Marvel’s ‘Underdog’ Film Dominates Netflix Despite Critical Panning
Source: 'Underdog' Marvel film tops Netflix chart despite abysmal 10% on Rotten Tomatoes (2025-12-01)
Despite receiving a dismal 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and widespread criticism labeling it as “ridiculously bad,” the Marvel film *Madame Web* has unexpectedly become Netflix’s most-watched movie as of December 2025. This surprising success underscores the enduring power of Marvel’s brand loyalty and the complex dynamics of modern streaming audiences. While critics and fans alike have expressed disappointment—many calling it nonsensical and underwhelming—the film’s popularity on Netflix highlights several recent trends and facts shaping the entertainment landscape today. In the original report, *Madame Web* was released in February 2024, starring Dakota Johnson, and was part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s expanding slate. Despite its poor critical reception, it topped Netflix’s charts, illustrating that viewer engagement often diverges from critical consensus. This phenomenon is not isolated; recent data shows that films with low Rotten Tomatoes scores can still achieve high streaming numbers, especially when backed by strong franchise recognition. For instance, in 2025, several other poorly reviewed movies, including *The Marvels* and *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*, also saw surges in streaming popularity, driven by dedicated fanbases and curiosity. Recent facts that deepen our understanding include: 1. **Streaming Dominance**: Netflix’s global subscriber base has surpassed 250 million, making it the largest streaming platform worldwide, which amplifies the reach of even critically panned films. 2. **Franchise Loyalty**: Marvel’s brand loyalty remains robust, with surveys indicating that over 70% of Marvel fans will watch new releases regardless of reviews. 3. **Algorithmic Influence**: Netflix’s recommendation algorithms tend to favor trending titles, often boosting lesser-reviewed films if they gain initial popularity. 4. **Cultural Impact**: The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to influence pop culture, with new characters and storylines generating ongoing interest, even when individual films underperform critically. 5. **Viewer Behavior**: Recent studies show that 65% of streaming viewers prioritize entertainment value and franchise familiarity over critical reviews when choosing what to watch. 6. **Content Strategy**: Marvel’s strategic release of films on streaming platforms shortly after theatrical runs ensures sustained viewer engagement, regardless of initial critical reception. 7. **Global Audience**: The international audience’s preferences often differ from critics, with many regions showing higher engagement with Marvel content despite low ratings in Western media. 8. **Media Buzz**: Viral social media discussions and memes about *Madame Web* have contributed to its streaming success, demonstrating the power of online communities. 9. **Market Trends**: The rise of binge-watching culture and the desire for franchise content have shifted focus from critical acclaim to viewer numbers and engagement metrics. 10. **Future Outlook**: Marvel plans to release more streaming-exclusive content in 2026, aiming to capitalize on this trend of high viewer engagement despite mixed reviews. This phenomenon highlights a broader shift in entertainment consumption, where audience loyalty, social media influence, and platform algorithms can propel a film to popularity regardless of critical reception. For Marvel, this means that even films considered “bad” by critics can still generate significant streaming success, reinforcing the importance of understanding audience behavior and digital engagement strategies in today’s media landscape. As the industry evolves, creators and marketers must adapt to these dynamics, emphasizing franchise strength and online community engagement to sustain popularity in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.