Despite having a substantial gross, Red One didn’t turn a profit when it debuted in theaters on November 6. However, it has been a huge success since its early streaming release.
Chris Evans and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson play an unusual team that works together to rescue Christmas in the Christmas action movie. The film was originally intended to go straight to streaming after being acquired during the epidemic, but Amazon chose to release it in cinemas a year beyond its initial debut date and then make it available on Prime Video ahead of schedule. Red One had the largest opening of the year on the streaming service, and its success extends beyond just topping the charts, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Since its December 12 premiere on Prime Video, Red One has garnered over 50 million views globally in its first four days, according to Amazon. The action remake Road House, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, was another 2024 film that held the previous record. Over 50 million people watched the action movie in its first two weeks of release, breaking the previous record, according to Amazon. As soon as it was released, it likewise shot to the top of the charts.
“Every film is different, and we are so grateful for the partnership with our filmmakers in collectively finding the right strategy to get this film in front of the widest possible audience,” said Jennifer Salke, who is the head of Amazon MGM Studios.
“There was no question that Red One’s strategy had to include a theatrical release and related marketing campaign, which attracted moviegoers to theaters and raised awareness of the movie among viewers who would eventually watch it on Prime Video.” Seeing our strategy succeed for consumers is satisfying, and we are immensely grateful to the entire cast and crew who made it possible.”
The audience loved Red One, but the critics didn’t.
The film has made $175.4 million globally to date, with an estimated budget of $200 million (source: The Numbers). It proved to be a huge hit for Prime Video, even if it hasn’t been able to pay for its original budget, let alone marketing and distribution expenses. The movie might not have gained so much popularity on streaming services if it hadn’t been released in theaters.
Critics rated the picture a dismal 30% approval rating, earning it a “rotten” badge, while the public’s perception of the action movie couldn’t have been more different. Action and mystical animals are combined in Red One to create a unique interpretation of Santa Claus’ annual promise to distribute gifts to children. The comedy, special effects, and Johnson-Evans combination all contributed to the film’s success, as viewers returned to watch it again on streaming services. The movie received a high approval rating of 90% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes, earning it the Verified Hot label.
The film, which also stars Lucy Liu, J. K. Simmons, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju, and Wesley Kimmel, brought Johnson and Jumanji director Jake Kasdan back together. Kasdan helmed the film from a script written by Chris Morgan based on an original story by Hiram Garcia.
Red One is available to stream on Prime Video and is presently showing in cinemas.