‘May December’ Is Down to #9 on Netflix After Three Days, While 2018 Gerard Butler Thriller ‘Hunter Killer’ Is #4

Remember “Hunter Killer”?

To jog your memory, it was a 2018 Lionsgate release starring Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman in a story about the U.S. Navy rescuing a kidnapped Russian president. It eked out a domestic $14 million.

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It debuted on Netflix last week. It is currently #4.

Also debuting was Todd Haynes’ “May December,” with Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton (the latter perhaps as familiar to Netflix subscribers as the two Oscar winning actresses because of his “Riverdale” fame).

It ranks #9 currently after three days, after peaking at #5.

That seems most significant in suggesting that studios have no one-size-fits-all strategy to maximize home viewing, and also emphasizing how key PVOD is to elevating revenues after theatrical release.

“May December” is one of the best reviewed films of 2023, with its already good awards prospects enhanced by key early awards last week (Melton won two acting prizes, at the Gotham Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle Awards). It had two weeks in theaters (limited, as usual, by a combination of a lack of Netflix priority and ongoing resistance from major chains).

Yet despite its on-paper appeal, “May December” is a secondary original for them compared to many releases. Adam Sandler’s “Leo” makes sense as a bigger draw, as it would be in theaters. But “Best. Christmas. Ever!” had five days at #1 when it opened. “Family Switch” had three at #1 last week.

Neither of those films likely would have made much impact at theaters. But it’s clear that when subscribers look at a list of new films, the elevated elements of “May December” as a free option for them has far less appeal than more generic, uncomplicated fare.

The response to their awards titles varies widely. “The Irishman” and “The Power of the Dog” got to #1. But “Mank” had one day (at #10). Last month “Nyad” briefly got to #4 then fell off. “Maestro” (getting a four week window and more theaters) will be an interesting test.

Though Netflix invariably scores many Oscar nominations, they have yet to win Best Picture, Actor, or Actress. They have made many terrific films, yet perhaps their gravitas is diminished by their release.

Meantime, rival streamers Apple and Amazon have announced plans for two of their major films, both of which have had wide theatrical play. Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” debuts Tuesday on PVOD and physical media, 46 days after release. But not yet streaming. That strongly suggests that they have a desire to get additional revenue from that lucrative source, then perhaps time its streaming around next month’s Oscar nominations.

“Saltburn” meanwhile is going exclusively to Amazon Prime on December 22, 35 days after release. Similar to their earlier “Air” (but unlike most films released by Amazon MGM), they are apparently skipping PVOD. Its much lower budget makes it an easier decision.

#1 at Netflix is “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” after its Peacock showings (where it is temporarily unavailable). “Family Switch” and “Leo” are #2 and #3.

Speaking of Peacock, and another sign of its limited draw, after more than a month of same-day play with theaters for “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” Universal made it PVOD available (reversing the normal order). At $19.99 (to download), it is #2 at Vudu (which ranks by revenue). It is not on other top tens.

Also released on PVOD last week (after its fifth weekend in theaters) is Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers.” It is #6 at iTunes, #8 at Vudu (not yet on the often slower Google Play). That’s around normal for a specialized release around its performance level ($15 million gross so far), and better so far than the initial results last year for “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “Tár” last year, both of which were reported as having lucrative ultimate returns from their rentals.

As expected, “Oppenheimer” continues as #1 on a PVOD chart in its second week. Without actual numbers reported (other than one from a small niche platform that caters to more upscale viewers showing it slightly better than the initial “Barbie” views) how strong it is remains unclear. But anticipate, particularly with a lucrative awards period to come, that it will be a presence for a long time ahead, similar to “Barbie” (now completing its third month as high as #2 at Google Play). Max will stream it starting December 15.

iTunes and Google Play rank films daily by number of transactions. These are the listings for Monday, December 4. Distributors listed are current rights owners. Prices for all titles are for lowest for either rental or download.

iTunes

1. Oppenheimer (Universal) – $19.99

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Universal) – $3.99

3. Barbie (WB) – $5.99

4. The Equalizer 3 (Sony) – $5.99

5. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning: Part One (Paramount) – $5.99

6. The Holdovers (Focus) – $19.99

7. The Grinch (Universal) – $3.99

8. The Creator (Disney) – $19.99

9. Holiday (Sony) – $3.99

10. Dumb Money (Sony) – $5.99

Google Play

1. Oppenheimer (Universal) – $19.99

2. Barbie (WB) – $5.99

3. The Equalizer 3 (Sony) – $5.99

4. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning: Part One (Paramount) – $5.99

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Universal) – $5.99

6. The Creator (Disney) – $19.99

7. Gran Turismo (Sony) – $5.99

8. The Expendables 4 (Lionsgate) – $5.99

9. The Grinch (Universal) – $3.99

10. Sound of Freedom (Angel) – $19.99

Vudu

Vudu ranks by revenue, not transactions, elevating premium VOD titles. This list covers November 27-December 3.

1. Oppenheimer (Universal) – $19.99

2. Five Nights at Freddy’s (Universal) – $19.99

3. Freelance (Relativity) – $19.99

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Universal) – $3.99

5. The Creator (Disney) – $19.99

6. Barbie (WB) – $5.99

7. The Equalizer 3 (Sony) – $5.99

8. The Holdovers (Focus) – $19.99

9. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning: Part One (Paramount) – $5.99

10. Sound of Freedom (Angel) – $19.99

Netflix Movies

Most viewed, current ranking on Netflix’s daily chart on Monday, December 4. Originals include both Netflix-produced and acquired titles it initially presents in the U.S. Netflix publishes its own weekly top 10 on Tuesdays based on time viewed.

1. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023 theatrical release)

2. Leo (Netflix animated original)

3. Family Switch (Netflix original)

4. Hunter Killer (2018 theatrical release)

5. The Meg (2018 theatrical release)

6. Lucy (2014 theatrical release)

7. The Silencing (2020 theatrical release)

8. Suicide Squad (2016 theatrical release)

9. May December (2023 Netflix original)

10. She’s the Man (2006 theatrical release)

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