Trending: From Rotten Tomatoes to Netflix Top 10: Why Audiences Are Embracing Reynolds' 'Hitman's Bodyguard' Films
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 5
- 16 min read
Why it is the topic trending: Reynolds Rides Again: 'Hitman's Bodyguard' Franchise Defies Critics on Netflix
Netflix Top 10 Trend: The primary reason this is trending is the appearance of both "The Hitman's Bodyguard" and "Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" in Netflix's Top 10 simultaneously.
Despite being written off by critics upon their initial release, both movies have found a significant audience on the streaming platform.
This simultaneous trending suggests renewed interest and a potential "second life" for these films.
Defying Critical Opinion: The article highlights the contrast between the negative reviews the films received and their current popularity among Netflix viewers.
This pattern of audience enjoyment despite critical dismissal is a recurring theme for Ryan Reynolds' action comedies, making this instance noteworthy.
Ryan Reynolds' Streaming Star Status: The article suggests that Ryan Reynolds has become a streaming star, with his movies that underperformed in theaters often finding success on platforms like Netflix.
The trending of these two films further solidifies this reputation and sparks discussion about the shift in how audiences consume his work.
Box Office Discrepancy: While the first film was a box office success, the sequel flopped. Their joint trending on Netflix highlights how streaming success can differ from theatrical performance.
Overview: Reynolds' Brand of Chaos Finds a Streaming Home: 'Hitman's Bodyguard' Duo Hits Netflix Top 10
The action-comedy franchise starring Ryan Reynolds, "The Hitman's Bodyguard" and its sequel "Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard," is currently trending in the Top 10 on Netflix, defying the largely negative reviews they received upon their initial releases. Ryan Reynolds has carved a niche for himself playing a similar smooth-talking, profane character in action comedies, a style that often draws criticism for lacking substance. While his role as Deadpool is beloved by both fans and critics, other films, including the "Hitman's Bodyguard" series, have been dismissed. However, these films have found a substantial audience on streaming platforms, reinforcing Reynolds' status as a streaming star, as many of his movies that didn't perform well in theaters have found success online. The first "Hitman's Bodyguard" was a box office success, but the sequel flopped, making their joint trending on Netflix a significant indicator of the different expectations and reception between theatrical and streaming releases. Ultimately, the article suggests that audience enjoyment matters, even if it doesn't always align with critical opinions.
Detailed Findings: By the Numbers: Reynolds' Double Feature Scores on Streaming
Netflix Popularity:
Both "The Hitman's Bodyguard" (2017) and "Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" (2021) were trending in the Top 10 on Netflix for a week (via FlixPatrol).
Critical Reception:
Both films were "written off by critics" upon their initial release.
They were dismissed for adhering to Ryan Reynolds' typical action-comedy formula.
Box Office Performance:
"The Hitman's Bodyguard" was a box office success, making a profit of over $150 million USD.
"Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" flopped at the box office.
Ryan Reynolds' Reputation:
Reynolds has a reputation for playing a similar "smooth-talking and relentlessly profane character" in slapstick action comedies.
Critics often pan his work as "silly and lacking substance."
However, he has become a "streaming star of late," with movies underperforming in theaters finding an audience online.
Franchise Premise:
"The Hitman's Bodyguard" follows bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) protecting hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson).
"Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" also involves Darius's wife Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek), with the trio foiling a plot.
Audience Enjoyment:
The fact that both movies are trending suggests that viewers are enjoying them, despite critical opinions.
Key success factors of product (trend): Reynolds' Recipe for Streaming Success: Action, Comedy, and Familiarity
Ryan Reynolds' Star Power and Persona: Reynolds has a strong personal brand and a dedicated fanbase that enjoys his particular style of humor and action. His presence is a key draw for viewers on streaming platforms.
Slapstick Action Comedy Genre: The combination of action and comedy with a lighthearted and often ridiculous tone appeals to a broad audience looking for entertainment that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Familiarity and Established Franchise: While critics might find his formula repetitive, audiences are familiar with this style and seem to enjoy it within the context of the "Hitman's Bodyguard" franchise. The availability of both movies allows viewers to easily enjoy a double feature.
