These films got a second life on streaming!
The box office arena is a competitive battleground where films vie for supremacy each week, striving to outperform their rivals in ticket sales. While revenue isn't the sole measure of a film's worth, the ongoing struggle for box office dominance captivates both industry insiders and movie enthusiasts alike. Despite the creative essence of filmmaking, financial success remains a primary objective for studios. However, a recent phenomenon has emerged where a movie may falter in theatres yet find redemption through success on streaming platforms!
In contrast to other box office disappointments that lacked merit, "Turning Red" seems deserving of greater financial success than it achieved. This vibrant and distinctive Pixar production offers a blend of humour and heartwarming storytelling, focusing on a 13-year-old girl navigating the challenges of adolescence alongside a unique family trait: transforming into a giant red panda during moments of intense emotion. Because of COVID-19, the movie had a limited theatre release, resulting in much lower box office earnings compared to what it cost to make. However, positive critical reception and the esteemed Pixar brand contributed to its popularity on Disney+. While it may not have achieved traditional profitability, the film's success in capturing audiences through streaming platforms suggests a different measure of accomplishment in today's evolving cinematic landscape.
In 2020, the absence of superhero movies, particularly from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), was notable due to pandemic-related delays. However, DC Comics managed to deliver a significant release with the sequel to 2017's well-received "Wonder Woman" film, titled "Wonder Woman 1984." Despite its substantial $200 million budget, the film struggled to break even in theatres. Nevertheless, it found unexpected success through streaming platforms, emerging as one of the most-watched movies during its release period. While its place within the broader DC Extended Universe (DCEU) remains uncertain, the streaming success of "Wonder Woman 1984" suggests the possibility of future installments within the same continuity, highlighting the evolving dynamics of film distribution and audience engagement.
The highly anticipated sequel to the 1990s classic "Space Jam" finally materialised in 2021 with "Space Jam: A New Legacy." Even without the complications of COVID-19, the film faced challenges, particularly in the wake of harsh critical reviews. Dropped in theatres and on streaming simultaneously as part of Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max's pandemic-era move, the movie struggled to make back its production budget in theatres. However, it clicked better with streaming audiences, showing how the way we watch movies is changing!
Steven Spielberg's adaptation of "West Side Story" faced high expectations due to the revered status of the original 1961 film. Fortunately, the 2021 rendition delivered with its stunning visuals and captivating performances, along with some updates to the story and casting choices that brought a fresh perspective to the narrative. While the film received widespread acclaim, it didn't achieve blockbuster success at the box office, which may be attributed to factors beyond just the impact of COVID-19. Despite this, its streaming performance was respectable, likely bolstered by its seven Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture.
While the original "The Matrix" film remains unparalleled in its action and creativity, the sequels have garnered their share of intrigue. "The Matrix Reloaded" heightened both the action and the complexity of its narrative, while "The Matrix Revolutions" served as an ambitious conclusion to the trilogy, albeit with mixed reception. Nearly two decades later, "The Matrix Resurrections" emerged as a peculiar addition to the franchise, reviving the iconic series and its characters for another installment. Even with a comeback, the fourth movie had a tough time making a big impact at the box office, likely affected by things like the impact of COVID-19. Nevertheless, it found success among audiences through streaming platforms like HBO Max, although piracy rates were notably high.
In previous eras, movies could find renewed popularity through television broadcasts, while in the 2000s and early 2010s, DVD and Blu-ray sales offered a similar opportunity. However, in the 2020s, the streaming environment has become the primary platform for giving box office disappointments a second chance to attract audiences.
