Better Man, the 2024 biopic film on British musician Robbie Williams, confused many with the marketing. Why is he a monkey? This was the main question moviegoers asked when they saw the previews for the film. Overall, 2024 was a strange year at the box office, with many blockbuster movies not reaching their potential. This film was not immune and flopped. However, it has become a streaming darling, skyrocketing up the charts.
Better Man, A Streaming Darling
Better Man has found success on streaming. Despite its lackluster performance at the box office, grossing a meager $20.3 million against an estimated budget of $110 million, the film has since seen brighter days. This biopic about British musician Robbie Williams, uniquely portrayed as a CGI monkey, is now scaling the streaming charts, holding a strong position at number 2 on the Paramount+ top 10 movies in the United States.
Directed by Michael Gracey, the film’s unexpected journey was far from smooth sailing. Released during a competitive awards season time, Better Man was overshadowed by a cluster of high-caliber Oscar nominees. Despite this, the movie managed to carve out a niche for itself on the streaming platform, seemingly more appealing to the small-screen audience.
Better Year In 2025?
The box office is looking to rebound in 2025. While it is great to have a movie go viral on a streaming service, much of the money is made in the opening weekend at the theaters. There has been an ongoing discussion of how to draw people to the movie theater. Much of it depends on the economy and the presence of quality movies at the box office.
Streaming has changed people’s moviegoing habits. Going to the movies is expensive for some, especially if you have multiple members in your family. Add in snacks and drinks, and a night out at the movies puts a huge dent in the budget. By way of contrast, streaming has a monthly fee and a vast catalog of movies. Many people have decided it is cheaper to be patient instead of heading out to the movie theater.
Final Thoughts
Better Man might have been a box office hit, but the streaming landscape has changed things. This unexpected turn of events is a testament to the unpredictability of the cinematic landscape. One day, you’re under the shadows, and the next, you’re shining bright. Here’s to Better Man, the struggling underdog that found its stride on a different kind of track.
