Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie's A-list drama, Babylon, is set to hit Netflix next month, a year after its disappointing theatrical run.
Despite the involvement of Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle, the film failed to captivate audiences in theaters, earning only $3.6 million in its initial Christmas holiday opening weekend. When it ended its North American run on January 26, 2023, the film had raked in a modest $16.6 million.
However, Babylon performed much better internationally, with ticket sales of $47.7 million, which contributed to its final worldwide total of $64.3 million. The production budget, reportedly around $80 million, was likely a significant burden considering it only brought in about $32 million after accounting for splits with theater owners and marketing costs.
The film's poor box office performance raises questions about the factors that led to its commercial disappointment. Despite boasting an all-star cast including Pitt, Robbie, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li, and Jean Smart, Babylon failed to resonate with critics either, earning a 57% "rotten" score from Rotten Tomatoes.
The film's chaotic execution was cited as a major issue by viewers on the platform, who gave it a 52% "rotten" score on Popcornmeter. Despite some entertaining moments and impressive ambition, Babylon's disjointed storytelling made it difficult for audiences to fully enjoy.
Now, with its release on Netflix set to coincide with the holiday season, Babylon will attempt to find a broader audience than it did in theaters. Will the film's streaming debut prove to be its ticket to redemption?
Despite the involvement of Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle, the film failed to captivate audiences in theaters, earning only $3.6 million in its initial Christmas holiday opening weekend. When it ended its North American run on January 26, 2023, the film had raked in a modest $16.6 million.
However, Babylon performed much better internationally, with ticket sales of $47.7 million, which contributed to its final worldwide total of $64.3 million. The production budget, reportedly around $80 million, was likely a significant burden considering it only brought in about $32 million after accounting for splits with theater owners and marketing costs.
The film's poor box office performance raises questions about the factors that led to its commercial disappointment. Despite boasting an all-star cast including Pitt, Robbie, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li, and Jean Smart, Babylon failed to resonate with critics either, earning a 57% "rotten" score from Rotten Tomatoes.
The film's chaotic execution was cited as a major issue by viewers on the platform, who gave it a 52% "rotten" score on Popcornmeter. Despite some entertaining moments and impressive ambition, Babylon's disjointed storytelling made it difficult for audiences to fully enjoy.
Now, with its release on Netflix set to coincide with the holiday season, Babylon will attempt to find a broader audience than it did in theaters. Will the film's streaming debut prove to be its ticket to redemption?
. Like, isn’t that just another chance for it to flop even more? 
The thing is, Babylon was already kinda like a cult classic in theaters (even if the numbers weren’t great), and some people still liked it despite its flaws. But I guess streaming just gives you a whole new audience, right? Maybe this time around will be different? 
It’s weird how things work out, but here’s hoping Babylon can find its footing on Netflix!
. Plus, the holiday season is always a great time for movie magic 
. Maybe if they make it available in multiple languages or something, it'll reach a whole new audience 
. But at the same time, I'm a bit worried that Netflix might just lose money on this one... those production costs must've been steep 
Like, I know it didn't do well in theaters but I've heard SO many great things about this movie and I'm all about that Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle vibes 
! And can we talk about the cast? Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie are just the ultimate power couple on screen 
. I love how they're giving it another shot with Netflix, maybe it'll finally get the recognition it deserves 
. And honestly, who needs theaters when you have the whole world watching on Netflix? 
.
. But hey, streaming might be just what it needs - less pressure, more cozy vibes 
. And who knows, maybe this release will help the film find a new kind of audience!
maybe now that it's on netflix they can just let people binge-watch it and see what happens? idk lol
if you want to make a blockbuster, you gotta have a solid plot that keeps people engaged, not just a bunch of A-listers showing up on screen 
it's like trying to put together a puzzle with missing pieces, ya know? 