‘Waterworld' turns 30: Hollywood flop to cult classic — and its forgotten Oscar nomination
Set in a post-apocalyptic future where the polar ice caps have melted and Earth is submerged in water, Waterworld follows a mysterious drifter known as the Mariner (Costner), a gill-sporting loner navigating a flooded wasteland of floating cities, pirates, and mythical dry land. The film was one of the most expensive movies ever made at the time, with a bloated budget of $175 million — an astronomical figure in the mid-'90s — and plagued by production issues ranging from storms that destroyed sets to on-set tension and endless rewrites.
Critics were lukewarm at best, and audiences were initially cool to the film's dark tone and unconventional premise. Opening to a $21 million weekend at the box office, Waterworld was quickly labeled a flop. Although it eventually earned back its budget through strong international sales and home video revenues, the damage to its reputation had already been done.
Today, Waterworld is viewed with fresh eyes — part environmental warning, part ambitious sci-fi Western, part misunderstood gem. What was once mocked for its bloated budget and outlandish premise is now appreciated for its practical effects, world-building, and relentless creativity. The film's stunt work and set design, once buried under headlines about delays and dollar signs, are now cited as examples of bold, big-swing filmmaking that would be nearly impossible in today's CGI-heavy studio landscape.
What many people have forgotten — or never knew — is that Waterworld was nominated for an Academy Award. At the 68th Oscars in 1996, it earned a nomination for Best Sound, alongside Apollo 13, Batman Forever, Braveheart, and Crimson Tide. It didn't win — Apollo 13 took the statue — but the nomination was a nod to the film's impressive audio design, which brought the crashing waves, roaring jet skis, and chaotic seafaring battles to immersive life.
Even more enduring than its Oscar nod is Waterworld 's presence at Universal Studios. The Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular stunt show, launched the same year as the film, has outlasted many of Universal's most beloved attractions. With explosions, jet-ski stunts, and death-defying leaps, the live show has become a fan favorite and a testament to the film's lasting entertainment value. It continues to draw massive crowds in Hollywood, Japan, and Singapore, proving that while the film may have floundered financially, its spectacle has stood the test of time.
On its 30th anniversary, Waterworld lives on as more than just "the movie that cost too much." It's a case study in Hollywood ambition, a cult favorite revered for its practical ingenuity, and a cheeky punchline-turned-point-of-pride that stands as a reminder of what happens when filmmakers swing for the fences. Looking back, perhaps Waterworld was never a disaster — it was simply ahead of its time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cosmopolitan
an hour ago
- Cosmopolitan
Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe Guide 2025
One thing you absolutely need to know is that I am a self-proclaimed Universal Orlando Resort pro. It does help that I've been to the parks several times over the last couple of the years and have found the best time to ride some of the biggest coasters. But now there's so much to explore with Universal's Epic Universe, the resort's first new park in over 25 years! Epic Universe takes fans across five different lands which features everything from the ultimate world for the Universal Monsters fan to an epic central zone with a must-ride coaster that will definitely bring out your competitive side. We got to be on-site during the park's big opening to experience all the fun and make sure that you know what you should definitely check out and any secrets that you don't want to miss! Yes, that means I rode every ride (some more than once!), tried a bunch of food, and even ran around the park in order to uncover some special surprises! Hey, someone has to do it, and, yes, I even got super emotional hearing "Test Drive" from How to Train Your Dragon in the most unexpected place. So whether you're going with a group or planning a solo trip to the brand new park, we got a list of all the things you need to check out at the park! Here is your ultimate guide to Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe! As soon as you walk through the Chronos, the special tower that also serves as the park's main gate, you are welcomed into Celestial Park. While not tied to a specific IP, Celestial Park serves as the main hub that connects all the rest of the lands throughout the park via special portals. But that doesn't mean it's any less special. In fact, you're definitely going to want to run here at night to check out both the Carousel and Stardust Racers, the new dual coaster that rivals fan favorite VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure. Constellation Carousel - A beautiful and stunning carousel that's right in the middle of the park, you're going to want to check this out after sundown if you can! Not only is it beautiful on the inside, but the soundtrack is so fun especially as you go both forwards and backwards! Yep, this is not your typical carousel! Stardust Racers - True Universal Orlando fans will remember the feeling when Dueling Dragons, a dueling coaster, closed down at Islands of Adventure. Now comes Stardust Racers where riders can choose between two different tracks, Green and Yellow, where you get to race against