Are millions of people hate-watching movies on Netflix?
The paradox of popularity and poor reviews
In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming entertainment, Netflix continues to dominate with a diverse array of content. However, a curious trend has emerged: some of the platform’s most-watched films are also its most critically panned. Two prime examples are the sci-fi feature Atlas, starring Jennifer Lopez, and the romantic comedy Mother of the Bride, featuring Brooke Shields and Miranda Cosgrove. Despite their dismal reviews, both films have amassed millions of views, raising the question: are people tuning in just to see how bad these movies really are?
The numbers don’t lie
According to Netflix’s latest data report, Atlas garnered 77.1 million views worldwide, while Mother of the Bride racked up 77.7 million views in the first half of 2024. These figures place both films in the top 10 most-watched movies on the platform for that period. Remarkably, these metrics were achieved in less than two months of viewing, with Mother of the Bride debuting on May 9 and Atlas dropping on May 24.
Critical reception vs. audience engagement
The critical reception for these films has been less than stellar. Atlas holds a meager 19% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, while Mother of the Bride fares even worse at 13%. Despite these low scores, the films have captivated a significant audience. This phenomenon highlights a disconnect between what critics deem worthy and what viewers actually choose to watch.
The broader context
For comparison, Netflix’s most-watched film for the first half of 2024, Damsel, starring Millie Bobby Brown, has a 56% critics score. The second most-watched title, Lift, featuring Kevin Hart, sits at 29%. These numbers suggest that while critical acclaim can boost a film’s profile, it is not the sole determinant of its popularity.
The allure of the “so-bad-it’s-good” genre
One possible explanation for the success of poorly reviewed films is the allure of the “so-bad-it’s-good” genre. Viewers may be drawn to these movies out of curiosity, eager to see if they live up to their negative hype. This phenomenon is not new; cult classics like “The Room” and “Troll 2” have long thrived on their reputations for being delightfully terrible.
Netflix’s diverse programming strategy
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has often emphasized the importance of offering a wide variety of content to cater to diverse tastes. Speaking at a recent conference, Sarandos stated, “People have such different and eclectic tastes that you can’t afford to program for just one sensibility. You have to love it all — prestige dramas, indie films, true crime, romantic comedies, stand-up, documentaries, and reality TV.”
Top TV shows of the first half of 2024
In addition to its film offerings, Netflix’s TV shows have also seen significant viewership. The most-watched series for the first half of 2024 include Fool Me Once, Bridgerton, and Baby Reindeer. These shows have captivated audiences with their compelling narratives and high production values.
The top 10 films on Netflix (January-June 2024)
For the record, here are the top 10 films on Netflix, ranked by views, from January to June 2024:
- Damsel: 143.8 million views
- Lift: 129.4 million views
- Society of the Snow: 103.8 million views
- Under Paris: 84.7 million views
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie: 80.3 million views
- Mother of the Bride: 77.7 million views
- Atlas: 77.1 million views
- Minions: 72.7 million views
- Irish Wish: 72.1 million views
- The Boss Baby: 63.6 million views
Final thoughts
The success of critically panned films like Atlas and Mother of the Bride underscores the complexity of audience preferences. While critics play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, the ultimate measure of a film’s success lies in its ability to engage viewers. Whether driven by curiosity, nostalgia, or sheer entertainment value, these films have found their place in the hearts of millions, proving that in the world of streaming, there’s truly something for everyone.