Adam Driver’s $15M Zombie Movie with Mixed Reviews Hits Netflix US Top 10 Charts Five Years Later

Adam Driver has carved out a career that polarizes critics and audiences alike. While he has garnered acclaim for several performances — with notable films like BlacKkKlansman and Paterson achieving an impressive 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes — Driver’s portfolio is a mix of highs and lows. His earlier indie successes, including Frances Ha and Inside Llewyn Davis, along with blockbuster hits like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, contribute to his formidable resume. However, he has also faced challenges, as seen in his films 65 and This Is Where I Leave You, which only managed scores of 36% and 44% respectively.

Interestingly, even Driver’s critically lauded films have become fodder for memes and internet jokes. One of the most prominent examples is Marriage Story, which, despite its Oscar nomination and glowing reviews, continues to be ridiculed on social media. In 2023, Driver appeared in Megalopolis, which received mixed reviews and has been the subject of even more online mockery than its 45% Tomatometer suggests. Nonetheless, one of Driver’s films has recently turned into a streaming sensation.

The Dead Don’t Die Becomes a Streaming Sensation

Box Office Performance: A Disappointment

Austin Butler in a car scene from The Dead Don't Die

Directed by visionary Jim Jarmusch, The Dead Don’t Die is a 2019 zombie satire featuring a star-studded cast that includes Driver, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Tom Waits. Initially, the film was met with mixed reactions, earning a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience score of just 38%. Financially, the movie fell short of expectations, grossing only $15.3 million at the box office, which raised questions about its viability.

Despite its rocky start, The Dead Don’t Die has now climbed the Netflix charts, landing at number four in the top 10 movies in the United States, positioned between hits like Carry-On at number one and It Ends With Us at number two. The other features making waves this week include Tyler Perry’s Six Triple Eight, That Christmas, Barbie, Subservience, Our Little Secret, The Christmas Chronicles, and The Star.

Analyzing The Dead Don’t Die’s Streaming Success

Fresh Release Contributing to Success

Tilda Swinton holding a katana in The Dead Don't Die

This surge in popularity comes on the heels of The Dead Don’t Die debuting on Netflix on December 16. Its recent arrival on the platform may have significantly contributed to its success. While Adam Driver’s filmography is marked by inconsistency, his presence could still serve as an attraction for viewers. As time progresses, it will be intriguing to monitor whether The Dead Don’t Die maintains its strong performance in the streaming landscape.

Source: Netflix

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