the other side in the hopes of getting there first. Green is known to get you more G-Forces while Yellow has more air time. While you're likely going to want to go to the front, you actually will want to go to the back for a more intense riding experience. If you're going with a group, I recommend splitting up and riding on the separate lines at the same time. A big core memory was seeing my friends go upside down before I did. There is no other feeling like it and made Stardust Racers our favorite ride in the park. Atlantic - If you are like me and you absolutely love seafood, this is a must-go! Not only is the interior absolutely gorgeous, making you feel like you're at an underwater speakeasy, it is also gives you such an amazing view of the park. The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant - You're going to want to immediately look up to check out all the cool signs that make you feel like you're walking into a food market instead of a restaurant. Hit up the bar for a drink and stunning interior, and make sure you order the delicious smashed cucumbers that will be so refreshing or the tonkotsu ramen to heat up! The Oak & Star Tavern - If you're looking for some classic BBQ, then this is the place for you! We highly recommend eating the mac & cheese because it is absolutely scrumptious and also pick up some banana pudding, which we dare say rivals some of our NYC faves. Pizza Moon - All your pizza dreams absolutely come true in Pizza Moon where various flavors and ingredients collide to create some magic. We dare you to be more experimental in your choices here and pair it up with the Celestial Spritz, an exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle drink that you can check out at the park! Meteor Astropub - If you're looking for a quick meal, this is definitely you're go-to option! Grab the chicken and waffles or one of the many burgers that will definitely fill ya up for the day ahead! Starting from left to right, the first world you can head towards from Celestial Park is none other than Super Nintendo World. An extended version from the ones in Universal Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan, the world is split into two as you can experience Mario World and Donkey Kong Country. Not only is it arguably the most immersive land in the entire park thanks to it high walls and impressive backgrounds, there is also a unique challenge throughout the land if you collect enough keys on your Power-Up band to unlock Bowser Jr.'s Shadow Showdown. Its portal is similar to a Warp Pipe as you take an escalator to head up to the second floor of the world. There is also a wheelchair accessible entrance that does not lose any of the magic which makes us wanna give a 1-Up to the design team who truly thought of everything. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge - Similar to Villain-Con Minion Blast or Men in Black: Alien Attack over at Universal Orlando, this is a game where you aim and the points you rack up matter! Riders put on special visors that uses AR to show friends and enemies as you race down a track. Attack Team Bowser members with Koopa Shells and rack up points. While the premise is exciting, the visor is not super ideal if you have to wear glasses and the ride's speed is super slow compared to how fast you usually have to go to win at Mario Kart. Still, at least it's fun seeing your favorite characters race down the track with you! Mine-Cart Madness - Located at Donkey Kong Country, you're not going to want to close your eyes on this coaster thanks to its optical illusion design that makes it seem like you're going off-track. It's not as intense as Stardust Racers, which means those who prefer smaller coasters will have no problem enjoying the fun! Yoshi's Adventure - A very short, sweet, and slow ride for those who are bringing in young ones to the park or are looking to see Yoshi's out in the wild. It's definitely the most kid-friendly ride throughout the park, although, I found it surprising the number of stairs that were in the middle of the line for a ride that is targeted as such. Still, it was a cute and fun time that definitely gives you the best view of the land and all it has to offer! Toadstool Cafe - Let me tell you that I am absolutely obsessed with this place! I've gotten to go to the Kirby Café over in Japan and this is the closest experience in the states. You can easily grab a bite to eat here with burgers topped with Luigi and Mario hats, but what you really wanna grab is the Instagram-worthy Princess Peach's Cake. The Bubbly Barrel - Located in Donkey Kong Country, this had the longest line I had ever seen throughout my entire trip. There's only one thing on the menu: the DK Crush Float, which can also come with a special DK mug for an extra cost. Enjoy a banana pineapple soft serve float with pineapple soda, a waffle bowl, sprinkles, toffee pieces and caramel popcorn. After just one sip, we understood why it got DK's stamp of approval! Admittedly, this was the land I was looking forward to the most as I waited for the park to open. I've gotten the chance to enjoy Halloween Horror Nights for several years now and it has become one of the best parts of visiting the parks, but this expands the Universal Monsters universe with a land that honestly should've existed several years ago. You are immediately greeted by the stunning Frankenstein Manor as you walk into Darkmoor. Don't forget to say hi to Ygor, who can be found walking around the park and has become an instant fan-favorite! Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment - Dr. Victoria Frankenstein is welcoming us into her castle as she shows us how much she's willing to go to take down Count Dracula. This special dark ride is similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Islands of Adventure and features impressive animatronics, one of the most impressive queues in the entire park, and will leave you absolutely screaming (for joy)! Curse of the Werewolf - Just like Mine-Cart Madness, this ride is perfect for smaller coaster lovers who aren't looking for anything too intense. The ride does use a spinning cart, which can be a no-go for some riders, but makes it an unexpected experience every single time. Unfortunately, it's a little too short compared to other coasters around the park, but that doesn't mean it's not a howling good time! Das Stakehaus - It's your ultimate Dracula fantasy as you step into this restaurant that looks like a dungeon mixed with some beautiful paintings featuring our favorite undead characters. Just like in the name, you definitely should get the Carved Staked Steak which is absolutely to die for. Make sure to also get a taste of the Screaming Berry exclusive flavor at the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine. The Burning Blade Tavern - Pop in for a quick drink including the absolutely refreshing Monocane Mocktail that you can also get served in a souvenir beaker that will make Ygor proud! Sip it outside as you watch the windmill, well, we won't spoil it for you! It would be hard to not talk about this without mentioning the J.K. Rowling of it all, but it is a part of Epic Universe! The new addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was originally inspired by the Fantastic Beasts franchise and 1920s Paris, but features a ride that takes place in 1990s yeah, is confusing to us too. While the Paris recreation is pretty immersive, there's very little to do here compared to the other parts of the park. It's surprisingly slim for what should be a big IP, but does manage to offer a fun experience if you're willing to buy a wand. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry - The ride changes things up from other dark movement rides by using an elevator-themed car instead of the usual seating that moves around in an arm. Riders sit down in an "elevator" and witness Dolores Umbridge as she tries to escape her arrest before her trial. The queue is the biggest in the entire park and you can tell how much went into it. Fans walk through the Floo system to reach the ministry in the 1990s (although it does not allow for time travel, but, whatever...). It's surprising that there's not more to do as you first walk in because the area is absolutely huge before you walk through the Minstry to ride, which also includes a replica of Umbridge's office from the films. After buckling in, the ride mostly uses screens and projections to show the events of Umbridge's escape. It is a beautiful ride especially towards one of the biggest moments that seems like you're traveling through time. The final animatronics do leave something to be desired, especially compared to the ones in Monsters Unchained. I will note, if there is a long wait, come back. While the wait time has improved, there are so many other incredible rides in the park that can help you fill the time as it goes down! Café L'air De La Sirène - If you're looking for the true Paris experience, stop by the café for some butterbeer crêpes and sit outside to look at the crowd passing by! Last, but certainly not least, is Isle of Berk. Ironically, it was the first land I checked out during my visit, but it is located on the right side of Celestial Park. It is the largest themed land and will honestly make you emotional as soon as you walk in if you're a huge fan of the How to Train You Dragon films. Channel your inner viking with Viking Training Camp or check out a special stage show that feature flying dragons. Oh, and don't forget to stop by for your meet and greet with Toothless! Dragon Racer's Rally - While it's just fun to just glide around like a dragon, the real question is: how many spins can you do? Like that iconic TikTok video, you're going to want to swing your seat side-to-side as the ride starts in the hopes to get yourself upside down as you ride through the sky. It's a fun challenge, but also a memorable experience! Hiccup's Wing Gliders - Another fun and not-too-intense coaster. It does start with a launch, much like Hagrid's and is a unforgettable time as you see and hear Hiccup chat with you along the ride. But the best part is the music which also features "Test Flight". Yes, I absolutely cried and you definitely will too! Can easily say that it's one of the biggest highlights of Epic Universe! Fyre Drill - For water ride lovers, here's your chance to get absolutely soaked as you ride a boat and try to aim at some targets. Tip: There are dryers nearby if you don't like to walk around with wet clothes or you can also wear a poncho! Mead Hall - Eat like a viking at this Mead Hall with tons of meats and eats that are definitely perfect to share. The salmon is absolutely delicious and don't forget to try out their different beer options including a Dragons' Milk or enjoy Gobber's Mead. The Coca-Cola Freestyle machine features the Dragon Splash! Hooligan's Grog & Gruel - We're saving the best for last as you absolutely need to run to Hooligan's for their mac & cheese cones. The classic option includes fish-shaped crackers on top and it is the perfect combo that you'll want to try at home!
