Last November, Mark Mylod’s dark comedy horror film, The Menu, was released and took the world by storm. Two years later, the film has regained widespread attention, becoming Netflix’s most-watched title for several consecutive days. Moreover, Netflix users may have noticed Anya Taylor-Joy’s face appearing on its Top 10 Movies list. So, what’s the secret behind the film’s enduring appeal, and can it continue to dominate the streaming services charts?
Thrilling Premise of The Menu
After its debut on the list, The Menu quickly climbed the ranks, surprising the star-studded original Back in Action and other popular titles. The former Max title centered around Margot, portrayed by Taylor-Joy, who goes with her date Tyler, played by Nicholas Hoult, to the exclusive Hawthorne restaurant. This five-star establishment is located on a remote island and is run by illustrious chef Julian Slowik, brought to life by Ralph Fiennes.
Although securing a reservation was daunting, the diners were eager to indulge in the culinary experience of their lives. However, as the festive evening unfolds, they discover a sinister plot that goes far beyond fine dining and etiquette, putting their lives in danger. The guests must fight for survival in Chef Slowik’s twisted game throughout the horrifying night.
The Menu All-Star Cast and Success
Playing the fellow diners at the exclusive Hawthorne restaurant, The Menu boasts a talented ensemble of actors, including:
- John Leguizamo
- Aimee Carrero
- Janet McTeer
- Paul Adelstein
- Judith Light
- Reed Birney
- Rob Yang
Additionally, Hong Chan delivers a standout performance as Elsa, the restaurant’s impeccable poised maître d’. Behind the scenes, the duo of Seth Reiss and Will Tracy penned the film’s clever script. Moreover, Adam McKey and Will Ferrell were at the helm of the project, producing it under their Gary Sanchez Productions banner. Achieving significant box office success, The Menu generated nearly $80 million in revenue on a relatively modest budget of $30 million.
With an overwhelmingly
positive critical consensus,
The Menu maintained an impressive 88% “certified fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. Specifically, critics have praised the film’s unique blend of dark humor and horror, particularly its expertly crafted tension and surprises. Furthermore, The Telegraph lauded the project as a masterclass in building momentum, with each scene layered to create a truly unforgettable viewing experience.
Back in Action Loses Neflix’s No. 2 Position
For two consecutive weeks,
Back in Action has dominated Netflix’s top spot and marks the reunion of Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz since the 2014 remake of
Annie. In this film, they play a married couple thrust back into the world of espionage when their cover is blown. Although
the action movie faced criticism from reviewers, it earned a low 27% Rotten Tomatoes score, remaining a fan-favorite among Netflix subscribers. Interestingly, the film’s appeal can be attributed, in part, to Diaz’s highly-anticipated return to the screen after a decade-long hiatus. After Foxx’s recent health care, his comeback has generated significant interest in the movie.
Despite the initial excitement behind the movie, a surprising new challenger has emerged to claim the number two spot
on Netflix’s charts. Surprisingly, the action-thriller American Renegades debuted at number two. Starring Sullivan Stapleton and Academy Award winner J.K. Simmon, the film has garnered significant attention from viewers. Given its poor critical reception, however, this success is somewhat puzzling.
American Renegades Success Despite Poor Performance
Reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes overwhelmingly panned the project, resulting in a dismal 11% approval rating. Nevertheless, its lackluster critical and audience reception didn’t stop it from captivating Netflix subscribers, which may explain its popularity surpassing
Back in Action. Although
Back in Action relinquished its no. 2 position, it remains a popular choice
among Netflix subscribers, taking third place.
Several factors may have contributed to American Renegade‘s growing popularity among Netflix subscribers. One possible reason for the film’s success is its intriguing plot, which follows a team of Navy SEALS tasked with retrieving Nazi-stolen gold from a bank vault submerged at the bottom of a Bosnian lake. Additionally, its impressively cast, including the consistently compelling Simmons, may contribute to its re-emergence. Furthermore, Luc Besson, a renowned filmmaker known for his work on the Taken franchise, was a co-writer, further adding to the movie’s appeal.
Importance of Netflix’s Top Ten Lists
If seeking a curated list of popular movies, Netflix subscribers should look into the streaming service’s “Top 10” feature. Proving an invaluable resource, the daily updated list provides insight into viewers’ preferences, showcasing the most-watched films and TV shows among subscribers. What’s more? Netflix enables users to explore various genres and styles by highlighting the most popular titles, which increases the likelihood of subscribers finding their next favorite movie.
