‘Worst film of the year’ bags one of Netflix’s biggest 2025 debuts with 25,200,000 views
It was savaged by critics.
Netflix’s latest big-budget movie, which was savaged by critics, has gone to claim one of the streamer’s biggest debut audiences of the year with 25,200,000 views.
The Electric State, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, was branded ‘one of the worst movies of the year’ when reviews were published earlier this month.
It’s also only managed a pitifully low score of 15% on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, where critics called it ‘as derivative as a modern blockbuster’, a ‘trash movie’ and a ‘multi-million-dollar misfire’.
Despite all this, it’s commanded a massive audience on Netflix after debuting on Friday March 14, with the streaming platform revealing that The Electric State’s first three days on release saw it attract more than 25million views, allowing it to claim the top spot on Netflix’s global chart.
Netflix calculates the views by capturing the number of hours something was viewed for, divided by its run-time.
Get personalised updates on all things NetflixWake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
The Electric State’s figures put it at the second-biggest debut for a Netflix Original film in 2025 so far, beating the likes of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, Amy Schumer vehicle Kinda Pregnant and rom-com La Dolce Villa.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Up Next
Previous Page Next PageHowever, its viewing numbers pale in comparison with those of Back in Action, Cameron Diaz’s movie comeback, which debuted to 46.8m views in its first three days during January and went on to top the charts for two more weeks.
The sci-fi action film, directed by Marvel filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo and in development for seven years, is likely to remain in the top 10 for a few more weeks, totting up many more millions of views from fans who have been much kinder than critics in their reactions.
Comment nowWhat did you think of The Electric State?Comment NowOn Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score is currently far higher at 71%, with fans praising it as ‘highly entertaining’ and ‘a must-see’ and ‘a masterpiece for me’.
‘This movie did exactly what all movies should do. It entertained from start to finish. It was funny and emotional. Critics take movies too seriously, enjoy a movie for the entertainment it offers and you won’t be disappointed,’ wrote Geoff M.
The Electric State, starring Millie Bobby Brown, has attracted over 25million views in its first three days (Picture: Netflix)‘Best film I’ve seen in a long time time. Soak it up and enjoy,’ agreed Andrew S.
‘This film was a great watch. I’m amazed by the difference between critics and a normal viewer, I expected a rubbish terrible film, yet what I got was a funny, well written story with some great actors and performances,’ added Chris E. ‘I actually truly enjoyed Electric State. Well worth a watch and if you like sci fi then even better.’
This echoed other first fan reactions elsewhere on social media as X user TomCJL insisted: ‘No, #TheElectricState is absolutely not the disaster some are making it out to be. And no, it isn’t a perfect movie either. And no, The Russo’s career isn’t in trouble. It’s a fine, fun family road trip adventure that is your middle of the road flick for a rainy Friday night.’
However, other audience members were harsher, describing the movie as ‘an expensive giant blob of garbage’ and ‘truly unwatchable’.
Fans have been kinder to the sci-fi film, which has a 71% rating from the audience – but 15% from critics (Picture: Netflix)Disgruntled fans of Simon Stålenhag’s original graphic novel also branded the movie a ‘travesty’ after the final trailer dropped.
In Metro’s review of The Electric State, I called the movie difficult to connect with and wondered who it was meant to be for: ‘Millennials who can sense the cynicism in the film’s deployment of nostalgia? Fans of the novel who have already railed against the film in reaction to the trailer? Brown’s fanbase, who are likely too young to feel any strong connection with the film’s setting? It’s a bit baffling.’
The Electric State is streaming now exclusively on Netflix.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
