Keanu Reeves' "The Day the Earth Stood Still" Streaming Hit

Despite a low Rotten Tomatoes score, The Day the Earth Stood Still, starring Keanu Reeves, has found a new audience and is currently a streaming success. Is it the enduring appeal of Reeves, or is it something more that has drawn viewers to this 2008 remake on AMC+?

Keanu Reeves continues to be a major force in Hollywood, especially given the success of the John Wick franchise. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming installments in the John Wick universe, many are revisiting Reeves' past work. While Reeves boasts numerous critically acclaimed films, it's surprising that 2008's The Day the Earth Stood Still has resurfaced as a streaming hit.

The original 1951 film was a sci-fi milestone, but the remake didn't resonate with critics or audiences upon its release. The film's dismal 21% critics' score and 27% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes highlight its initial reception. This ranks among Reeves' lowest scores, though not as poor as 2013's "Generation Um."

Why is The Day the Earth Stood Still a Streaming Hit Now?

So, why the sudden resurgence? Seventeen years after its initial release, The Day the Earth Stood Still is currently #6 on AMC+'s top 10 list. What factors contributed to this unexpected streaming success?

Perhaps the continued buzz around Reeves' recent projects has driven viewers to explore his older films. Or maybe the film's themes resonate more strongly with modern audiences. Whatever the reason, its performance on AMC+ is noteworthy, surpassing other popular movies.

AMC+'s top spot is currently held by "The Walking Dead: Dead City," but the fact that "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is outperforming other films is impressive. How did this critically panned movie find a new life on streaming?

Box Office Success Despite Negative Reviews

Despite the negative reviews, The Day the Earth Stood Still was a box office success. Released in late 2008, it capitalized on the late-noughties trend of disaster movies, fueled by growing climate change concerns.

Against a reported production budget of $80 million, the film grossed $237.3 million worldwide. This included $79.3 million domestically and $158 million from international markets. Add in $32.7 million from the home market, and it's clear that the film was financially successful.

Ultimately, The Day the Earth Stood Still finished just inside the top 40 highest-grossing movies released in the U.S. in 2008. This demonstrates that even films with poor critical reception can find success with audiences.

The unlikely streaming success of The Day the Earth Stood Still highlights the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the enduring appeal of Keanu Reeves. While initially dismissed by critics, the film has found a new audience and proven its staying power on AMC+.