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What Box Office Bomb Crushed Obsession on Streaming?
(Welcome to my weekly streaming ratings report, the single best guide to what’s popular in streaming TV and what isn’t. I’m the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a former streaming executive who now analyzes business strategy in the entertainment industry. If you were forwarded this email, please subscribe to get these insights each week.) Before we get into this week’s issue, let me ask you for some suggestions. At the risk of coining too many names for too many things (hence my dictionary of terms...), I need a name for straight-to-streaming films that are too expensive to justify a straight-to-streaming release, but not big enough to justify a theatrical release. Like some of the films I highlighted in last week’s tally of the biggest film flops of 2026 so far: Hulu’s Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, Pizza Movie or Never Change! They don’t feel like “made for TV movies” (think Hallmark and Lifetime movies, cheap Netflix romcoms, or Disney Channel Original movies, for example) but they don’t feel big enough for the big screen. They’re not “cinematic” enough, so to speak. As I wrote... “I still need a name for this middle zone of film that’s too expensive to go straight-to-streaming but too small to justify a theatrical release (with all the PR, distribution, marketing and whatnot costs that go along with it), the Goldilocks zone of streaming film death.” Friend of the newsletter Brandon Katz has suggested the “Bermuda Budget Triangle”, “The Platform Gap” and “The Distribution Deadzone”. I love that first one. I’d offer up the much wordier “The Streaming Budget Dead Zone” or “the Goldilocks Zone of streaming film death” but that last one isn’t accurate since, unlike Goldilocks’ porridge, these films are the opposite of “just right”. That’s the problem! Anyway, if you have any suggestions, let me know! On to today’s Streaming Ratings Report. As you can tell by today’s headline, things are going to be spicy! I’m looking at a box office bomb that did really, really well on streaming, somewhat challenging a few different narratives. And another Netflix series declined in its second season. All that, plus Wicked: For Good switching streamers, The Hawk continuing its strong run, _The Bear’_s finale season finally dropping off the charts, the WNBA posting a big viewership number, “shallow libraries”, a sitcom spinoff failing to launch, more big budget IP flopping on Paramount+, all the flops, bombs and misses, and a whole lot more. Let’s dive right in! (Reminder: The streaming ratings report focuses on the U.S. market and compiles data from Nielsen’s weekly top ten viewership ranks, Luminate’s Top Ten Data, JustWatch and Reelgood interest data, Samba TV household viewership, company datecdotes, Netflix hours viewed data, Google Trends, and IMDb to determine the most popular content. While most data points are current, Nielsen’s data covers the weeks of July 20th to July 26th, 2026. You can find a link to my terminology here.) Subscribe Film - The Latest Theatrical Success Story on Streaming In the latest edition of “Flops, Bombs and Misses of the First Half of 2026”, I made a crucial change: I started including theatrical films with the streaming misses. The streamers have collectively—including Netflix, but not to as big of an extent—stopped making a lot of straight-to-streaming films, and the ones they do make aren’t as expensive as in the heyday of the streaming bubble. After the following two films bombed in theaters, you’d guess that they’ll be included in my next collection of flops, bombs and misses six months from now: Masters of the Universe on Prime Video (only $64 million domestic box office) Mortal Kombat II on HBO Max ($79 million domestic) But you’d be wrong! Masters of the Universe, a reboot of the He-Man franchise, a toy from the 1980s, came to streaming on 22-July and did great! This long-gestating project—it’s been at every studio for years, and came close to getting a greenlight at Netflix—then finally came to theaters in June, and showed up on streaming less than two months later. (I don’t love this short theatrical window.) It surprisingly grabbed nearly 20 million hours on its debut: That means, wait for it, Masters of the Universe is currently the eighth biggest film on streaming through two weeks. My rough bar for “hit” is shows or films in the top 15%. Ergo…Masters of the Universe is a legit, streaming hit! (One quick caveat: if it falls out of the top ten next week, it will move to 13th overall, just on the edge of the top 15.) Of course, that’s the data for just 2026. Here’s how it stacks up to Prime Video’s theatrical films: That drop into its second week is typical for Amazon films, but also a worrying sign. I have a feeling interest in this film is front-loaded and we’ll see it drop off after this. As for Mortal Kombat II, in this case, the viewership numbers roughly match the theatrical outing, with only 4.1 million hours in its first week. Here’s how it stacks up to other HBO Max films: The best defense of this number is that, as a relatively violent rated-R film, Mortal Kombat II never had a good chance at breaking out. So now