$572 Million Monsterverse Sequel Rises in Netflix Rankings After Streaming Service Transition

The Monsterverse, a notable Hollywood franchise, has recently experienced a surge in streaming success after transitioning to a different platform. This cinematic universe adeptly weaves together characters and narratives from two iconic monster series: Godzilla and King Kong. The Godzilla franchise originated in Japan in 1954, chronicling the escapades of a gigantic irradiated lizard and boasting over 30 films. Conversely, the American King Kong franchise began in 1933, focusing on the tumultuous life of an enormous ape often provoked by human interference.

Produced by Legendary Pictures, the Monsterverse merges the legacies of King Kong and Godzilla with several other renowned kaiju from the Godzilla series, such as Mothra, King Ghidorah, and Rodan. The franchise launched with the 2014 film Godzilla, followed by Kong: Skull Island in 2017. Now, the Monsterverse includes five feature films and two television series, with plans for further expansions. Cumulatively, Monsterverse titles have generated an impressive nearly $2.5 billion in global box office revenue.

Godzilla X Kong: A New Streaming Phenomenon

Latest Installment in the Monsterverse Saga

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, the newest entry in the Monsterverse, has successfully found its footing in the streaming landscape. Released in March 2024 and helmed by director Adam Wingard, this film serves as a direct sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Godzilla vs. Kong. With a production budget of approximately $150 million, it has impressively garnered $571.8 million at the box office, making it the seventh highest-grossing movie of the year to date. The plot revolves around a confrontation in Hollow Earth, where Kong, supported by Godzilla, battles against the tyrannical Skar King and his forces.

The film boasts a talented cast, including Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen.

Currently, Godzilla x Kong is thriving on Netflix in the United States after migrating from Max, the streaming platform affiliated with its distributor, Warner Bros. Pictures. At the moment, The New Empire ranks No. 3 on Netflix’s daily Top 10 chart, trailing only the popular Netflix original thriller Carry-On and Tyler Perry’s impactful war drama The Six Triple Eight.

Insights on the Success of Godzilla X Kong on Netflix

Audience Reception: A Resounding Success

Mothra and Godzilla gazing at one another in Godzilla X Kong

New titles often draw increased viewer interest upon their debut on Netflix, and the exceptional ranking of the latest Monsterverse film on the streaming chart is a testament to its robust performance. Despite receiving a mixed 55% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score stands at an impressive 90%, indicating a strong and enthusiastic reception that has evidently transitioned seamlessly from the film’s theatrical release to its streaming debut.

Source: Netflix

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