The weak response for most new releases in theaters so far other than the dominant “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (Sony) and “Sing 2” (Universal) could be further incentive for studios to take care in their length of windows, or even releasing in theaters initially. As always, we have little clue about the revenue raised by popular at-home titles, but the continued appearance from some long-playing films like “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (Sony/$5.99), “Free Guy” (Disney/$5.99), and “No Time to Die” (United Artists/$5.99) enhance their potential profit.
All three are among the six films that placed on all three lists. “Venom” took #1 at Google Play, while “No Time” leads at iTunes (the reduced price this week led to its return in the top three on all charts). Also on three charts are seasonal favorites “The Grinch” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (both Universal/$3.99) and “Elf” (Warner Bros./$3.99). Related ‘Glass Onion’ and Christmas-Themed Titles Dominate VOD and Netflix Charts Four Originals Debut in Netflix Top Ten – but Not ‘Bardo’ Related The Best Zombie Movies Ever Made Oscars 2023: Best Original Song PredictionsOf note this week is the near-total absence of Premium VOD titles, which not only cost three times or more than standard VOD, but also earn a higher return for studios. It appears to be the rare entertainment segment that didn’t see elevated revenues over the holidays. Sony stands out with a strong showing not only in theaters with “No Way Home” but at home. Apart from “Venom” and recent “Spider-Man” titles “Homecoming” and “Far from Home” (each at $3.99), Google Play is offering pre-buys for the unset date of “No Way Home,” at $19.99 and already at #8. Kimberley French That accounts for seven slots for the studio. The eighth goes to the just-released “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City” ($19.99), which is #1 at Vudu. That site, unlike iTunes and Google Play, counts by revenue, not transactions. Also debuting on Vudu are “Encanto” (Disney/$19.99), also free for Disney+ subscribers, and horror title “Antlers” (Searchlight/$14.99). At its prime, MGM claimed to have more stars than there are in heaven. They have a rival for that. Netflix’s chart is led by original films that feature Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Cate Blanchett, Timothée Chalamet, Tyler Perry, Sandra Bullock, Viola Davis, Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reyolds, and Gal Gadot, among others. Their films are all in Netflix’s top four most-viewed films this weekend.
Adam McKay’s just-released climate crisis comedy “Don’t Look Up” was an immediate #1, replacing Bullock’s “The Unforgivable.” “Red Notice,” scorned by some for its reported $200 million budget, has become one of their strongest performers, showing atypical legs on the site. Now in its sixth week, the action-comedy jumped to #4. That’s not normal for a site where even the best-known originals often disappear after little more than a week. A recent case in point: Jane Campion’s “The Power of the Dog.” Netflix’s other new original this week is “Vicky and Her Mystery,” at #5. The streamer acquired this French film about a girl recovering from her mother’s death in the mountains with her father, as well as a wild animal companion. It was recently released theatrically in France and Italy, with its domestic availability likely impossible without this option. Apple TV/iTunes and Google Play rank films daily by number of transactions, irrespective of revenue accrued. These are the listings for December 27. Distributors listed are current rights owners.
iTunes
Google Play
Vudu
Vudu ranks by revenue, not transactions, which elevates Premium VOD titles. This list covers December 20-26.
Netflix Movies
Most viewed, current ranking as of Monday, December 27; originals include both Netflix-produced and -acquired titles they initially presented in the U.S.
