Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson have unexpectedly made waves in the streaming world with their action-packed holiday movie, Red One. Despite a rocky box office performance, the film has soared to the top as the number one movie on Prime Video worldwide, marking a significant turnaround in its reception and popularity.
Red One’s Rise to the Top of Prime Video Charts
Red One boasts a unique and thrilling premise: Santa Claus (played by J.K. Simmons) is kidnapped, and it’s up to bounty hunter Jack “The Wolf” O’Malley (Chris Evans) and Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), the head of the North Pole’s security, to execute a daring rescue mission. This festive action adventure blends holiday spirit with high-stakes excitement.
Currently, Red One leads the global Prime Video charts, securing spots in the top 10 movies across 50 countries including Australia, Brazil, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and the United States. In the U.S., it holds a strong third place, showcasing its widespread appeal and growing fanbase.
Outperforming Classic and New Holiday Films
What makes Red One’s achievement even more impressive is its placement above beloved holiday titles such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and recent releases like Oh. What. Fun. and Merv. The film’s ability to surpass these established favorites highlights its unique charm and action-packed storytelling that resonates with viewers worldwide.
Box Office Challenges and Critical Reception
Despite its streaming success, Red One faced a tough run at the box office in 2024. With a hefty production budget estimated between $200-250 million, the film grossed only around $186 million worldwide — $97 million domestically and $89 million internationally. This underperformance led many to label it a box office flop as it failed to break even during its theatrical release.
Critical reviews were also mixed to negative, with Red One holding a 30% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics found the film lacking in charm and warmth, as noted by ScreenRant’s Simon Gallagher who said, “in attempting to deconstruct and reconstruct Christmas spirit there’s just never enough charm to carry the spell.” However, the audience reception told a different story, with an impressive 89% “Verified Hot” rating on Rotten Tomatoes that highlights its lasting appeal with viewers.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Forces
Alongside Evans, Johnson, and Simmons, the film features a talented ensemble including Lucy Liu as Zoe Harlow, Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus, Kristofer Hivju as Krampus, Nick Kroll as Ted, Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Olivia, Marc Evan Jackson as Uncle Rick, and Kiernan Shipka as Grýla, the witch who orchestrates Santa’s kidnapping.
The film is directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris Morgan and Hiram Garcia. Produced by a team including Dwayne Johnson himself, Barry H. Waldman, and Dany Garcia, Red One merges elements of adventure, comedy, fantasy, and action to craft a memorable holiday-themed experience.
Why Red One Is a Holiday Action Movie to Watch
While it might not yet have the massive dedicated fandom of Evans’ Marvel Cinematic Universe hits or Johnson’s Fast & Furious franchise, Red One is cementing its place as a fun and engaging Christmas action movie. Its strong audience approval and top ranking on Prime Video signal that it’s a film that will continue to attract viewers through the holiday season and potentially beyond.
Conclusion
Red One proves that a movie’s life does not end at the box office. Despite its initial theatrical struggles and mixed critical response, the film has found renewed success and appreciation in the streaming arena. With its star-studded cast, festive yet action-oriented storyline, and growing global popularity on Prime Video, it stands as a noteworthy entry in holiday entertainment.
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