Top 20 Movies You’ll Never Watch

About this gallery:

For this list, we’re diving into those mysterious films that were canceled, vanished from existence after release, or (believe it or not) won’t hit screens until the year 2115 – yes, really! Since ranking movies we can’t actually watch is a bit of a challenge, we decided to throw order out the window and just embrace the chaos.

Do you think we missed a legendary film that could have been? Which one from this list would you give anything to see? Drop your thoughts in the comments – we promise not to keep them locked away for a century!

"Larceny" – Directed by Christopher Nolan

Imagine a Christopher Nolan film so enigmatic that it never even made it to the screen. "Larceny" was rumored to be a heist thriller that would twist your mind into a pretzel, leaving you questioning the very nature of reality. With Nolan's signature non-linear storytelling, it's said that the plot involved a group of thieves stealing not just valuables, but memories themselves. The protagonist, possibly portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio (because, why not?), would navigate a labyrinth of stolen thoughts, leading to a climax that would make "Inception" look like child's play. Alas, "Larceny" remains a tantalizing figment of cinematic lore, a film that exists only in the dreams of Nolan enthusiasts. | © Wired

"Batgirl" – Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah

The movie you’ll never watch, not because you don’t want to, but because Warner Bros. locked it away like the Ark of the Covenant. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, this DC flick had Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon, J.K. Simmons as her dad, and even Michael Keaton back as Batman. Oh, and Brendan Fraser was Firefly, which honestly sounds amazing. The film was done – filmed, edited, ready to go – until WB decided to shelve it for a tax write-off. Fans were left in shock, wondering how bad (or good) it really was. Now, it sits in Hollywood limbo, a ghost of a blockbuster that never was. | © Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Films.

"The Deep" & "Don Quixote" – Directed by Orson Welles

Orson Welles had a knack for starting films he never finished, and The Deep and Don Quixote are two of his most infamous casualties. The Deep, a psychological thriller set on a yacht, was nearly complete in the late '60s but stalled after the death of lead actor Laurence Harvey. Don Quixote, on the other hand, was Welles’ decades-long passion project, constantly reworked and never truly finished. He reimagined Cervantes’ classic in a modern setting, but funding issues and perfectionism left it in limbo. Attempts to piece together both films exist, but none feel definitive. Welles’ legacy remains one of brilliance, ambition, and tantalizing unfinished masterpieces. | © Orson Welles

"Cries and Whispers" (Extended Cut) – Directed by Ingmar Bergman

Ingmar Bergman's "Cries and Whispers" is celebrated for its intense portrayal of family dynamics and existential despair. Whispers in the cinephile community suggest that an extended cut once existed, delving even deeper into the psyches of its tormented characters. This version allegedly included prolonged scenes of introspection, amplifying the film's suffocating atmosphere. However, Bergman, ever the perfectionist, might have deemed these additions too harrowing for audiences, leading to their exclusion from the final release. The extended cut remains a phantom, tantalizing fans with the promise of an even more profound emotional journey. | © Cinematograph AB

"4 Devils" – Directed by F.W. Murnau

F.W. Murnau, the visionary behind "Nosferatu," directed "4 Devils" in 1928, a silent film chronicling the lives of four orphans turned circus acrobats. The film was lauded for its visual splendor and emotional depth. Tragically, "4 Devils" has been lost to time; no known copies exist today. The film's disappearance has spurred numerous theories, from studio negligence to accidental destruction. Despite its absence, "4 Devils" continues to captivate film historians, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of cinema and the enduring impact of Murnau's artistry. | © Fox Film Corporation

"L’Enfer" – Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot

Imagine a film so ambitious that it imploded under its own creative genius. Henri-Georges Clouzot's "L’Enfer" was poised to be a groundbreaking exploration of jealousy, starring Serge Reggiani and Romy Schneider. Clouzot envisioned a visual symphony of innovative techniques, including hypnotic color experiments and surreal imagery. However, the production was plagued by disasters: Reggiani fell ill, Clouzot suffered a heart attack, and the spiraling budget threatened to sink the entire project. The film was ultimately abandoned in 1964, leaving behind tantalizing footage that has since been showcased in documentaries, offering a glimpse into what could have been a masterpiece of avant-garde cinema. | © Columbia Pictures

