Britney Spears' 2002 Box Office Hit Surges Up Netflix's Global Rankings

Crossroads, the 2002 coming-of-age dramedy starring Britney Spears alongside a star-studded ensemble cast, has achieved global streaming success. Despite receiving poor reviews from critics, holding a 15% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 40% audience score, the film has resonated with viewers worldwide.

Netflix recently unveiled their global chart of the Top 10 most-watched English-language movies for the week of February 19 through February 25. Among the list of popular titles, Britney Spears' Crossroads claimed the No. 10 spot, with 3.7 million viewers streaming the movie for a total of 5.5 million hours. Other notable mentions on the list include Netflix original hits like Orion and the Dark and Tyler Perry's Mea Culpa.

The Crossroads Renaissance Explained

Lucy (Britney Spears) sings onstage at the end of Crossroads (2002). - The Crossroads Renaissance Explained

Despite receiving poor reviews, Crossroads was a commercial success when it was released in 2002. The film exceeded expectations by earning $61.1 million at the box office, surpassing its estimated budget of $10 to $12 million and resulting in a significant profit. It ranked as the 73rd highest-grossing movie of the year, although it was overshadowed by blockbuster hits like 28 Days Later ($82.7 million), Red Dragon ($209.1 million), and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers ($936.7 million).

In 2002, Crossroads managed to outperform other films in terms of box office earnings, including The Wild Thornberrys ($60.7 million), Analyze That ($55 million), and A Walk to Remember ($47.5 million).

The success of the Crossroads soundtrack helped propel Britney Spears' single "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" to No. 21 on the Billboard Top 40 chart. The movie's recent surge in popularity online, however, can be attributed to a different source. Spears' release of her memoir, The Woman in Me, which references the same single, delves into the making of the movie and her struggles with the acting process.

In conjunction with the publication of Spears' memoir, Crossroads was re-released in theaters in 2023. The renewed interest in the film can be attributed to the buzz surrounding Spears' candid and revealing book. Netflix's acquisition of the movie was well-timed, capitalizing on its newfound relevance in the public eye. This move likely contributed to the film's rise in prominence, despite being considered a cult classic for many years.

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Source: Netflix

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the surprising success of "Crossroads," a film that received poor critical reviews but has become a global hit on streaming services. Despite its initial commercial success, the film's resurgence in popularity can be attributed to Britney Spears' memoir and its re-release in theaters. This phenomenon demonstrates the power of nostalgia and the influence of celebrity culture on entertainment consumption.

It's fascinating to observe how a film that was initially dismissed by critics has found a second life with audiences. The film's success reflects the subjective nature of entertainment and the evolving tastes of viewers. While critical reviews can provide valuable insights, they do not always dictate the popularity of a film. In the case of "Crossroads," the film's connection to Britney Spears and its themes of coming-of-age have resonated with viewers, making it a beloved classic.