The film industry is a dynamic space, where a movie's success isn't solely defined by its box office performance. In recent years, many films that initially flopped in theaters have found a second life and even achieved massive popularity on streaming platforms. This phenomenon highlights the changing viewing habits of audiences and the increasing importance of digital distribution in the current entertainment landscape. Several factors contribute to this trend, including poor marketing, competition from other releases, and the simultaneous release in theaters and on streaming platforms.
Here are some of the films that initially failed to impress in theaters but later became streaming hits:
- Madame Web (2024): Despite a cast including Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, this superhero film was critically panned and grossed an abysmal $100 million worldwide against an $80 million budget. However, it found a new audience on Netflix, debuting at number one on the platform's Top 10 Movies list and clocking in 1.16 billion minutes watched during its first week. While some viewers may have been hate-watching, its streaming success is undeniable.
- The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024): Guy Ritchie's action film failed to gain traction in theaters but became a streaming hit, spending weeks on the iTunes Top 10 and ranking consistently in Prime Video's Top 10 after its international debut.
- The Fall Guy (2024): Despite starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, "The Fall Guy" didn't see expected success in theaters. However, it broke Oppenheimer's all-time streaming record on Peacock, becoming the platform's most-streamed movie.
- Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024): As a prequel to the hit "Mad Max: Fury Road," this film had high expectations but underperformed at the box office. Despite positive reviews, it grossed $173 million worldwide against a $168 million budget. However, it found a wider audience on streaming platforms like Netflix, leading to renewed interest.
- Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (2024): Kevin Costner's Western epic struggled to find its audience in theaters. However, after being added to Netflix, it quickly climbed into the top ten titles on the platform. Its streaming success raises the possibility that future chapters may skip theatrical release altogether.
- Argylle (2024): This spy thriller, starring Henry Cavill, failed to impress at the box office. However, it found a second life on Apple TV Plus, where it was bought for a reported $200 million.
- The First Omen (2024): This horror prequel may have suffered from an oversaturated market in theaters, but positive word-of-mouth made it a hit on streaming platforms.
- The Bikeriders (2024): Despite being a genuinely great movie, this film barely made a dent at the box office, but it found greater success once it hit Peacock, becoming a certified hit on the platform just days after its arrival.
- Mission Raniganj (2023): Based on a true story of a 1989 rescue mission, this Akshay Kumar film struggled at the box office but garnered immense appreciation after its release on Netflix.
- 12th Fail (2023): This inspiring film, based on the real story of Manoj Sharma, didn't break records in theaters but emerged as a huge hit on OTT platforms.
Other examples of films that found success on OTT after faltering in theaters include Laal Singh Chaddha, An Action Hero, Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, and Sonchiriya. The Suicide Squad (2021) was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max, which contributed to poor box office numbers, but it became HBO Max's most-watched DC film. Similarly, Mortal Kombat (2021) had disappointing ticket sales but was a massive hit on HBO Max. Strange World (2022) didn't attract family audiences in theaters but topped the charts on Disney+ after its streaming debut.
The rise of streaming has undeniably changed how movies are consumed, providing a second chance for films that may have been overlooked in theaters. This trend highlights the importance of a strong digital distribution strategy and the power of streaming platforms to shape a film's ultimate success.
