There are several films shot in Wilmington that have achieved cult status, including "Maximum Overdrive" and "Dream A Little Dream" among others.
Now one of those has found redemption, according to a lifestyle website.
A list of "25 cult classics that were box office flops but found redemption" includes "Empire Records," filmed in Wilmington in 1994 and released in 1995.
According to SheBudgets, while the movie barely made a ripple in theaters, "this film became a cultural touchstone for Gen X and Gen Z. Its portrayal of music store culture and youthful rebellion resonated with audiences. The ensemble cast and iconic soundtrack turned it into a comfort film cherished by many."
“Empire Records” starred Anthony LaPaglia, Debi Mazar, Maxwell Caulfield,
Liv Tyler and Renee Zellweger. The movie is about 24 hours in the lives of young employees at a Delaware record store as they try to prevent the store from being turned into a chain outlet.
Thanks to social media, "Empire Records" also inspired a day to celebrate: April 8. It's known in the movie as Rex Manning Day, named for a character that was a washed up 1980s pop star who visits the record store on that date.
The storefront for the fictional record store was set at 15 South Front St., which is now home to Rebellion NC. Scenes were also shot at Riverfront Park, the former Caffe Phoenix at 9 South Front St., the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and parts of Wrightsville Beach.
With a $10 million-plus budget, "Empire Records" grossed a mere $250,000 in its first two weeks within release, according to buzzfeed.com.
Pop culture website StarsInsider also named “Empire Records” among 30 movie masterpieces that are “totally underrated.” It also recently included “Empire Records” among 30 film flops that became cult classics.
Other films on the SheBudgets list of cult classics that have found redemption include "The Shawshank Redemption," "Fight Club," "The Big Lebowski," "The Thing" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
Owen Hassell is the local news editor of the StarNews. You can reach him at ohassell@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Despite a box office flop, this Wilmington film has found 'redemption'
