Netflix bet big on Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and its $120M+ budget, and the numbers indicate it’s off to a strong start on the streamer, pulling in 29M views in its first three days. It’s #1 on the global movie charts for the week ending November 9.
Following a limited three-week theatrical run, the R-rated, 2.5-hour film arrives on Netflix with positive reviews and Oscar buzz. It’s #5 among English-language debuts this year, sitting just below Tom Hardy’s “Havoc” (29.8M views).
In fact, the film is #1 in 85 countries, with only a handful of holdouts where it’s currently ranking either #2 or #3 on the movie charts. It also represents the biggest numbers del Toro has delivered to Netflix, with the Oscar-winning “Pinocchio” debuting to 13.8M views and “Cabinet of Curiosities” debuting to 6.6M views.
“Seeing people embracing Frankenstein in the way I have for over 50 years now is really meaningful,” del Toro said in a statement to Deadline. “I’ve seen an outpouring of love, with many sharing with me about their repeat viewing, both in the 600 sold out screenings and now globally on Netflix. This is a film I’ve carried with me my entire life, and to see it resonate so deeply with audiences around the world is a really full circle moment.”
I’m super happy for del Toro—his passion project has finally been made—but the fact remains that the film, which was originally promised 1,000+ screens nationwide for its theatrical rollout, only played in 400 during its three-week bow. Furthermore, Netflix refused to divulge the box office receipts.
About that Oscar buzz … “Frankenstein” is currently #8 on the Gold Derby charts for Best Picture. It’s quickly turned into Netflix’s top priority. The other Netflix titles — in ranking order: “Jay Kelly” (#13), “Train Dreams” (#14), “A House of Dynamite” (#16) and “Wake Up Dead Man” (#20).
Below you will find the top 2025 movie debuts on Netflix. The list speaks for itself.
It’s hard to believe, but Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” was met with boos at its Cannes premiere in May 2006. The film also received mixed reviews from critics and remains “rotten” on Rotten Tomatoes.