“Free Guy” returns to topping all charts, a streak interrupted last week when “The Addams Family 2” (United Artists/$19.99) took #1 at Vudu, which ranks by revenue, not transactions, as do Apple TV/iTunes and Google Play. That was a Halloween response, as the film is now #3 on Vudu.
In a week with little other change, for the first time ever, one chart (Apple/iTunes) has no Premium VOD titles, and another (Google Play) lists only “Addams.” Even Vudu, which usually is dominated by PVOD entries, lists only five. It is unclear whether this factored into the decision for the early release of “No Time to Die,” but it will have little competition, at least initially. Sony hasn’t announced the release date for “Venom 2,” which opened theatrically in October. But the studio has tended to go with a 45-day window, suggesting it might become available the following week. (That would be the same time “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” shows up on Disney+ for subscribers.) With “Halloween Kills,” “Dune,” and “Addams” already on home platforms, these are the two remaining titles from the flush October slate with no previous non-theatrical viewing. Only “Old” (Universal/$5.99) joined “Free” on all charts, second at Google Play, third at Apple/iTunes. Other #2 titles were “Pig” (Neon/$6.99) at Apple/iTunes, reduced from earlier PVOD, and “Candyman” (Universal/$19.99) at Vudu. Of the three new entries, of note is a curious Eastwood family tie. “Cry Macho” (HBO Max/$19.99) played #9 at Vudu after its theater/HBO Max play, with Clint’s film released 50 days (earlier than the usual 60) after its debut on PVOD. Meantime, son Scott’s “Dangerous” (Lionsgate/$6.99), a home premiere, placed #5 at Vudu and #7 at Apple/iTunes.
“Dangerous” has a quirky plot — a parolee, whose sociopathic side has been treated by an idiosyncratic therapist (Mel Gibson), risks his freedom to track down his brother’s killer. What’s interesting is that their relative placement at Vudu (revenue-based) means Scott’s title likely had three times the interest as Clint’s. Its new availability is a major reason, but it’s a sign that the torch may be passing, at least as a draw as an actor. While the VOD charts are mainly holdover titles, Netflix had its usual major turnover. And as often happens, some surprises: Six new releases placed this week. Initially, the well-received Black western “The Harder They Fall” led. But the current #1 is the less-high-profile “Love Hard.” This early entry in the season’s usual Christmas rom-com lineup (the film involves a dating app cross-country meeting gone bad) is an example of how the site’s audience goes its own way, with little more than targeted highlighting to likely viewers. Another original, “Father Christmas Comes Back,” a British comedy about four sisters dealing with past conflicts, arrived, with John Cleese among the cast. Apple TV/iTunes and Google Play rank films daily by number of transactions, irrespective of revenue accrued. These are the listings for November 8. Distributors listed are current rights owners.
Apple TV/iTunes
Google Play
Vudu
Vudu ranks by revenue, not transactions, which elevates Premium VOD titles. This list covers November 1-7
Netflix Movies
Most viewed, current ranking as of Monday, November 8; originals include both Netflix-produced and -acquired titles they initially presented in the U.S.
