Both are genre thrillers, each released for $19.99 after their third weekend in theaters. “Spiral” is the more recent, and is part of a lucrative and long-running franchise. However, it’s “Wrath” that was #1 at three of the four lists below (#2 at Apple/iTunes), while “Spiral” lagged at #2 in the two charts that track by revenues and lower (#4 and #6) at Apple/iTunes and Google TV, both of which chart by number of rentals. Why? “Wrath” had a much better Cinemascore (A-, excellent for a routine crime drama), while the B- for “Spiral” was at the lower end for the franchise. “Wrath” has a proven action star in Statham at a time when a known star can create impulse buys. “Wrath” makes no claims for originality, but its sustained dominance suggests that films that not part of series or sequels can gain a footing.
“The Courier,” a Cold War spy thriller in the le Carre vein starring Benedict Cumberbatch, is now is available for $5.99. It sits at #1 at Apple/iTunes and #10 at FandangoNow and Vudu, despite its lower price. After a successful PVOD run, “Tom & Jerry” also reduced its price and placed on the bottom half of on all four charts. Among the few fresh entries are “Edge of the World” starring Jonathan Rhys Myers and Dominic Monaghan. Available at $6.99, took seventh place at Apple/iTunes. Netflix, after multiple weeks of originals leading its chart, saw Freestyle theatrical release “2 Hearts,” released theatrically early in the reopening phase last October (grossing $1.3) take top position. The faith-based, based-on-a-true-story romance stars Radha Mitchell. Also opening strong is Netflix’s Spanish-language original “Xtreme.” It sounds familiar enough — average guy seeks revenge after his father and son are murdered — and it is at #4. Apple TV/ITunes and Google Play rank films daily by number of transactions, irrespective of revenue accrued. These are the listings for Monday, June 7.
Apple TV/iTunes
Google Play
FandangoNOW
Vudu
Netflix Movies
Most viewed, current ranking as of Monday, June 7; originals include both Netflix-produced and -acquired titles