2023 Dreamworks Flop Swims to the Top of the Netflix Movie Chart

Netflix’s recent acquisition, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, has rocketed to the top of the streaming chart despite the movie being a huge box office flop back in June 2023. Originally released in theaters by Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation, the film’s theatrical run sank like a dead weight, grossing just $46 million worldwide against a budget of $70 million. This resulted in an estimated $80 million loss for Universal, taking into account marketing costs, and set a new low opening for a Dreamworks project.

Despite the terrible box office result, which was not quite reflective of the film’s reasonably positive reviews, the move to Netflix has breathed new life into the movie. Previously exclusive to Peacock for four months, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken made its Netflix debut on February 20 and quickly climbed to the top of the Netflix Top 10 chart for U.S. films, surpassing other notable releases including Eli Roth’s horror film Thanksgiving. This achievement is particularly impressive considering it has outperformed Orion and the Dark, another DreamWorks Animation film that premiered on Netflix on February 2, following its direct-to-streaming release.

Once again, the film’s unexpected success on Netflix, after both its cinematic release and its position on another streaming platform for several months prior, is a strong indicator of the reach of the Netflix platform to bring movies to people who have perhaps missed other releases. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video are increasingly becoming a lifeline for films that do not perform as expected in theaters, offering a second chance at success and a wider audience reach.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken Couldn’t Stand Out at the Box Office

Directed by Kirk DeMicco and penned by Pam Brady, Brian C. Brown, and Elliott DiGuiseppi, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken features a star-studded voice cast including Lana Condor, Toni Collette, and Jane Fonda, among others. The film’s story centers on the life of Ruby Gillman, a 16-year-old Kraken who struggles with the typical trials and tribulations of high school life, compounded by the unique challenge of hiding her true monstrous identity.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken‘s tale of overcoming adversity and finding a place in the world was meant to resonate with audiences, and while it appeared to do that with those who did turn to see it on the big screen, the story has also now become a mirror of its own late-blooming success on Netflix after being unable to find a place elsewhere. Whether the success of the film also makes Dreamworks reconsider their future release strategy in what continues to be a volatile time for movie studios is yet to be seen, but based on recent releases, it has to be an option to be explored.

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However, next up from Dreamworks is the release of Kung Fu Panda 4 on March 8, which will likely deliver a theatrical hit to counter the disappointment of movies like Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken. Other projects on the horizon include a Shrek spin-off centered on Eddie Murphy’s Donkey, Dog Man, and direct sequels in the Shrek, Boss Baby and Madagascar franchises. Perhaps this means that Dreamworks days performing well at the box office may not be quite over yet.