it’s time for a little big of “Entertainment Nuance Guy”: First, yeah, my headline is obviously facetious, since Masters of the Universe besting Obsession says more about horror as a genre than it does that film. Second, I read and listened to quite a few “nobody wanted this IP” takes about Masters of the Universe, and that’s not really true. At least enough people wanted it to power a 20 million+ hour debut! Third, both this film and Mortal Kombat II were considered “average” by viewers, but not great films, with a 6.4 and 6.3 respectively on IMDb. That’s just shy of the level needed to be a word-of-mouth hit. Fourth, in the olden days, strong word of mouth could transform a box office miss into a cable/DVD hit, like Austin Powers or The Shawshank Redemption. We haven’t seen a lot of examples of that on streaming, though. And there are far fewer ways to monetize the post-theatrical life of a film these days. Fifth, Prime Video has shown an ability to push their own titles well, likely because they control the Amazon Fire TV ecosystem. Add it all up, and here’s my nuanced take on Masters of the Universe: it was a box office bomb, but, shockingly, a streaming hit. Unfortunately, while being a theatrical hit saves your film financially, being a streaming hit does not. Both Masters of the Universe and Mortal Kombat II had big budgets and needed to make more money in theaters to justify them. So…Straight-to-Streaming or Theaters? We’ve hit a really fun point in the streaming calendar, since the films that came out in theaters in April, May, and June are now arriving on streaming. So the “Do theatrical releases help streaming performances?” question is gonna get a fresh round of updates nearly every week. No single week will answer the question, but we may get some insights. For example, so far in 2026, it looks like theatrical films are lasting longer on the weekly Nielsen film charts. Here’s a list of films that have made the charts in their fourth or fifth week of release, separated by “for kids” and “general entertainment”: It certainly seems like theatrical films are lasting just a pinch longer on the charts, with Project Hail Mary being the current five-week champion. One Battle After Another did well for HBO Max too, and even The Sheep Detectives made it four weeks. The only exception to this trend? Obsession, which only lasted two weeks on the charts. You might tempted to overreact to this news. Don’t. Obsession is a huge horror hit, but horror just doesn’t do as well on streaming. By the way, here’s the Google Trends for various theatrical and stremaing films: Plus, when it comes to Netflix in four months, Obsession may have another big boost. Quick Notes on Film Note that when I write, “the streamers have pulled back on straight-to-streaming films” that doesn’t mean “abandoned” because Netflix is gonna Netflix. On 24-July, they released 72 Hours, a Kevin Hart comedy. Along with Eddie Murphy, Mark Wahlberg, John Cena and Adam Sandler, Kevin Hart is a streaming film star now. Did this latest one work? Not really. It only garnered two weeks of 13.2 and 12.2 million hours on its debut, well below the 20-million-hour hit threshold. It also was poorly received critically—a 44 on Metacritic—and by customers—a 5.4 on IMDb on 21K IMDb reviews. We’re just getting started with this issue, but the rest is for paid subscribers of the Entertainment Strategy Guy, so if you’d like to find out… The latest Netflix true crime doc to pop on the charts… How The Bear finished its run… Netflix’s latest Western to return to streaming… What Paramount+ animated film flopped… And what sitcom also missed… All the flops, bombs and misses… And a whole lot more… ...please subscribe! We can only keep doing this great work with your support. Coming Soon! I’m behind by a week, so we’ve got two issues coming your way this week, including one in a couple of days or so, then we’ll be all caught up**.** Next issue, inspired by The Super Mario Galaxy Movie coming to Peacock, I’m going to take a look at the workhouse of streaming TV: kids films. Plus The Devil Wears Prada 2 continues theatrical films’ big run on streaming. All that, plus another surprise hit on Hulu, Lioness on CBS, and a whole lot more. Long term, LeBron James is filming his own “Last Dance”-style docu-series, surprising no one. But as I’ve been writing about a lot this summer, this genre is really overrated, so whoever ends up buying it (reportedly ESPN) really shouldn’t pay too much for it.
Warner's 'Sinners' Returns Atop U.K. Home Entertainment Sales Chart Following Oscars Win
Warner’s Sinners returned atop the Official Film Chart, the weekly U.K. home entertainment sales chart, after winning multiple Oscars at the March 15 Academy Awards. Last week’s chart topper, Universal’s Wicked: For Good dropped to No. 2, after four non-consecutive weeks at No. 1. Warner’s other Oscar-winner, One Battle After Another, surged 14 spots to No. … Continue reading "Warner’s ‘Sinners’ Returns Atop U.K. Home Entertainment Sales Chart Following Oscars Win"
Oscars 2026 winners and recap: 'One Battle After Another' named Best Picture; Jessie Buckley and Michael B. Jordan take home acting awards
Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" took home six awards on Sunday.
