“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” (Warner Bros.), the year’s second-biggest grossing film so far (after the same studio’s “Dune: Part Two”). The $19.99 rental was an immediate #1 on both the iTunes (transaction counting) and Fandango (revenue) VOD charts.
The release comes 46 days after its theatrical opening, a fairly standard delay if not a bit longer. Meanwhile, “Godzilla Minus One” (Toho), the sleeper Japanese success and Oscar Visual Effects winner, has now passed the five-week mark since its domestic release with no home viewing options in sight.
The timing is tied to agreements between Legendary Films (the domestic “Godzilla” licensee) and the franchise’s Japanese owner to not directly compete with each other. As the Warners film advances in its home availability ($5.99 rentals and Max streaming still to come), it remains to be seen when Toho’s film will be permitted.
At the other end of the spectrum, Netflix set a new record for Sony releases: “Madame Web” is streaming about three months after release. It opened February 14 and grossed $43 million in U.S./Canada theaters, and then transitioned to VOD play. It’s #1 at Netflix.
Sony licenses its films to Netflix and until now their delay has been around four months. It has happened under the radar, but led by Warner Bros. and Max, the jump to streaming for even some hit movies has moved up to under three months. Both “Wonka,” and just now “Dune: Part 2,” have hit Max about 80 days after theatrical debuts.
Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” with Zendaya went PVOD after 21 days in theaters. Consistent with Amazon policy for its films, streaming is delayed until other revenue sources are played out. It is #5 at iTunes, #7 at Fandango.
Last week’s releases “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly War” (Lionsgate) and “Ghostbusters: The New Empire” (Sony) remain ahead of “Challengers,” with each taking a #2 slot. “Ministry” grossed less than half of “Challengers,” but military-themed films often overperform at home.
Australian thriller “Forces of Nature: The Dry 2” (IFC) with Eric Bana debuted at #8 at iTunes a week after its theatrical release. A second Australian (though New York-set) film, the horror-themed “Sting” (Well Go), which had a brief April run, is #6 at Fandango at $19.99
Netflix original “Mother of the Bride” with Brooke Shields fell from #1 to #3. The animated “Thelma the Unicorn” co-directed by Jared Hess (“Napoleon Dynamite”) at #4 is the only other original on the top 10. Jerry Seinfeld’s “Unfrosted” failed to hang around for a third week.
Among the eight older studio releases on the list (three animated), highest at #2 is “A Simple Favor,” Paul Feig’s 2018 comedy with Anna Kendrick.
Top 10s
iTunes ranks films daily by number of transactions, while Fandango at Home lists by revenue. The listings below are for Monday, May 20.
The distributors listed are current rights owners. Prices for all titles are for lowest for either rental or download.
iTunes
1. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (WB) – $19.99
2. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Lionsgate) – $19.99
3. Dune: Part Two (WB) – $19.99
4. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Sony) – $19.99
5. Challengers (MGM Amazon) – $19.99
6. The Last Stop in Yuma County (Well Go) – $6.99
7. Abigail (Universal) – $19.99
8. Force of Nature: The Dry 2 (IFC) – $6.99
9. Twister (WB) – $3.99
10. Mad Max: Fury Road (WB) – $3.99
Fandango at Home
1. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (WB) – $19.99
2. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Sony) – $19.99
3. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Lionsgate) – $19.99
4. Abigail (Universal) – $19.99
5. Dune: Part Two (WB) – $19.99
6. Sting (Well Go) – $19.99
7. Challengers (Amazon MGM) – $19.99
8. Kung Fu Panda 4 (Universal) – $19.99
9. Arcadian (RLJ) – $6.99
10. Late Night with the Devil (IFC Films) – $14.99
Netflix Movies
These are the most-viewed, current rankings on Netflix’s domestic daily chart on Monday, May 20. Originals include both Netflix-produced and acquired titles it initially presents in the U.S. Netflix publishes its own worldwide weekly top 10 on Tuesdays based on time viewed.
1. Madame Web (2024 theatrical release)
2. A Simple Favor (2018 theatrical release)
3. Mother of the Bride (Netflix original)
4. Thelma the Unicorn (Netflix animated original)
5. Upgrade (2018 theatrical release)
6. Shrek (2001 theatrical release)
7. Dumb and Dumber To (2014 theatrical release)
8. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023 theatrical release)
9. Anyone but You (2023 theatrical release)
10. Shrek Forever After (2010 theatrical release)