Streaming Platform Accessibility: Netflix's wide reach and the convenience of watching movies at home contribute to the success of these films, allowing them to find an audience that might not have seen them in theaters.
Ensemble Cast and Chemistry: The dynamic between Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek is a significant part of the franchise's appeal, providing comedic chemistry and entertaining interactions.
Key Takeaway: Audience Over Critics? Reynolds' Netflix Reign Shows Streaming's Different Rules
The key takeaway from this article is that audience reception on streaming platforms can significantly differ from critical opinions and even theatrical box office performance. Ryan Reynolds' "Hitman's Bodyguard" franchise, despite being largely dismissed by critics, has found considerable popularity on Netflix, demonstrating that the factors driving streaming success can include star power, familiar genre elements, and ease of access, which don't always align with traditional critical evaluation. This highlights the different dynamics at play in how movies find their audience in the streaming era.
Main Trend: The Streaming Sanctuary: Movies Finding New Life and Audiences Online
The main trend illustrated by the success of the "Hitman's Bodyguard" franchise on Netflix is the ability of movies, even those that were critically panned or underperformed in theaters, to find a substantial audience and achieve popularity on streaming platforms.
Description of the trend: "Streaming Second Chance": When Movies Find Their Footing Online After Initial Divisive Reception
This trend describes the phenomenon where films that may have received negative reviews from critics or experienced lackluster performance in theaters gain significant traction and popularity when made available on streaming services. The lower barrier to entry for viewing on streaming, combined with the potential for word-of-mouth and the discovery by new audiences, can lead to a "second chance" for these movies to connect with viewers who might appreciate them for different reasons than traditional critical assessments.
What is consumer motivation: Seeking Thrills and Laughs: Why Audiences Stream Reynolds' Action Comedy
Enjoyment of Action-Comedy: Viewers looking for a mix of action and humor, with a focus on lighthearted entertainment, are likely drawn to the "Hitman's Bodyguard" movies.
Ryan Reynolds' Appeal: Fans of Ryan Reynolds' comedic timing and on-screen persona are motivated to watch his films, regardless of critical reviews.
Easy and Accessible Entertainment: Streaming on Netflix offers a convenient and readily available option for watching these movies without the commitment of a theatrical visit or additional purchase.
Word-of-Mouth and Recommendation: The trending status on Netflix and recommendations from other viewers can encourage people to check out the films, even if they were initially skeptical due to reviews.
"Turn Your Brain Off" Fun: Some viewers might be looking for movies that provide undemanding entertainment and don't require intense focus or critical analysis, which the "Hitman's Bodyguard" movies seem to offer.
What is driving trend: The Power of the Platform: How Streaming Revives Divisive Content
Vast Audience Reach: Netflix has a massive global subscriber base, providing a potential audience far larger than a theatrical release might reach, especially for films with mixed initial reception.
Lower Barrier to Entry: Unlike the cost and effort of going to a movie theater, watching something on a streaming platform is often as simple as a few clicks for subscribers.
Algorithmic Promotion: Netflix's recommendation algorithms can expose movies like the "Hitman's Bodyguard" series to viewers who might enjoy them based on their viewing history, even if they weren't initially aware of the films.
Delayed Discovery: Some movies simply find their audience over time, and streaming platforms provide a space for this delayed discovery to occur, away from the immediate pressures of box office performance.
What is motivation beyond the trend: The Quest for Quality: The Enduring Desire for Critically Acclaimed Films
Seeking Out Well-Regarded Cinema: Many viewers still rely on critical reviews and recommendations to guide them towards movies and shows that are considered to be of high quality in terms of storytelling, acting, and direction.
Appreciation for Nuance and Depth: Some audiences prioritize films that offer complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and sophisticated narratives over pure entertainment value.
Trust in Critical Expertise: For certain viewers, the opinions of professional film critics remain influential in their choices of what to watch.
Description of consumers article is referring to: The Reynolds Rebound Crew: Viewers Who Enjoy Action-Comedy on Their Own Terms
The consumers the article is referring to, those who are watching and enjoying the "Hitman's Bodyguard" franchise on Netflix, are likely:
Fans of Ryan Reynolds: Individuals who appreciate his comedic timing, action skills, and on-screen persona.
