A Low-Performing Marvel Movie Unexpectedly Leads Netflix Rankings

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By Kyle Xavier

Published May 19, 2024

Thread 13

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Highlights

Madame Web struggled at the box office but found success on Netflix.
Fans criticize the film for deviating from Marvel comics, resulting in marketing mishaps.
Netflix boom sparks hope for a sequel despite poor theatrical performance and lukewarm reviews.

Sony and Marvel's Madame Web hit theatres to a chilly reception. The film struggled at the box office, facing harsh criticism from both fans and reviewers. However, on the bright side, the movie has now found success on Netflix.

Madame Web was an addition to Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, starring Dakota Johnson in the titular role, supported by a talented cast including Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts, Tahar Rahim, and Isabela Merced. Even with its Valentine's Day release, the superhero film failed to make a significant impact at the box office.

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Madame Web Finds Success On Netflix

Despite a disappointing box office performance and unfavorable reviews, Madame Web quickly found its audience on Netflix. Following a pattern seen with other Sony films that initially struggled in theatres, it has enjoyed online success after its release on the streaming platform this week. This streaming debut comes as part of Netflix's deal with Sony Pictures, which brings Sony's theatrical releases to the platform a few months after their cinema runs. On Tuesday, Madame Web became the latest Sony film to land on Netflix and swiftly climbed to the top of the platform's movie charts in an unlikely fashion. Notwithstanding its theatrical flop, the Marvel adaptation soared to the number one spot on Netflix’s Top 10 Movies list just a day after its premiere.

In the wake of its successful Netflix debut, the superhero flick has reignited criticism surrounding Sony's "Spider-Man without Spider-Man" franchise entries. Madam Web’s audience score has mostly stayed the same, suggesting that its exposure to more viewers at home hasn't notably altered its reception. Critics have linked the film's newfound streaming success to its initial stumble, some cynically quipping that viewers couldn't endure the movie long enough to find out how bad it really was.

Others take a pragmatic view, arguing that the viewers waited for the cheaper streaming option. This theory, however, fails to fully account for the disparity, considering some somewhat “lesser” films have achieved high milestones and exceeded box office expectations. Another critique that pokes fun further suggests the Netflix boom was because audiences didn't find Madame Web theatre-worthy to splurge on, preferring to wait for its streaming release.

With many changes from the Marvel comics, the Madame Web movie seemed destined for failure from the start as fans began criticizing the film based on its promotional photos and marketing before it even premiered. During its press tour, there were rumors that Sony was unhappy with Dakota Johnson, believing she was not promoting the film positively. Furthermore, the movie's theatrical performance grossed only $100 million globally, barely making back its $80 million budget, and it currently holds a dismal 11% on the Tomatometer and a lukewarm 57% audience score, making it a target for jokes and memes. Nonetheless, fervent fans see the streaming triumph as a beacon of hope for a sequel, though no official plans have surfaced as yet. Whether theatre-goers wanted to revisit its meme-worthy moments or new viewers were curious about its infamous reception, the film's Netflix triumph is undeniable.