while some praised the movie for its innovative visuals and ambitious scope, others criticized the weak plot and inconsistent pacing. Even the lead performances by Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne received mixed reviews. Although both actors were rising stars—DeHaan coming off Chronicle and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Delevingne fresh from Suicide Squad—their on-screen chemistry was often questioned. For a film of this magnitude, some felt that their relative lack of star power hindered its appeal.

A Second Chance: Watch Valerian for Free

If you didn’t catch Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets when it was in theaters, or if you want to revisit it with fresh eyes, there’s good news: it’s now available to stream for free on TF1’s platform. This gives audiences a chance to experience this visually stunning sci-fi epic without paying a dime.

I still find myself thinking about the incredible world-building and the dazzling effects. While the film didn’t hit the mark in terms of its box office performance, it remains a unique cinematic journey. For fans of imaginative settings and high-concept visuals, Valerian offers a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases Besson’s visionary approach to filmmaking. Even if it didn’t achieve the commercial success it aimed for, it’s a film that pushes creative boundaries in an often formulaic genre.

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Is It Worth a Watch?

Whether you’re a long-time sci-fi enthusiast or just looking for something visually spectacular, Valerian is still worth exploring. Watching it now, with the pressure of high expectations from its initial release behind you, allows you to appreciate it for what it is: an ambitious film that took risks in its storytelling. Without the burden of its commercial failure, you might find yourself swept up in the alien landscapes and dazzling visual effects, even if the story itself falters at times.

It’s also interesting how films like Valerian often find a second life long after their initial runs. While it may not have been the blockbuster it was intended to be, it still stands as a testament to ambitious filmmaking and the unpredictable nature of cinema. Now, with the opportunity to watch it for free, you can decide for yourself if this $200 million gamble pays off in the end.