Ever sinceNetflixstarted releasing original movies under its platform, the streaming service has been shelling out more money for these projects. Unfortunately,one of the common denominators of most of Netflix’s most expensive projects is their negative reviews.Critics have overwhelmingly panned most of these films, but that hasn’t necessarily killed them upon arrival. The audience reception differs starkly in many cases, showcasing the divide between critics and viewers when it comes to big-budget action movies. While not all of these works fall into the action genre, most do, as the visual effects and set pieces cost a lot.
A few of these rank amongthe most expensive movies ever made, with recent projects likeThe Electric Statemaking waves for their bloated budgets. When it comes to films released directly on streaming services, it’s tough to determine success, as there’s no box office.The profitability of these movies is directly tied to the number of hours watched,and many of these films have garnered hundreds of millions of hours. As Netflix continues to set a precedent for spending big on these enormous projects, it will be interesting to see what they have lined up in the coming years.
Though $90 million might not seem like too much compared to the more recent budgets of Netflix’s biggest projects, in 2017, this original sci-fi film being given these resources was significant.Directed by David Ayer and written by Max Landis,Brightcombines elements of fantasy with action,creating a contemporary social commentary through its otherworldly setting. Led by Will Smith as Daryl and Joel Edgerton as Nick, an Orc police officer,Brightuses the dynamic between orcs and humans as a metaphor for racism and xenophobia.
The relationship between Daryl and Nick is the emotional heart ofBright, and though it takes a moment to adjust to the rules of the story’s world,Brightmanages to capture your attention.
The relationship between Daryl and Nick is the emotional heart ofBright, and though it takes a moment to adjust to the rules of the story’s world,Brightmanages to capture your attention. ThoughBrightwas an ambitious project that might have bitten off more than it could chew, it was widely discussed, in part thanks to the large budget and polarizing critical reception. The fact thatBrightwas one of Netflix’s most viewed projects at the time proves why Netflix is so keen on paying for these big budget movies (viaIndieWire).
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Based on the bookGood Morning, Midnightby Lily Brooks-Dalton,The Midnight Skyis apost-apocalyptic sci-fi moviefeaturing George Clooney in a leading role. Set after the events of a global disaster, Clooney’s Augustine Lofthouse is one of the few remaining survivors on Earth. Most of the story revolves around his attempts to contact a spaceship returning to Earth to warn them of the conditions on the planet, as well as the bond he forms with a young girl hiding in his base.
Felicity Jones and David Oyelowo lead the cast on the spaceship, anchoring the sci-fi elements of the project. The visual effects are one of the strongest elements ofThe Midnight Sky, as the film overreaches in terms of metaphor and emotional impact as the story progresses. Though it’s far from Clooney’s best project, he gives a lot toThe Midnight Sky, committing to his role as the aging scientist. Since Netflix usually goes for big-budget action movies rather than sci-fi projects,The Midnight Skyoffers something different and exciting from the streamer.
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In a surprising twist,Triple Frontierwas generally more popular with critics than audiences,according to major review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes. This action-adventure flick brings together a crack team with specialized military training who decide to pull off the heist of a lifetime. Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, and Pedro Pascal are part of the central crew and bring plenty of charm and grit to the project. Though Adria Arjona is practically the only woman in the tight cast, she holds her own, showcasing her bright future in action.
The heist movie has a formula that can be difficult to crack, as there are many popular and hugely successful additions to the genre.
The heist movie has a formula that can be difficult to crack, as there are many popular and hugely successful additions to the genre. With the shadows of iconic projects likeOcean’s Elevenand theMission: Impossiblefranchise hanging over its head,Triple Frontierhad a lot to live up to. However, its propulsive story and the well-oiled machine of the cast paved the way for moderate success forTriple Frontier, and the gorgeous settings certainly helped create a strong atmosphere.
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Outlaw Kingmight have cost a lot to make, around $120 million, but it hasn’t been widely discussed since it was released on Netflix in 2018. Other historical drama movies led by Chris Pine, like the fantasy action filmDungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, found success after being added to streaming and have increased in notoriety. However,Outlaw Kinghasn’t had much long-term impact despite its strong cast,with Florence Pugh and Aaron Taylor-Johnson starring alongside Pine.
ThoughOutlaw Kingclearly revels in its medieval setting and enjoys showcasing bloody, realistic battles between the English and Scottish armies, its emotional side is somewhat lacking. ThoughOutlaw Kingis not considered historically accurate, this doesn’t stop the audience from being immersed in the ancient castles and the vivid design of the sets and costumes. RevisitingOutlaw Kingtoday reveals some of the more positive aspects of the film, asit’s clear this large budget was spent on creating a captivating atmosphere.
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Eddie Murphy returned for the fourth installment of theBeverly Hills Copfranchise in 2024inBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Though the lastBeverly Hills Copmovie came out in 1994, the explosive return to Axel’s (Murphy) world still sparked a lot of interest, in no small part due to Murphy’s star power. Directed by Mark Molloy,Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Fis full of nostalgia and appreciation for the original films. However, it’s one of the more genuine recent sequels and revivals that have been hitting the screen in recent years.
