Ben Affleck's latest directorial effort, the crime thriller "Animals," has become a significant global streaming success on Netflix, dominating viewing charts in numerous countries shortly after its release. The film, which also features Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, and Stephan Yeun, has secured the number one spot on Netflix's worldwide movie rankings, according to streaming analytics site FlixPatrol. It has reportedly topped the charts in all but 14 of the 93 countries tracked by the service.
While a definitive comparison across all streaming platforms is not possible due to the proprietary nature of viewership data, "Animals" likely faced little competition for the top spot globally, with the exception of potential contenders like Disney Plus's "Toy Story 5." Affleck's established star power and previous directorial success likely contributed to the film's widespread viewership.
However, the movie's popularity stands in stark contrast to its critical reception. "Animals" has garnered a mere 35% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics largely panning the film. The audience score on the site, the "Popcornometer," is also low at 41%. Vulture critic Bilge Ebiri described the film as a "catastrophe," noting its awkward beginning, chaotic progression, and ludicrous conclusion. Despite these negative reviews, the film has resonated with a broad international audience, indicating a disconnect between critical consensus and popular streaming choices.