"Lanton Mills" – Directed by Terrence Malick

Before Terrence Malick became the enigmatic auteur known for his poetic visuals and sparse dialogue, he directed a little-known short film titled "Lanton Mills" in 1969. This 17-minute piece is a quirky departure from his later, more meditative works. Starring Malick himself alongside future collaborator Warren Oates, the film is a surreal comedy involving cowboys, a heist, and a cameo by none other than Harry Dean Stanton. "Lanton Mills" offers a rare glimpse into Malick's early experimentation with genre and tone, blending absurdity with a playful narrative – a stark contrast to the philosophical epics he's celebrated for today. | © American Film Institute

"Flagpole Special" – Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson

Long before Paul Thomas Anderson captivated audiences with intricate narratives like "There Will Be Blood" and "Boogie Nights," he honed his craft on a modest short film titled "Flagpole Special." Created during his formative years, this project showcases the nascent talent of a director experimenting with storytelling techniques that would later define his illustrious career. While details about the film's plot remain scarce, "Flagpole Special" is a testament to Anderson's early dedication to filmmaking, offering a glimpse into the developmental stages of a cinematic visionary. | © Paul Thomas Anderson

"Conversations With Vincent" – Directed by Tim Burton

Tim Burton's admiration for Vincent Price is no secret; their collaborations on films like "Edward Scissorhands" are legendary. In 1991, Burton embarked on a passion project titled "Conversations With Vincent," aiming to document the life and career of his idol. Filmed over three days in black and white at the Vincent Price Gallery in East Los Angeles College, the documentary featured intimate interviews with Price, as well as insights from Roger Corman and Samuel Z. Arkoff. However, the project was shelved when Burton became engrossed in directing "Batman Returns," and after Price's passing in 1993, Burton found it emotionally challenging to revisit the footage. The unfinished documentary remains a poignant "what if" in the annals of cinema history. | © Tim Burton

"100 Years" – Directed by Robert Rodriguez

Imagine a film so secretive that its premiere is scheduled a century after its creation. That's "100 Years" for you, a cinematic enigma directed by Robert Rodriguez and starring John Malkovich. Conceived in 2015 as a promotion for Louis XIII Cognac, which itself takes a century to mature, the film is securely locked away, set to be unveiled in 2115. The plot remains a mystery, with creators tight-lipped about its content. To ensure its secrecy, the movie is sealed in a high-tech, bulletproof vault with a time-locked mechanism. A thousand metal tickets have been distributed to individuals worldwide, intended for their descendants to attend the premiere. While we can only speculate about its storyline, "100 Years" stands as a bold statement on art, time, and anticipation. | © Rémy Martin

"Dune" – Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky

In the mid-1970s, visionary director Alejandro Jodorowsky embarked on an ambitious project to adapt Frank Herbert's science fiction epic, "Dune." Jodorowsky's vision was nothing short of extraordinary, aiming for a 14-hour cinematic experience. He assembled an eclectic team, including artists H.R. Giger and Jean "Moebius" Giraud, with music by Pink Floyd and Magma. The cast was to feature Salvador Dalí as the Emperor, demanding $100,000 per hour, and Orson Welles as Baron Harkonnen, enticed by promises of gourmet meals. Despite years of development and a completed storyboard, the project collapsed due to financial constraints and Hollywood's reluctance to back such an unconventional endeavor. Though never realized, Jodorowsky's "Dune" has influenced numerous films and remains a legendary "what if" in cinema history. | © Jodorowsky / Seydoux

"Uranisco Disco," "The R*pe of Chloe," and "Bleat" – Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Before Yorgos Lanthimos gained international acclaim with films like "The Favourite," he directed several obscure short films that remain elusive to the public. "Uranisco Disco" (2001) is a peculiar tale about a producer-director of erotic films and his mistress attempting to create a porn-musical. "The R*pe of Chloe" (1995) adapts the ballet "Daphnis and Chloe," depicting pirates chasing and capturing Chloe, with their leader compelling her to dance. "Bleat" (2022) is another enigmatic short, details of which are scarce. These early works showcase Lanthimos's experimental roots, but tracking them down is a quest worthy of the most dedicated cinephile, as they are not readily available for public viewing. | © Ideefixe Productions

"The Day the Clown Cried" – Directed by Jerry Lewis

In the early 1970s, comedian Jerry Lewis took a dramatic turn with "The Day the Clown Cried," a film set during the Holocaust. Lewis portrayed Helmut Doork, a circus clown imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp, who is coerced into leading children to the gas chambers. The controversial subject matter, combined with production issues and Lewis's own dissatisfaction with the film, led to it being shelved indefinitely. Over the years, snippets have surfaced, fueling curiosity and debate. In 2015, Lewis donated an incomplete copy to the Library of Congress, stipulating it not be shown before 2024. As of now, the film remains unseen by the public, shrouded in mystery and speculation. | © Jerry Lewis Productions

