## Netflix’s Big Bets Are Backfiring: “The Electric State” Joins the Pile of Disappointment Netflix, the streaming giant known for its risky, high-profile productions, has struck another blow. “The Electric State,” a sci-fi epic boasting a star-studded cast and a hefty budget, has been branded a “total fail” by critics, leaving many to wonder: is Netflix simply incapable of delivering a blockbuster? Our deep dive into this cinematic dud reveals the troubling pattern behind Netflix’s recent string of flops and explores what might be causing these expensive ventures to fall flat. Buckle up, because things are about to get electric…ly disappointing.
The Electric State is a Total Fail — and Proof that Netflix Has a Blockbuster Movie Problem
Sci-fi action flick “The Electric State” landed on Netflix last week and within less than 24 hours had already claimed the No. 1 spot in the streaming service’s top 10 list. However, this high level of interest does not necessarily confirm this Russo brothers’ effort as a streaming success story. With a colossal reported budget of $320 million and a critical reception that is shockingly bad, “The Electric State” is a failure.
While it may have brought blockbuster spectacle into the home of Netflix viewers, it’s also doing at least some degree of reputational damage for the world’s biggest streaming service. Not to mention, “The Electric State” already appears to be dropping off with interest on a rapid decline as it now sits at No. 5 a week later.
25 Million Views in the First Week: A Respectable But Unimpressive Number
The movie’s first week ratings sound impressive on paper at 25 million views, but are significantly down on other big-budget (but still cheaper) Netflix tentpoles including “The Adam Project,” “Back in Action,” and Russo Brothers’ own “The Gray Man” (per Collider). The sci-fi flick is leagues behind the streamer’s biggest movie win, 2021’s “Red Notice,” which had 80 million first-week views.
Even Millie Bobby Brown’s fantasy movie “Damsel” debuted to better viewership last year. While the respectable audience scores offer a silver lining to cling to, based on the available viewing data, “The Electric State” seems less like a franchise starter for Netflix and more like a very costly flop.
Comparison to Other Big-Budget Netflix Original Movies
Netflix is no stranger to producing original movies with poor critical ratings (its 2024 slate was packed with duds), but “The Electric State” has been on the receiving end of some very unfavorable write-ups. The movie currently holds a poor 15% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is significantly lower than Netflix’s two other major original movies released so far in 2025, “Back in Action” and “Kinda Pregnant,” both of which hold a 29% rating.
The Decline in Viewership: A Sign of Waning Interest
The fact that “The Electric State” has been displaced from the summit of the Netflix most-watched list in less than seven days isn’t a great indication of long-term success. Subscribers are losing interest, rapidly. Remember, this movie reportedly cost Netflix an eyewatering $320 million, making it not only the most expensive Netflix original ever, but in the top 15 most expensive movies ever made (per Wikipedia).
Reputational Damage: A Concern for Netflix
The potential reputational damage to Netflix is a concern, as the failure of “The Electric State” may have a lasting impact on the streaming service’s original content strategy. The implications of this movie’s failure on Netflix’s content strategy are significant, and it’s clear that something needs to change.
Implications of the Movie’s Failure on Netflix’s Original Content Strategy
The failure of “The Electric State” may lead to a re-evaluation of Netflix’s approach to big-budget movies. The streaming service may need to reconsider its strategy for producing and distributing high-end content, and it’s possible that we’ll see a shift towards more modestly budgeted films and series.
Concerns about the Future of Big-Budget Movies on Netflix
The failure of “The Electric State” raises questions about the future of big-budget movies on Netflix. Will the streaming service continue to invest in high-end content, or will it shift its focus towards more modestly budgeted films and series?
The Bigger Picture: Netflix’s Blockbuster Problem
Netflix’s blockbuster problem is a trend that’s been developing over the past few years, with the streaming service struggling to produce and distribute big-budget movies that resonate with audiences. The failure of “The Electric State” is just the latest example of this problem.
A Pattern of Failure: Netflix’s Big-Tentpole Movies
- “The Electric State” is not the first big-budget Netflix original to fail. Movies like “The Adam Project” and “Red Notice” have also underperformed at the box office.
- The failure of “The Electric State” is symptomatic of a larger problem at Netflix. The streaming service has struggled to produce and distribute big-budget movies that resonate with audiences.
- “The Adam Project” – This sci-fi adventure film was heavily promoted by Netflix but failed to impress audiences.
- “Red Notice” – This action-comedy film was one of Netflix’s biggest productions to date but failed to meet expectations.
Examples of Other Failed Big-Budget Movies on Netflix
What Could Have Been Done Differently?
So what could have been done differently to save “The Electric State” from disaster? Here are a few possibilities:
Alternative Uses for the $320 Million Budget
- Netflix could have invested the $320 million budget in more modestly budgeted films and series.
- The streaming service could have used the budget to produce more high-quality content that resonates with audiences.
- Netflix could have taken a more cautious approach to producing and marketing the film.
- The streaming service could have invested more in promoting the movie and building a buzz around its release.
Potential Improvements to the Movie’s Production and Marketing
The Future of Netflix Original Movies
The future of Netflix original movies is uncertain, and the failure of “The Electric State” may have a lasting impact on the streaming service’s content strategy. Here are a few possibilities:
Implications of “The Electric State” on Netflix’s Future Content Strategy
- Netflix may need to reconsider its approach to big-budget movies.
- The streaming service may shift its focus towards more modestly budgeted films and series.
- Netflix may take a more cautious approach to producing and marketing big-budget movies.
- The streaming service may invest more in promoting its high-end content and building a buzz around its release.
Potential Changes to Netflix’s Approach to Big-Budget Movies
Conclusion
The Alarming Truth Behind Netflix’s Blockbuster Woes: A Call to Action
The recent article “The Electric State’ is a total fail — and proof that Netflix has a blockbuster movie problem” published on Tom’s Guide raises a pressing concern about the streaming giant’s approach to original content. At its core, the article argues that Netflix’s failure to deliver a compelling cinematic experience in films like “The Electric State” underscores a broader issue: the platform’s inability to produce blockbuster movies that captivate audiences. By analyzing the disappointing reception of “The Electric State,” the article highlights the erosion of Netflix’s creative momentum, poor execution, and a lack of genuinely engaging storylines.
The significance of this topic cannot be overstated, as Netflix’s struggles to produce successful movies have far-reaching implications for the entertainment industry as a whole. With the rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional movie theaters, the stakes are higher than ever for platforms like Netflix to deliver content that resonates with viewers. The failure to do so not only affects Netflix’s bottom line but also risks eroding trust among subscribers and contributing to a broader shift in consumer behavior. As the streaming wars intensify, it’s imperative that Netflix and other platforms recalibrate their strategies to prioritize quality, creativity, and audience engagement.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Netflix faces a daunting challenge: to reclaim its position as a leader in original content and deliver movies that captivate audiences. Will the platform be able to course-correct and produce the kind of films that drive conversations, spark imagination, and leave a lasting impact? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the fate of Netflix’s blockbuster aspirations hangs in the balance, and the entire entertainment industry is watching with bated breath.
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