Summary
Elemental, a Pixar film about anthropomorphized elements, has achieved success on Disney+ with 26.4 million views in the first five days.
The movie's debut viewership exceeded that of The Little Mermaid, making it the most successful movie debut on Disney+ in 2023.
The success of Elemental indicates that there is continuing interest in Pixar's animated stories, offering hope for the future of the esteemed company.
Elemental, the 2023 Pixar film, has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, garnering impressive viewership numbers on Disney+. This unique movie delves into a world where personified versions of the elements lead their daily lives, focusing on the story of Ember, the fire element, and Wade, the water element, as they navigate their blossoming romance. Despite initial concerns about its potential failure, Elemental received positive reviews upon its release.
Having made a surprising comeback at the box office and gaining recognition as a sleeper hit of the summer, Elemental continues to achieve incredible success with its release on Disney+. In fact, according to Variety, it has emerged as one of the most-watched titles on the platform in 2023. Within the first five days of its availability, Elemental captivated 26.4 million viewers, surpassing the impressive debut of The Little Mermaid, which garnered only 16 million views. Notably, Elemental currently holds the record for the best movie debut on Disney+ in 2023, as well as the highest-rated animated opening since the release of Turning Red in 2022.
After Elemental, Could Other 2023 Disney Movies Find Redemption On Disney+?
Elemental's success on Disney+ could signal a surprising trend for the studio's summer releases. Both Elemental and The Little Mermaid initially struggled to find an audience in theaters, but have now received a strong response on Disney+. While Elemental managed to become a hit, The Little Mermaid had a more mixed reception and added to Disney's box office challenges during the summer.
However, the strong viewership numbers for both Elemental and The Little Mermaid on the platform indicate that there is still audience interest in these projects. It is possible that other factors contributed to their underperformance in theaters. The summer movie season was crowded, with numerous high-budget features competing for attention. If Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and The Haunted Mansion achieve high viewership on Disney+, the studio may reconsider its release strategy, allowing each movie enough space to attract an audience.
The streaming success of Elemental indicates a positive future for Pixar's animated films, though it is yet to be determined if Disney's other summer releases will achieve the same. Given the underwhelming performance of Lightyear and changes within Pixar, there were concerns about the company's prospects. However, with Elemental receiving acclaim in theaters and streaming, there is evident ongoing interest in the company's meaningful storytelling.