"A Woman of the Sea" – Directed by Josef von Sternberg

Commissioned by Charlie Chaplin in 1926, "A Woman of the Sea" was directed by Josef von Sternberg and starred Edna Purviance, Chaplin's former leading lady. The film was an attempt to transition Purviance into dramatic roles, telling the story of two sisters in a fishing village. However, Chaplin was reportedly unhappy with the final product and chose not to release it. In a dramatic move, he destroyed the only known copy in 1933 for tax purposes. As a result, "A Woman of the Sea" has become one of Hollywood's most infamous lost films, with no surviving footage available for audiences to assess its merit. | © Charles Chaplin Productions

"Gore" – Directed by Michael Hoffman

In 2017, Netflix announced "Gore," a biopic about the flamboyant writer Gore Vidal, with Kevin Spacey set to star as the titular character and Michael Hoffman directing. The film aimed to chronicle Vidal's life in Italy during the 1980s. However, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct against Spacey, the project was shelved, and Netflix opted not to release the film. Despite being completed, "Gore" remains unreleased, a casualty of circumstances beyond its cinematic content. | © Cambridge History Faculty

"I Love You, Daddy" – Directed by Louis C.K.

Imagine crafting a film that becomes a cinematic ghost story before it even hits theaters. Louis C.K.'s "I Love You, Daddy" was poised for release in 2017, featuring an impressive cast including Chloë Grace Moretz and John Malkovich. The plot centers on a successful TV writer whose teenage daughter becomes involved with a much older filmmaker, echoing controversial themes reminiscent of Woody Allen's work. However, just as the film was set to premiere, allegations against Louis C.K. surfaced, leading to its swift withdrawal from distribution. Now, "I Love You, Daddy" exists in a peculiar limbo, with only a handful of private screenings and leaked copies circulating among the most curious cinephiles. | © Pig Newton, Inc.

"Don's Plum" – Directed by R.D. Robb

Picture a black-and-white indie film from the mid-'90s featuring a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire, long before they became Hollywood heavyweights. "Don's Plum" captures a group of friends conversing over the course of a single night at a diner. Shot between 1995 and 1996, the film was intended for a 2001 release. However, DiCaprio and Maguire, concerned about the film's potential impact on their budding careers, filed a lawsuit to prevent its release in the United States and Canada. As a result, "Don's Plum" remains officially unreleased in North America, though it has surfaced online, offering a glimpse into the early performances of these now-famous actors. | © Polo Pictures Entertainment

"Big Bug Man" – Directed by Bob Bendetson

Imagine a quirky animated film featuring the voice talents of Brendan Fraser and, in a surprising twist, Marlon Brando in his final role – voicing an elderly woman, no less. "Big Bug Man" tells the story of a candy factory worker who gains superpowers after being bitten by insects. Completed in 2006, the film promised a unique blend of humor and eccentricity. However, despite being fully produced, "Big Bug Man" was never released, leaving fans and animation enthusiasts puzzled. The film has since become a topic of intrigue, with many wondering if it will ever see the light of day. | © Studio-Free Studios

"The Fantastic Four" – Directed by Oley Sassone

Long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe dominated box offices, there was "The Fantastic Four" (1994), a film produced by Roger Corman. Created on a shoestring budget, this adaptation was intended to secure the rights for future, more lucrative projects. The cast and crew believed they were making a genuine blockbuster, but the film was never officially released, leading to speculation that it was never intended for public consumption. Bootleg copies have circulated among fans, showcasing a campy, earnest attempt at bringing the superhero team to life, complete with low-budget special effects and heartfelt performances. | © Constantin Film

"Empires of the Deep" – Directed by Michael French

Envision an ambitious fantasy epic combining elements of "Avatar" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," with a plot centered around an underwater civilization. "Empires of the Deep" was a Chinese-American co-production that began filming in 2010, with a revolving door of directors, including Michael French. The film faced numerous production challenges, including script rewrites, budget overruns, and creative differences. Despite a star-studded cast and elaborate special effects, "Empires of the Deep" has never been officially released, becoming a cautionary tale of how even the most grandiose cinematic visions can flounder beneath the waves of reality. | © E-magine Studios