Sleeper hit

film, song or game that becomes successful gradually with little promotion

A sleeper hit is a movie, song, video game, or other entertainment release that was not successful when it was released, but later on became a success. A sleeper hit may have little to no promotion. It also might not have had a successful launch until a fan of the sleeper hit gathers its attention by advertising it. Because of this its popularity increased.[1]

Examples:

Foundations-Kate Nash

Talk to me-Chris Andreucci

References

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  1. Berra 2008, p. 68.