Action-Comedy Enthusiasts: Viewers who enjoy movies that blend high-octane action sequences with humor and lightheartedness.
Netflix Subscribers Seeking Entertainment: People who are Browse Netflix for something engaging and entertaining to watch without necessarily being swayed by critical opinions.
Potentially Forgiving of Formulaic Storytelling: They might be less concerned with originality and more interested in enjoying familiar tropes executed in an entertaining way.
Viewers Seeking "Turn Your Brain Off" Fun: Some might be looking for movies that offer escapism and don't require deep critical engagement.
Implications for brands: Tap into Trending Streams: Brand Opportunities with Netflix Hits
Monitor Netflix Trends: Brands should pay attention to the Netflix Top 10 lists to identify popular movies and shows that might offer relevant partnership opportunities.
Consider Action-Comedy Tie-ins: Brands that align with the humor and action of films like "The Hitman's Bodyguard" could explore promotional possibilities.
Increased opportunity for sustained brand engagement due to the longer viewing lifespan on streaming platforms compared to a limited theatrical run.
Potential for targeted advertising towards viewers who have shown interest in similar action-comedy content on Netflix.
Implications for society: Beyond the Critics' Circle: The Democratization of Film Appreciation
Challenging Traditional Measures of Success: The popularity of critically panned movies on streaming platforms highlights the fact that audience enjoyment can be a valid form of success, even if it doesn't align with critical consensus.
Wider Access to Diverse Content: Streaming platforms allow a broader range of films to find an audience, potentially giving a second chance to movies that might have been overlooked in theaters.
May contribute to a broader appreciation of films that resonate with audiences, even if they didn't initially receive mainstream critical acclaim, potentially diversifying cinematic taste.
Could lead to a reassessment of how "success" is measured for films in the digital age, with long-term viewership on streaming becoming a more critical metric alongside box office numbers.
Implications for consumers: More Choices and Second Chances: The Benefits of Streaming Libraries
Discovery of Movies They Might Have Missed: Streaming provides an opportunity for viewers to find and enjoy films that didn't make a big splash in theaters or received negative reviews.
Value Beyond Critical Opinion: Consumers can form their own opinions about movies without being solely influenced by critics.
Increased value derived from streaming subscriptions as platforms continuously refresh their libraries with films that find renewed popularity.
Potential for more personalized content recommendations based on the viewing habits of a large user base on streaming platforms.
Implications for film industry: Streaming as a Savior?: New Avenues for Films with Mixed Receptio
Alternative Revenue Streams: Streaming platforms offer a significant alternative revenue stream for films that might not have performed well theatrically.
Opportunity to Reach Niche Audiences: Movies that appeal to specific tastes or demographics can find their audience more easily on streaming services with personalized recommendation systems.
May encourage studios to consider streaming potential when evaluating projects and negotiating distribution deals, recognizing the platform's power for audience reach.
Could lead to a greater emphasis on creating content that is easily rewatchable and shareable on streaming services to maximize long-term engagement.
Implications for filmmakers: Don't Count Yourself Out: Streaming Can Be Your Second Act
Hope for Films That Underperform Initially: Filmmakers whose movies don't find immediate success in theaters might find a larger and more appreciative audience on streaming platforms.
Understanding Different Audience Expectations: Filmmakers should be aware that the expectations and viewing habits of streaming audiences can differ from those of theatrical moviegoers.
Provides an alternative path for films that might have struggled in traditional release models to still connect with a significant audience and build a following.
Opportunity to engage directly with viewers on streaming platforms through Q&As or behind-the-scenes content to foster a stronger connection with the audience.
Consumer Trend: Streaming Surge: Finding Unexpected Hits in the Digital Library
Detailed description: A growing consumer trend where movies and shows that may have been overlooked or critically dismissed during their initial release find significant popularity and a new audience on streaming platforms.
Consumer Sub Trend: Binge-Worthy Discoveries: The Joy of Finding a New Favorite on Streaming
Detailed description: A subset of the "Streaming Surge" trend where viewers discover and binge-watch movies or shows on streaming platforms that they might not have otherwise encountered, leading to unexpected popularity.
