closed in United States theaters on April 11, 2002, it had earned just 7,375. It ultimately grossed .1 million worldwide.
Despite its poor box office showing, the film began to attract a devoted fan base. It was originally released on DVD and VHS in March 2002. During this time, the Pioneer Theatre in New York City’s East Village began midnight screenings of Donnie Darko that continued for 28 consecutive months.
Critical reception
The film received widespread critical acclaimotten Tomatoes gave the film an 84% rating (the Director’s Cut received 91%), while Metacritic gave it a 71 out of 100 (the Director’s Cut received 88 out of 100). Critic Andy Bailey billed Donnie Darko as a “Sundance surprise” that “isn’t spoiled by the Hollywood forces that helped birth it.” Jean Oppenheimer of New Times (LA) praised the film, saying, “Like gathering storm