The Politics of Teyana Taylor’s ‘One Battle After Another’ Character
Teyana Taylor’s character of Perfidia Beverly Hills is the most radical part of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-winning movie.
Oscars 2026 winners: Full list as 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' dominate awards
Paul Thomas Anderson's madcap family drama led the night with six wins. Ryan Coogler's vampire thriller claimed four Oscars.
'One Battle After Another' triumphs at 98th Academy Awards in coronation for Paul Thomas Anderson
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” has been crowned best picture at the 98th Academy Awards. Jessie Buckley won best actress and Michael B. Jordan won best actor at
Free Palestine and ICE out: how this year’s Oscars got political
As One Battle After Another swept, Paul Thomas Anderson, Javier Bardem and Conan O’Brien gave a welcome reality check to the glitzy ceremony
The Oscars had feathered gowns, K-pop lightsticks and ballet's revenge. Inside the strangest, funniest and most viral Oscar moments
Paul Thomas Anderson wins big for "One Battle After Another," Michael B. Jordan nabs Best Actor over Timothée Chalamet after last-minute controversy, and the stars dazzle at the 98th Academy Awards.
Complete list of 2026 Academy Awards winners
“One Battle After Another” won several awards at Sunday's Oscars, including best picture, director and the first-ever casting award. “Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan, won best actor, earning his first
The Latest: ‘One Battle After Another’ takes best picture
The 98th Academy Awards on Sunday saw “One Battle After Another” win big with six awards, including best picture, director, supporting actor and casting. “Sinners” followed with four awards, including
\'One Battle After Another\' wins best picture at 98th Academy Awards
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” has been crowned best picture at the 98th Academy Awards. Jessie Buckley won best actress and Michael B. Jordan won best actor at
'One Battle After Another' wins best picture Oscar
'One Battle After Another' was named best picture at Sunday night’s Oscars.
Sean Penn wins supporting actor Oscar for 'One Battle After Another'
Sean Penn won the Oscar for supporting actor Sunday for his role, but he did not attend the ceremony, with presenter Kieran Culkin accepting the award on his behalf.
\'KPop Demon Hunters,\' \'Frankenstein\' hand Netflix early wins at Academy Awards
The first ever Oscar for best casting went to Cassandra Kulukundis for “One Battle After Another.” “KPop Demon Hunters,” Amy Madigan and “Frankenstein” won early Oscars at a 98th Academy
'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' poised for an all-Warner Bros. showdown at Academy Awards
The Academy Awards promises a thrilling showdown between Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” and Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” with both directors vying for their first Oscar.
2026 Oscar nominations full list: 'Sinners' smashes record with 16 nods as 'Wicked: For Good' is snubbed entirely
Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" was second with 13 while Jon M. Chu's "Wicked" sequel was completely shut out.
Movie filmed in San Diego County starring Leonardo DiCaprio up for ‘Best Picture’ at Oscars
"One Battle After Another", a movie filmed in San Diego County, is nominated for "Best Picture" at the 98th Academy Awards and has injected nearly $7 million into the local economy.
98th Academy Awards: A 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' showdown
The Oscars will begin at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu
98th Academy Awards: A 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' showdown
The Oscars will begin at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu
Oscars 2026 winners: The complete list
The 2026 Oscars air Sunday at 4 p.m. from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood as 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' square off for the top prize. Follow along as we update the winners list live.
\'Sinners\' and \'One Battle After Another\' poised for an all-Warner Bros. showdown at Academy Awards
Hollywood will convene Sunday night for a nail-biter Academy Awards that’s steering toward a coronation for either Paul Thomas Anderson or Ryan Coogler. Most would call that a win-win. Anderson’s
\'One Battle After Another,\' \'Sinners\' face off at Actor Awards in final pre-Oscars showdown
With two weeks to go until the Academy Awards, the 32nd Actor Awards on Sunday will be the final pre-Oscars showdown for “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners.” The ceremony,
\'One Battle After Another\' wins at PGA Awards, setting up awards-season sweep
“One Battle After Another” remains undefeated. Paul Thomas Anderson’s ragtag revolutionary drama took top honors Saturday night at the 37th annual Producers Guild Awards, setting it on course to triumph
Winners of the 2026 British Academy Film Awards, or BAFTAs
“One Battle After Another” was named best picture at Britain's BAFTA film awards.
The 2025 Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA) Winners
The Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA) have announced their winners representing the best in film for 2025. Here are this year’s winners… Best PictureBelénBob Treviño Likes ItFrankensteinHamnetIt Was Just an AccidentMarty SupremeOne Battle After AnotherThe Secret AgentSentimental ValueSinners Best DirectorPaul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After AnotherRyan Coogler, SinnersGuillermo del Toro, FrankensteinDolores Fonzi, BelénKleber Mendonça Filho, The Secret […]
Paul Thomas Anderson wins at 78th Directors Guild Awards for 'One Battle After Another'
Paul Thomas Anderson won the top prize at the 78th Directors Guild Awards, putting the “One Battle After Another” filmmaker on course to potentially win his first Oscar. The DGA Awards, held...