Big Social Trend: Democratized Consumption: Viewers Choosing Content on Their Own Terms
Detailed description: In a vast and often overwhelming media landscape, there's a broader societal trend of gravitating towards content that is familiar, comforting, and requires less cognitive effort to engage with. This manifests in the popularity of rewatching old favorites, revisiting established franchises, and choosing the known over the unknown in entertainment options.
Worldwide Social Trend: Global Streaming Reach: Content Transcending Geographical Boundaries
Detailed description: The trend of movies finding new life on streaming is not limited to one region; global streaming platforms allow content to reach international audiences who might have missed it initially.
Social Drive: Seeking Entertainment, Not Just Acclaim: Prioritizing Personal Enjoyment
Detailed description: A fundamental human motivation to seek out entertainment that provides enjoyment and escapism, which doesn't always align with critical approval or mainstream popularity.
Movie Trend: The Streaming Shelf Life Extension: Movies Gaining Longevity Online
Detailed description: A notable trend in the film industry where streaming platforms extend the "shelf life" of movies, allowing them to find an audience and gain popularity long after their theatrical release window.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025: Tap into Trending Tastes: Aligning with Popular Streaming Content
Monitor Netflix Top 10: Keep track of consistently popular content, including movies starring well-known personalities, to identify potential partnership opportunities.
Consider Broad Appeal Comedies: If your target audience aligns with viewers who enjoy lighthearted humor, explore collaborations with projects in that genre on streaming platforms.
Utilize streaming analytics and "trending now" data to identify timely and relevant opportunities for brand integrations or sponsorships.
Develop agile marketing strategies that can quickly adapt to the unexpected popularity of content on streaming platforms.
Learnings for film industry to use in 2025: Beyond the Box Office: Recognizing Streaming's Diverse Audience
Value Content with Strong Star Power: Recognize the significant draw that established actors have on streaming platforms and consider this factor in project development.
Understand Platform-Specific Audiences: Tailor content and marketing strategies to the specific preferences and viewing habits of different streaming service subscribers.
Invest in robust data analytics to understand audience engagement patterns on streaming and inform content acquisition and production decisions.
Develop strategies for re-marketing or highlighting films in their streaming libraries that begin to trend or experience a resurgence in viewership.
Learnings for film makers to use in 2025: Find Your Platform: Understanding the Strengths of Streaming
Consider Streaming for Projects with Dedicated Fanbases: If you have a project that might not appeal to mainstream theatrical audiences but has a strong built-in fanbase (like fans of a particular comedic actor), streaming could be a viable and successful platform.
Don't Underestimate Broad Appeal: Recognize that there is a large audience for lighthearted and familiar entertainment, and streaming services are a key avenue to reach them.
Ensure that their film's metadata (tags, descriptions) on streaming platforms is optimized for discoverability to capitalize on algorithmic recommendations.
Consider the potential for their older films to find new audiences on streaming and explore ways to engage with these viewers online.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025: Become Part of the Story: Strategic Integration with Hollywood's Biggest Hits
Seek Early Integration Opportunities: Engage with studios early in the production process to explore potential for meaningful brand integration within upcoming sequels and reboots.
Create Immersive Fan Experiences: Develop interactive or experiential marketing campaigns that allow consumers to engage with the worlds and characters of popular franchises in innovative ways.
Offer Exclusive Content and Perks: Provide exclusive content or special offers tied to major sequel releases to incentivize consumer engagement and build brand loyalty.
Develop marketing campaigns that activate around movies experiencing a resurgence on streaming, potentially tapping into trending topics and social media discussions.
Explore partnerships for themed merchandise or digital experiences that align with the tone and content of popular streaming films, catering to engaged fanbases.
Strategy Recommendations film industry to follow in 2025: Cultivate Creativity and Calculated Risks: Steering the Future of Film
Implement Robust Audience Testing for Originals: Conduct thorough audience testing early in the development of original animated films to identify strengths and weaknesses and refine the concept and storytelling.