Set in Los Angeles,Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Fis a welcome return to Hollywood’s home, playing up the connection to the previous films and the city’s long history of cinema.
Without Murphy, there’s no way this $150 million movie would work, as the major action elements are fun, but it’s Murphy’s delivery of the script’s comedic moments that draw us in. Set in Los Angeles,Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Fis a welcome return to Hollywood’s home, playing up the connection to the previous films and the city’s long history of cinema. If Murphy returns for the fifth installment of the franchise, it won’t have much trouble making a splash.
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Ryan Reynolds has been a mainstay of the action-comedy genre since his performance for a long time, but he’s been everywhere since his 2016 performance inDeadpool. In6 Underground,Reynolds takes on a different type of role but still retains his characteristic sense of humor.As One, Reynolds assembles a team of vigilantes who come together to bring down a dictator in6 Underground, and though the premise is slightly outlandish, Netflix committed significant resources.
Directed by Michael Bay,6 Undergroundhas a lot in common with his other projects, with explosive stunts and over-the-top action sequences that will dazzle the audience, for better or worse.6 Undergroundis grounded by its cast, which includes Mélanie Laurent, Adria Arjona, and Dave Franco. Though6 Undergrounddoesn’t have anything new to add to the action genre,it’s a diverting good time for fans of Bay and Reynolds.
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Martin Scorsese’s period epic,The Irishman, is one of Netflix’s biggest critical successes when it comes to its most expensive films. Scorsese assembled many long-time collaborators and huge names in the crime genre, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. One of the elements ofThe Irishmanthat sparked conversation and made it so expensive is the fact thatit used de-aging technology on the actors, allowing them to play their characters from young adulthood into old age.
Though it isn’t Netflix’s most successful project, it demonstrated that the streaming service could be a haven for big-budget artistic works and iconic directors.
ThoughThe Irishmanisn’t one ofMartin Scorsese’s highest-grossing movies of all time, it received numerous nominations and honors throughout awards season. Clocking in at three and a half hours long,The Irishmanis an epic in many senses, requiring a significant time commitment from the audience. Though it isn’t Netflix’s most successful project, it demonstrated that the streaming service could be a haven for big-budget artistic works and iconic directors.
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Full of mystery, intrigue, and international art thievery,Red Noticefeatures big names, with Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot leading the cast.With a budget somewhere between $160 and 200 million,Red Noticemade waves for its budget back in 2021, even if Netflix has outdone itself since then. Like many of its contemporaries,Red Noticeblends action with comedy, poking fun at itself and the tropes of the genre along the way.
There’s good reason to expect a sequel toRed Notice, as the stars and the franchise have long-term legs, considering the performance of the film, and it’s reportedly still in production. Though there haven’t been many updates,Red Noticemade a splash on Netflix when it was released in 2021, and a sequel would likely do the same. With fast-paced action sequences and big set pieces,the globe-trotting movie takes the viewer all over the world and does a better job justifying its budgetthan some of Netflix’s other works.
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Ryan Gosling anchors the Russo Brothers' blockbuster action movie,The Gray Man, which cost Netflix around $200 million. Centering on a conflict between the CIA agent Sierra Six (Gosling) and Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), a former agent tracking him down,The Gray Manis a classic action-packed thrill ride. Thoughcritical reception ofThe Gray Manwas mixed to poor, audiences were much more open to Netflix’s blockbuster,likely thanks to its star-studded cast.
The Gray Manwas popular enough that Netflix has plans forThe Gray Man 2, though the project is still in the development stage.
Based on the book by Mark Greaney,The Gray Manis similar to popular contemporary series likeReacherorThe Night Agent, which have also performed well for their streaming services.The Gray Manwas popular enough that Netflix has plans forThe Gray Man 2, though the project is still in the development stage. However, it will be interesting to see how much Netflix is willing to pay for the sequel after the success of the first movie and the recent big-budget films.
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Netflix’s most recent and most expensive original movie,The Electric State, stars Millie Bobbie Brown and Chris Pratt and is directed by the Russo Brothers.The Russos were also behindAvengers: Endgame, which had a budget of $356 million, possibly more, setting a precedent for Marvel. It will be interesting to see whatThe Electric State’s long-term performance is and if Netflix will get enough streams to warrant such a bloated budget. So far, things aren’t looking good, asThe Electric Stateopened to a harsh critical reception.
Netflix Basically Just Made A $320 Million MCU Movie & It Has 19% On Rotten Tomatoes
Netflix is releasing their most expensive movie in history, and it features many MCU elements. However, that might not be a good thing.
It’s easy to wonder howThe Electric Statebecame so expensive, but multiple factors contributed to the final result. With so many big names attached, complex visual effects, and significant reliance on CGI,The Electric Statewas a massive undertaking, even by Netflix’s high standards. Though it isn’t unprecedented for Netflix to have produced such an expensive movie, compared to its other projects,The Electric Stateis a big swing. However, if audiences respond more positively toNetflix’srecent project, there may still be hope forThe Electric State.
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