Top 10 Great Movies That Were Never Finished

In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, there exists a shadowy realm of tantalizing possibilities – films that were conceived, planned, and even started, only to be abandoned before reaching completion. These unfinished masterpieces have left audiences pondering the “what ifs” and mourning the lost potential. Join us on a journey through the annals of cinematic history as we explore the top 10 great movies that were never finished.

1. “Don Quixote” by Orson Welles (circa 1950s)

The legendary Orson Welles embarked on an ambitious adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes’ timeless classic, “Don Quixote.” Unfortunately, financial struggles and other challenges led to the project’s demise, leaving behind fragments of Welles’ visionary quest that still captivate cinephiles.

2. “Napoleon” by Stanley Kubrick (circa 1970s)

Renowned director Stanley Kubrick’s fascination with Napoleon Bonaparte inspired a grand cinematic venture that never saw completion. Despite meticulous research and preparation, the project faltered due to budget constraints and logistical issues, leaving Kubrick’s dream of a definitive Napoleon biopic unrealized.

3. “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote” by Terry Gilliam (started in 2000)

Terry Gilliam’s ill-fated attempt at bringing Cervantes’ character to life faced numerous setbacks, including on-set disasters, casting changes, and financial woes. Despite multiple efforts spanning decades, the film remains an epitome of the cursed cinematic journey.

4. “Dark Blood” by George Sluizer (started in 1993)

River Phoenix’s untimely death during the filming of “Dark Blood” brought a premature end to this intriguing project. Director George Sluizer managed to complete a version of the film years later, incorporating Phoenix’s existing footage, but the original vision remains forever incomplete.

5. “The Day the Clown Cried” by Jerry Lewis (shot in 1972, unreleased)

Jerry Lewis’ enigmatic and controversial film about a clown in a Nazi concentration camp has achieved near-mythical status. Lewis chose to withhold the movie, and its limited screenings only fueled the mystique surrounding this unreleased gem.

6. “Metropolis” by Fritz Lang (circa 1920s)

Fritz Lang’s groundbreaking sci-fi classic “Metropolis” faced significant cuts and alterations after its initial release, resulting in the loss of crucial scenes. Over the years, attempts to restore the film to its original glory have been ongoing, but the complete version remains elusive.

7. “Gone with the Wind 2” (circa 1970s)

A sequel to the cinematic masterpiece “Gone with the Wind” was planned, but creative differences, budget issues, and changing times ultimately led to its abandonment. The legacy of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler was left untarnished, as the sequel never saw the light of day.

8. “The Other Side of the Wind” by Orson Welles (shot in the 1970s, released posthumously in 2018)

Orson Welles’ final directorial effort, “The Other Side of the Wind,” remained incomplete for decades due to financial disputes. After a long and tumultuous journey, the film was eventually released posthumously, providing a glimpse into Welles’ avant-garde exploration of the Hollywood scene.

9. “At the Mountains of Madness” by Guillermo del Toro (circa 2010s)

Guillermo del Toro’s passion project, an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s “At the Mountains of Madness,” faced the crushing blow of cancellation due to budget concerns and studio reservations. Del Toro’s vision of cosmic horror in Antarctica remains a tantalizing unfulfilled dream.

10. “Rainbow Road to Oz” by Walt Disney (circa 1950s)

Walt Disney’s ambitious live-action/animated musical, “Rainbow Road to Oz,” intended to blend beloved Disney characters with the magic of Oz. Budget constraints and logistical challenges forced Disney to abandon the project, leaving behind only concept art and speculation about what might have been.