After a $200M flop, this epic movie is now free—and fans are stunned

When Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets hit theaters in 2017, it generated a buzz that was hard to ignore. Directed by Luc Besson, the man behind classics like The Fifth Element and Léon: The Professional, the movie was expected to be a game-changer in science fiction cinema. With a $200 million budget, it was not only the most expensive film ever made in Europe, but also one of the most expensive films of all time. Audiences and critics alike had sky-high expectations. But despite all the hype, the film’s financial performance told a different story.

Valerian: A Visual Marvel That Flopped Financially

Visually, Valerian was a true spectacle. The special effects were groundbreaking, and the world-building was immersive, featuring vibrant alien species and impressive space stations. As someone who loves big sci-fi epics, I remember being mesmerized by the stunning visuals during the movie’s release. However, despite its breathtaking effects, the movie didn’t hit its financial targets. It grossed around $232 million globally, but that wasn’t nearly enough to cover the massive production and marketing expenses. To break even, the film needed to earn double its budget, and it fell short.

I recall a conversation with a friend shortly after the film came out. “It’s beautiful to look at, but the plot doesn’t do justice to the visuals,” he said. This sentiment echoed with many others. Critics were divided—while some admired the film for its bold visual storytelling and ambitious scope, others criticized the underwhelming plot and uneven pacing. Even the performances by the leads, Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, were met with mixed reviews. Despite both actors being fresh off major roles—DeHaan in Chronicle and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Delevingne in Suicide Squad—their chemistry was questioned. For such a massive film, some felt the lack of star power hurt its overall appeal.

A Second Chance: Watch Valerian for Free

If you missed Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets in theaters or if you want to give it another shot without the weight of its commercial expectations, there’s good news: it’s now available to stream for free on TF1’s platform. This offers viewers a unique chance to experience the film’s stunning visuals without any cost.

Thinking back to my own viewing experience, I still find myself amazed by the intricately designed alien worlds and the dazzling effects. While the film didn’t hit the commercial mark it aimed for, it remains an intriguing cinematic journey. For anyone who appreciates imaginative worlds and high-concept visuals, Valerian offers something unique, showcasing Besson’s visionary approach to filmmaking. Even if it didn’t achieve the success it hoped for, it’s still a bold creative experiment in an often predictable genre.

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Is It Worth a Watch?

So, is Valerian worth watching, even after its underwhelming box office performance? Absolutely. Whether you’re a seasoned sci-fi fan or just someone in the mood for something visually captivating, the film still has a lot to offer. Watching it now, with the initial high expectations behind you, allows you to appreciate it for what it truly is: a bold attempt at storytelling that took significant risks. Without the burden of its commercial failure weighing on you, you can immerse yourself in its alien landscapes and breathtaking special effects, even if the story falters at times.

What’s fascinating about films like Valerian is that they often find a second life long after their theatrical run. While it may not have been the blockbuster it was intended to be, it stands as a testament to daring filmmaking and the unpredictable nature of cinema. Now that it’s available for free, you can decide for yourself if this $200 million gamble ultimately pays off.