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Liam Neeson's Longtime Manhattan Penthouse Sells for $10.3 Million
Photo: Krisztina Crane Liam Neeson has officially split with his New York apartment. City property records reveal that the Irish actor has offloaded his Manhattan pad for $10.3 million—about a half a million dollars short of the Upper West Side home's asking price from earlier this year. The buyers are listed as Martin Zetterberg and Joanmarie Zetterberg, per the New York Post. The Taken star initially listed his Manhattan dwelling in 2024 for $12.75 million. He later pulled the residence off the market before re-listing it with a discount to $10.75 million in March 2025 under a different brokerage. Neeson has maintained the Lincoln Square pad since 1999. He originally purchased it for $4 million and resided there with his late wife, English actor Natasha Richardson, and their two sons. Built in 1994, the modern high-rise contains 56 floors. It has become a celebrity enclave over the years, with Howard Stern and Jon Bon Jovi among its past residents. Neeson's unit is situated on the 28th floor; he lived in a 4,524-square-foot space with five bedrooms and five bathrooms, which were assembled by merging three separate units into one. His compounded luxury apartment opens to a lofty foyer, a corner family room, and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping 360 views of the Manhattan skyline. The dwelling boasts an open concept chef's kitchen outfitted with luxury appliances, a pantry, and a large dining area. The main bedroom hosts two spa-like baths, a gym, and a home office-slash-library with views of Central Park. The rest of the abode features custom built-ins to showcase Neeson's extensive art collection. The Oscar winner divides his time between a few dwellings in his portfolio, including a 6,000-square-foot country home in Millbrook, New York, and properties in his native Ireland. Neeson revealed to People that he plans on retiring from Hollywood in the near future. He's been making headlines lately both for the release of The Naked Gun as well as for buzz around a budding romance with his co-star, Pamela Anderson which is 'in the early stages,' per an anonymous source to People. 'It's sincere, and it's clear they're smitten with each other,' the unnamed source continued. 'The relationship blossomed out of a mutual appreciation for the simpler things in life. They've bonded over their shared love of nature, classic films and a slower pace. Neither of them are chasing the spotlight and they value their privacy at this point in their life.' Matthew Coleman at Coleman Real Estate Group held the listing. Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest More Great Celebrity Style Stories From AD Dakota Johnson Rejects the Accent Wall, Advocates for Lying About Liking Your Friend's Ugly Decor Let's Talk About Pee-wee's Playhouse See Inside The Phoenician Scheme, Wes Anderson's Zany New Film The Most Delicious Kitchens in AD Open Door History Solve the daily Crossword
The Verge
3 hours ago
- The Verge
The Jurassic Park islands and dinos are coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Jurassic World: Archipelago is a new expansion pack for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 that lets aspiring pilots explore the five islands of the fictional Cinco Muertes Archipelago featured in the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movies. Created by Australian developer Orbx that's known for its flight sim add-ons, the expansion lets you visit many locations from the films while the islands will be teeming with more than 10 different species of dinosaurs. According to an FAQ on Orbx Studios' website, the Jurassic World: Archipelago expansion is an official collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences and will be available sometime in late August or early September, 2025. It will initially launch for all versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Xbox and PC, but is compatible with the entry-level Standard Edition which is also available through Xbox Game Pass. The studio says it's also 'working towards making compatible products for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and X-Plane 12.' The expansion lets you visit the five new islands — including Isla Nublar, Sorna, Matanceros, Peña, and Tacaño — as they were before the events of 2015's Jurassic World 'when the park is operational but not everything is under control.' You'll be able to fly over Isla Nublar and see the park alive with activity, while the breeding facilities on Isla Sorna, as seen in The Lost World: Jurassic Park, remain abandoned and overgrown. Jurassic World: Archipelago includes new flying challenges like transporting VIPs between the islands and nearby Costa Rica and conducting guided tours. You can visit the facilities and theme park structures seen in the various films and land at recognizable airfields and helipads, all while dodging the local wildlife that includes brachiosaurus, stegosaurus, velociraptor, and flying pteranodons. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Andrew Liszewski Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Microsoft Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All PC Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