Employ Creative and Targeted Marketing for Originals: Develop marketing campaigns that specifically highlight the uniqueness and appeal of original animated movies, potentially focusing on specific target demographics or leveraging social media influencers.
Consider Phased Release Strategies for Originals: Explore releasing original animated films in a limited number of theaters initially to build buzz and positive reviews before a wider release.
Invest in Emerging Talent with Original Visions: Support and nurture new filmmakers with innovative and diverse original animated project ideas.
Analyze streaming data to identify films with strong rewatchability or cult followings and explore opportunities for sequels, spin-offs, or related content.
Consider a staggered release strategy where films might have a limited theatrical run followed by a strategic debut on a streaming platform to build wider audience awareness.
Strategy Recommendations for film makers to follow in 2025: Champion Your Vision: Making Original Stories Resonate in a Familiar World
Craft Compelling Pitches with Strong Visuals: When pitching original animated projects, filmmakers should focus on creating visually engaging presentations that clearly convey the story's concept, characters, and target audience.
Develop Adaptable Storytelling Frameworks: Consider developing original stories that have the potential to expand into franchises or multimedia experiences, increasing their appeal to studios.
Network and Collaborate: Actively network within the animation industry and seek out collaborations with experienced producers, writers, and animators who can help bring original visions to fruition.
Embrace Independent Filmmaking Tools: Utilize accessible independent filmmaking tools and platforms to create short films or pilot episodes based on original ideas to showcase their potential.
Actively promote their older work that is available on streaming platforms to capitalize on potential rediscovery by new audiences.
Engage with viewers online who are discovering their films on streaming, fostering a stronger relationship with their audience.
Consider creating bonus content or special features specifically for the streaming release to enhance viewer engagement and provide added value.
Final note:
Core Trend: The Streaming Sanctuary: Movies Finding New Life and Audiences Online
Core Strategy: Recognizing the Power of Platform: Leveraging Streaming for Audience Reach and Rediscovery
Core Movie Trend: Streaming Shelf Life Extension: Movies Gaining Longevity and Popularity Online
Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Entertainment, Not Just Acclaim: Prioritizing Personal Enjoyment on Streaming
Final Conclusion: The Click of Approval: Streaming Gives Divisive Movies a Second Chance
The trending of the "Hitman's Bodyguard" franchise on Netflix, despite its mixed critical reception, perfectly illustrates the transformative power of streaming platforms in the film industry. It highlights how platforms like Netflix can provide a "second chance" for films to find an audience that appreciates them for reasons that might differ from traditional critical evaluation. Ryan Reynolds' continued popularity on streaming, even with movies that were not universally praised, underscores the power of star appeal and familiar genre entertainment in the digital space. For the film industry, this trend signifies the importance of considering streaming potential alongside theatrical performance and recognizing the diverse tastes of the vast online audience. Ultimately, the success of these films on Netflix demonstrates that sometimes, the click of approval from millions of viewers can outweigh the opinions of a few critics.
Core Movie Trend Detailed: The Streaming Algorithm's Embrace of Action-Comedy
The core movie trend of Streaming Shelf Life Extension is particularly evident in the action-comedy genre on platforms like Netflix. These films often offer a blend of excitement and humor that makes them highly rewatchable and appealing for casual viewing. The "Hitman's Bodyguard" franchise fits this mold perfectly, with its fast-paced action sequences, comedic banter, and charismatic lead actors. Netflix's algorithms likely recognize the high engagement rates for such content and promote it to a wide audience seeking undemanding entertainment. This trend signifies a potential shift in how these types of movies are valued, with streaming platforms becoming a significant avenue for their success and longevity beyond their initial theatrical release. The "second life" these films find online suggests that their broad appeal and rewatchability resonate with a large segment of the streaming subscriber base.
Key Characteristics of the Core trend: Defining the Streaming Shelf Life Extension
Delayed Popularity: Movies find significant viewership on streaming platforms long after their theatrical release window.
Word-of-Mouth Revival: Positive buzz or recommendations on social media can lead to a resurgence in a film's popularity on streaming.
Algorithm Amplification: Streaming service algorithms play a crucial role in exposing older or previously overlooked films to new audiences.
