I, Frankenstein: Box Office Flop Finding Streaming Success

The 2014 film I, Frankenstein, starring Aaron Eckhart, initially bombed at the box office, but is now experiencing an unexpected surge in popularity on streaming platforms, proving that second chances do exist in the world of entertainment.

Aaron Eckhart, known for roles in critically acclaimed films such as The Dark Knight and Olympus Has Fallen, experienced a significant setback with the release of I, Frankenstein. But the movie is currently ranked among the Top 10 most-watched titles on Tubi as of May 29, 2025.

The film features Eckhart as Adam Frankenstein, a superhuman creation, and its newfound success is quite remarkable considering its initial reception. Could this streaming resurgence indicate a shift in audience preferences or simply a matter of timing?

Unexpected Streaming Popularity of I, Frankenstein

I, Frankenstein is outperforming several well-known titles on Tubi, including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family, Devotion, and Till. This unexpected popularity highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry and how a film's fate can change over time.

This success on streaming platforms in 2025 contrasts sharply with the film's original reception in 2014. Back then, audiences gave I, Frankenstein a mediocre C+ CinemaScore and a 38% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This makes the film's current popularity even more surprising.

The fact that a movie once considered a failure is now capturing the attention of streaming audiences raises interesting questions about the factors that contribute to a film's long-term success.

Critical Reception vs. Audience Engagement

While audience reviews were lukewarm, critics were even harsher. I, Frankenstein received a dismal 5% critics' score, making it Aaron Eckhart's lowest-rated project, significantly lower than his acclaimed role in The Dark Knight.

This stark contrast between critical reception and current streaming numbers suggests that audience tastes can differ greatly from those of professional reviewers. What factors might explain this discrepancy?

The film's newfound success could be attributed to several factors, including increased accessibility through streaming, a change in audience preferences over time, or simply the appeal of its unique premise.

Ultimately, the story of I, Frankenstein serves as a reminder that a film's initial failure doesn't necessarily define its long-term legacy. The movie's current popularity on Tubi demonstrates the potential for films to find an audience, even years after their initial release.