Acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has achieved another remarkable success with his latest Netflix release. The Oscar-winning director's highly anticipated gothic horror adaptation of Frankenstein has exploded onto the streaming platform, immediately capturing the global number-one spot and establishing itself as one of the most significant streaming debuts of 2024.
Record-Breaking Netflix Debut
According to streaming analytics provider FlixPatrol, Frankenstein shot straight to the top of Netflix's worldwide movie charts within days of its release. The film's impressive debut pushed previous chart-topper A House of Dynamite by Kathryn Bigelow to second position, while Jack Reacher: Never Go Back settled at third place.
This massive chart performance comes just weeks after Bigelow's film had dominated the streaming charts, demonstrating the powerful draw of del Toro's distinctive cinematic vision and the enduring appeal of Mary Shelley's classic tale.
Ambitious Production and Stellar Cast
Del Toro's Frankenstein represents one of his most ambitious projects to date, with reported production costs reaching $120 million. This makes it the second most expensive film in the director's career, trailing only behind the $200 million budget of Pacific Rim.
The film features an exceptional cast led by Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature. Mia Goth completes the lead trio in this grand-scale reimagining of the 1818 literary classic.
This marks del Toro's third major collaboration with Netflix, following his award-winning Pinocchio and the critically praised horror anthology Cabinet of Curiosities. Industry observers note that Frankenstein represents the most ambitious partnership between the director and the streaming giant so far.
Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition
Even before its global streaming debut on November 7, del Toro's Frankenstein had generated significant buzz through its premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival and a limited theatrical release in late October.
The film has received overwhelmingly positive responses from both critics and audiences. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive 85% certified fresh rating from critics and an even more remarkable 95% approval score from audiences.
Critics have particularly praised Jacob Elordi's performance as the Creature, describing it as both haunting and emotionally resonant. Collider's Ross Bonaime highlighted the film's exceptional craftsmanship, noting that it "looks absolutely gorgeous, with massive sets you want to explore, sprawling landscapes, and incredible costume and makeup work."
The global success of Frankenstein reinforces Guillermo del Toro's position as a master of genre filmmaking and demonstrates the continuing appeal of classic literary adaptations when handled by visionary directors. With its combination of critical acclaim and commercial success, the film sets a new benchmark for streaming releases and del Toro's already distinguished career.