Lower Barrier to Entry for Viewers: Subscribers can watch these movies at no additional cost, making them more accessible than renting or buying them.
Rewatchability Factor: Certain genres, like action and comedy, tend to have a higher rewatchability factor on streaming.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend: Echoes of Enjoyment: Evidence for Streaming's Second Chance
Netflix Top 10 Lists: The frequent appearance of older movies or those with mixed critical receptions in Netflix's Top 10 charts demonstrates this trend.
Social Media Engagement: Discussions and positive comments about these films on social media platforms indicate that audiences are discovering and enjoying them on streaming.
"Recommended For You" Features: Streaming service recommendation systems actively push content towards viewers based on their past viewing habits, leading to the discovery of older or less-hyped titles.
Data Analytics by Streaming Services: Platforms likely use viewership data to identify and promote content that resonates with their subscribers, regardless of its initial reception.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior: Clicking Back for More: Streaming Habits and Movie Discovery
Increased Exploration of Back Catalogues: Subscribers are more likely to explore the vast libraries of streaming services, leading to the discovery of older or previously missed movies.
Less Reliance on Immediate Critical Reception: Viewers might be more willing to try out a movie on streaming based on its availability or their own interest in the genre or actors, without being heavily influenced by initial critical reviews.
Formation of Online Communities Around Rediscovered Content: Streaming can lead to the formation of online communities where viewers discuss and share their enjoyment of movies they've discovered or rediscovered on these platforms.
Implications Across the Ecosystem: A Wider Net for Films: Streaming's Broad Impact
For Brands and CPGs: Opportunities for targeted marketing campaigns that tap into the established fan bases of popular streaming movies.
For Retailers: Potential for sales of merchandise or related products for movies that experience a resurgence in popularity on streaming.
For Consumers: A broader range of movies available to watch at their convenience, with the opportunity to discover hidden gems or revisit films they might have missed.
For Movie Industry: The recognition of streaming platforms as a valuable avenue for distributing and monetizing films, potentially extending their lifespan and reach.
For Filmmakers: Hope that their work can find an audience even if it doesn't achieve immediate success in traditional release windows.
Strategic Forecast: Streaming's Long Tail Will Flourish: Expect Continued Rediscoveries Online
The trend of movies finding a second life and significant audience on streaming platforms is expected to continue and even grow. As streaming services expand their libraries and algorithms become more sophisticated, the potential for delayed discovery and sustained popularity for a wide range of films will likely increase. This offers a more democratized landscape for movie consumption, where audience preference and accessibility play a significant role in a film's overall impact and reach.
Areas of innovation (by using core trend): Reviving the Past, Engaging the Present: Innovations in Streaming Movie Engagement
"Rediscover" Features: Streaming platforms could implement dedicated features that highlight older movies that are currently trending or being rediscovered by new audiences.
Curated "Second Chance" Collections: Create curated collections of movies that received mixed reviews or underperformed initially but have found a strong following on streaming.
Interactive "Where Are They Now?" Content: Produce supplemental content that revisits the cast and crew of movies that have gained a second life on streaming, offering insights into their experience and the film's renewed popularity.
Social Sharing Features for Rediscoveries: Enhance social sharing options within streaming platforms to encourage viewers to recommend and discuss movies they've discovered or rediscovered.
"Critics Revisited" Segments: Include short segments where contemporary critics re-evaluate movies that were initially panned but have since gained a strong following on streaming.
Final Thought: The Stream of Time: How Digital Platforms Give Movies a Lasting Legacy
The success of the "Hitman's Bodyguard" franchise on Netflix, despite its divisive critical reception, perfectly exemplifies the transformative power of streaming platforms in the film industry. It demonstrates that a movie's journey doesn't necessarily end with its theatrical run; the vast libraries and algorithmic reach of streaming services offer a unique opportunity for films to find new audiences and achieve unexpected popularity. This trend not only benefits viewers by providing a wider range of content to discover but also offers a valuable lesson for filmmakers and studios about the evolving landscape of film distribution and the enduring potential for movies to connect with audiences over time, regardless of initial critical opinions.
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