Where To Watch All The Best Picture Nominees Before The Oscars
Stream “Sinners,” “One Battle After Another” and more top picks from the comfort of your couch.
2026 Oscar nominations full list: 'Sinners' smashes record with 16 category nods as 'Wicked: For Good' is snubbed entirely
Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" was second with 13 while Jon M. Chu's "Wicked" sequel was completely shut out.
Ben Affleck reveals the actress Leonardo DiCaprio privately raved to him about
'The Rip' star Ben Affleck says Leonardo DiCaprio and Paul Thomas Anderson have both privately raved to him about working with Teyana Taylor on 'One Battle After Another.' He stars with the recent Golden Globe winner in 'The Rip,' now streaming on Netflix.
Golden Globes 2026: 'Heated Rivalry,' Wanda Sykes & More Memorable Moments
'One Battle After Another' and 'Adolescence' came out on top of the battle that was the 2026 Golden Globes. The 'Heated Rivalry' stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams stole the show! We're breaking down the most memorable moments and biggest winners from this year's Golden Globes.
‘One Battle After Another,’ shot in El Paso, dominates Golden Globes
The Paul Thomas Anderson film was shot in El Paso for 18 days between May and June 2024 and contributed nearly $6 million in direct spending.
The Golden Globes ceremony ignored politics. But their big winner taps today’s unhappy turbulence
One Battle After Another engages with the tense climate of the second Trump administration unlike any other contender
Golden Globes 2026 winners: ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Adolescence’ lead the night
Timothée Chalamet and Owen Cooper continued their 2026 award season winning streaks
2026 Golden Globes live updates: Full list of winners as 'One Battle After Another' and 'Hamnet' take home top film nods; 'Adolescence' recognized for TV with 4 wins
The show was hosted by Nikki Glaser for the second year in a row.
Golden Globes 2026 full winners list: 'One Battle After Another' and 'The White Lotus' lead in film and TV nominations
Hollywood's most eclectic awards show recognizes the year's best in film, television and even podcasts.
Producers Guild nominees include 'One Battle After Another,' 'Sinners'
The 37th annual Producers Guild Awards will be held on Feb. 28 in Los Angeles
Video Predictions for 89th Golden Globes: ‘Sinners,’ ‘The Pitt’ and more
Kelley Carter, senior entertainment reporter at ESPN’s Andscape, is predicting big wins for “Sinners,” “One Battle After Another” and HBO’s “The Pitt.”
'One Battle After Another' dominates SAG's Actor Awards with 7 nominations
Seven nods is a record
'One Battle After Another' dominates SAG's Actor Awards with 7 nominations
“One Battle After Another” dominated nominations to the Actor Awards on Wednesday, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s ragtag revolutionary saga landing a record seven nods in the annual Screen Actors Guild
Leonardo DiCaprio Mocked For Getting Marooned On Vacation With Jeff Bezos
Critics Choice Awards host Chelsea Handler just had to joke with the “One Battle After Another” star after he was MIA at another big event.
Golden Globes 2026 full nominations list: 'One Battle After Another' and 'The White Lotus' lead in film and television categories
Hollywood's most eclectic awards show will recognize the year's best in film, television and even podcasts on Jan. 11.
Junglepussy is ready to conquer the world
It’s hard not to be inspired by Junglepussy — just ask “One Battle After Another” director Paul Thomas Anderson. In our “Annual Self-Assessment,” the rapper reflects on the year and looks ahead to 2026: “You see how I rock the boat?”
From 'One Battle After Another' to 'Regretting You,' 25 movies to stream now
Need movies to see this holiday break? Watch these 25 at home now, including "One Battle After Another." All are free on your streaming services.
We Watch Movies For A Living. These Were The 17 Films That Blew Us Away This Year.
"Sinners," "One Battle After Another" and "Hamnet" weren’t the only movies we loved this year.
Golden Globe 2026 nominations: Full list of nominees announced ahead of January awards ceremony
The nominations for the 2026 Golden Globes were revealed on Monday, and Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" leads the pack with nine.
'One Battle After Another' leads Golden Globe nominations
They were revealed Monday
It’s Golden Globes nominations time and all the movies and TV shows are about anxiety
The noms are coming and it looks like everyone is stressed. From “One Battle After Another” to “The Pitt” to “Weapons” to “Severance,” we’re mainlining art about how freaked out we are.