Netflix Data Reveals 2023 Horror Comedy Was A Streaming Success (Despite 42% Rotten Tomatoes Score)

The Streaming Success of 'We Have a Ghost'

Netflix's first-ever Engagement Report for the span between January and June 2023 revealed surprising data about the success of the movie 'We Have a Ghost'. Despite receiving a 42% Rotten Tomatoes score and a mixed Metacritic score of 53 out of 100, the movie proved to be a streaming success, accumulating a total of 124.4 million viewing hours on the platform. In fact, it was one of the most-watched movies during that time, with only seven Netflix features landing above it.

Anthony Mackie as Frank Presley with David Harbour as Ernest Behind Him in We Have a Ghost

The plot of 'We Have a Ghost' revolves around a family moving into a new house and discovering a ghost in the attic. This discovery not only makes them a viral sensation but also draws the attention of the CIA. The movie, written and directed by Christopher Landon, features a star-studded cast including Anthony Mackie, David Harbour, Jahi Winston, Tig Notaro, Erica Ash, and Jennifer Coolidge.

The critical reception of the movie was underwhelming, but the viewing data from Netflix indicates that it resonated with audiences in a significant way. The success of 'We Have a Ghost' on the streaming platform raises intriguing questions about the factors that contributed to its popularity despite negative reviews.

Factors Contributing to the Streaming Success

The success of 'We Have a Ghost' on Netflix can be attributed to several key factors that may have contributed to its streaming success, despite its poor critical reception. Firstly, the involvement of writer-director Christopher Landon, known for his work in the horror-comedy space, likely appealed to the horror community and built-in a dedicated audience for the movie.

Additionally, the lead role played by David Harbour, known for his iconic role as Sheriff Hopper in Netflix's 'Stranger Things', likely boosted the profile of the movie. Harbour's expanding movie career and recent mainstream titles, such as 'Black Widow' and 'Violent Night', brought further attention to his latest work.

Furthermore, the rest of the star-studded cast, including Jennifer Coolidge and Anthony Mackie, each brought their own recent successes and accolades to the movie. Coolidge's Golden Globe win for 'The White Lotus' and Mackie's streaming hit with the Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe show 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' added to the appeal of 'We Have a Ghost' for viewers.

These factors, both on and off the screen, contributed to the intrigue and appeal of 'We Have a Ghost' to audiences, overshadowing the lukewarm critical reactions and establishing its position as a streaming success on Netflix.

Conclusion

The unexpected success of 'We Have a Ghost' on Netflix serves as a reminder of the complexity of audience preferences and the influence of factors beyond critical reception. Despite receiving negative reviews, the movie managed to capture the attention of millions of viewers, indicating that there are various elements that contribute to the popularity of a title on a streaming platform.

The streaming success of 'We Have a Ghost' prompts a reevaluation of traditional metrics of success in the entertainment industry and highlights the significance of factors such as star power, audience anticipation, and the dynamics of streaming platforms in determining a title's impact.

As the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve, the case of 'We Have a Ghost' exemplifies the intricate interplay between critical reception, audience engagement, and the evolving nature of success in the digital age.