Streaming platforms have a unique way of giving second chances to movies that didn’t perform well at the box office. A perfect example of this phenomenon is seen in one of the worst-reviewed films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which surprisingly became one of the most viewed superhero movies in the US streaming charts in 2024.
The Unexpected Success
Despite Marvel‘s attempt to reignite its momentum with upcoming projects like Thunderbolts (2025), Fantastic Four (2025), Avengers: Doomsday (2026), and Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), the MCU has faced some serious setbacks in recent years. Since the end of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Marvel’s offerings have often been criticized for lackluster visuals and weak writing. Films such as Morbius (2022), Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels (2023), and the much-discussed Captain America: Brave New World (2025) have all left fans disappointed.
Among these, one film, considered by many to be the worst MCU film, has somehow managed to outperform expectations on streaming platforms. With nearly 16 million views in the first two weeks of its release on Netflix in the United States, it surpassed even Deadpool and Wolverine (2024) on Disney+, which garnered 15.8 million views.
So, which movie took the crown? The answer is Madame Web, the 2024 film that was universally panned upon its theatrical release, grossing only $100 million against an $80 million budget. Paradoxically, when it made its way to Netflix, it became one of the most-watched films in Sony Pictures‘ history on the platform.
Streaming: A Second Chance for Films
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO have revolutionized the way we watch movies. They provide viewers with access to an expansive library, offering a second chance for films that didn’t shine at the box office. Classics like Citizen Kane (1941), The Birds (1963), and The Godfather (1972) have inspired generations and continue to be rediscovered by modern audiences. But what about films that failed to meet expectations when they first hit theaters?
Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter (2024) are two such examples. Both films struggled at the box office, yet found renewed life through streaming, drawing attention from curious viewers eager to see these so-called “disasters” for themselves. Why do films that received poor reviews get this second opportunity? The answer lies in streaming economics.
For Netflix, the strategy is simple: they pay Sony a lower fee for films that didn’t perform well in theaters. So while these films may have flopped commercially, they still become profitable for the platform, as viewers flock to see what went wrong. This gives them a second chance to find success, but often at a much more affordable price than the high-ticket blockbuster films.
The Bottom Line
Streaming has changed the way movies are consumed, offering films that didn’t perform well at the box office a new lease on life. What was once seen as a failure in theaters can become a success in the world of streaming. As the case of Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter shows, films that were panned in theaters can gain traction through curiosity, and in the end, turn into profitable streaming content for services like Netflix.
So next time a movie seems like a “flop,” it’s worth checking if it shows up on your favorite streaming platform. Who knows, you might just discover that some films deserve a second chance after all.
