Overview
Despite receiving a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the 2024 action movie The Painter has unexpectedly trended on Paramount+’s Top 10 movie chart. The movie, starring Jon Voight, Charlie Weber, and Marie Avgeropoulos, has outperformed many better-reviewed films in streaming popularity. However, its long-term success remains uncertain due to low audience satisfaction (35% RT audience score).
Detailed Findings
The Painter received a 0% critic score from 10 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
It currently holds the No. 6 spot on Paramount+’s daily Top 10 movies chart.
Other top-performing titles include Gladiator II (No. 1), Top Gun: Maverick (No. 4), and First Shift (No. 5).
Streaming availability appears to be the key driver of its success rather than critical reception.
The film’s audience score (35%) suggests that its popularity may not be sustainable.
Key Takeaway
A movie’s critical reception does not necessarily dictate its success on streaming platforms—availability, star power, and audience curiosity can drive engagement despite poor reviews.
Main Trend: "Hate-Watch & Curiosity Streaming"
Consumers are increasingly engaging with poorly reviewed content out of curiosity, social discussions, or viral hype, even when they expect low quality.
Description of the Trend
Viewers actively seek out "so-bad-it’s-good" or critically panned content, often motivated by the desire to form their own opinions, participate in online discourse, or simply experience entertainment ironically.
Consumer Motivation
Curiosity: Many viewers want to see why a film received such a low rating.
Nostalgia or Familiarity: Jon Voight’s presence and a classic action-thriller premise may attract audiences despite reviews.
Streaming Accessibility: The film’s easy availability on Paramount+ removes barriers to entry.
Social Influence: Viral discussions on platforms like TikTok and Twitter encourage users to watch just to be part of the conversation.
What is Driving the Trend?
Streaming Culture: The availability of movies on demand makes it easier for people to take chances on poorly reviewed films.
Online Virality: Social media and meme culture play a crucial role in driving unexpected success for critically panned movies.
Counter-Cultural Appeal: Some audiences reject mainstream critical consensus and enjoy forming their own opinions.
Motivation Beyond the Trend
Entertainment Regardless of Quality: Many consumers just want something engaging, even if it’s not critically acclaimed.
Desire for Unconventional Viewing: Some audiences enjoy the unpredictability of watching "bad" movies.
Low Commitment Viewing: Streaming offers a risk-free way to explore content without the cost of a theater ticket.
Description of Consumers Referring to the Trend
Age: Primarily Millennials and Gen Z (ages 18-40), who engage heavily with streaming and online trends.
Gender: Mixed, but action movie audiences tend to skew slightly male.
Income: Middle to upper-middle class, with access to multiple streaming platforms.
Lifestyle: Digitally engaged, entertainment-focused, and influenced by social media recommendations.
Conclusions
Streaming success is not solely dependent on critical reception; accessibility and online discussion matter more.
Viral trends and curiosity play a significant role in driving engagement with content.
Audiences enjoy "bad" movies as a form of entertainment and discussion, making them more willing to engage with critically panned films.
Implications for Brands
Leverage social media buzz: Encourage online conversations about content, even if the reception is mixed.
Monetize curiosity-driven engagement: Offer exclusive streaming or limited-time promotions to capitalize on viral trends.
Emphasize accessibility: Ensure that content is easy to find on major platforms.
Implications for Society
Shifting definitions of quality: Traditional critic reviews are losing influence over audience decisions.
Increased engagement with unconventional content: People are exploring more diverse entertainment experiences.
Social media as a film marketing force: Viral discussions now significantly impact movie popularity.
Implications for Consumers
More freedom of choice: Viewers are no longer bound by critical opinions when selecting content.
Rise of ironic entertainment: More people are watching films for the enjoyment of their flaws rather than their strengths.
Growing influence of social media in entertainment discovery: Users rely more on online communities for recommendations than on traditional film critics.
Implications for the Future
Streaming platforms will experiment with promoting polarizing content for engagement.
More movies may lean into "so-bad-it's-good" marketing strategies.
Film criticism will continue to evolve as audience-driven metrics become more influential.
Consumer Trend: "Hate-Watch & Curiosity Streaming"
Description: Consumers are increasingly watching poorly reviewed or controversial content out of curiosity, social influence, or viral discussions, contributing to unexpected streaming success.
Consumer Sub-Trend: "Meme-Worthy Movies"
Description: Films that generate viral jokes, memes, or social media discussions tend to outperform expectations on streaming platforms.
Big Social Trend: "Anti-Elite Entertainment Choices"
Description: Audiences are rebelling against expert opinions and forming their own entertainment preferences based on peer discussions.
Worldwide Social Trend: "Democratization of Content Discovery"
Description: Consumers rely on social networks and community-driven recommendations rather than established critics or traditional marketing.
Social Drive: "Audience-First Content Curation"
Description: Streaming platforms and studios are beginning to prioritize audience engagement over traditional quality metrics when curating and marketing content.
Learnings for Brands to Use in 2025
Tap into social media trends: Engage audiences with viral challenges, discussions, and memes.
Reframe negative reception: Use controversy or criticism to fuel curiosity-driven engagement.
Prioritize accessibility: Make content widely available and easy to stream.
Strategy Recommendations for Brands to Follow in 2025
Leverage influencer and community-driven marketing: Encourage organic conversations about content.
Develop interactive experiences: Create digital events around movies to sustain engagement.
Rethink traditional quality metrics: Track audience engagement rather than just reviews.
Final Sentence (Key Concept)
"In 2025, content success will be dictated by audience curiosity, social discourse, and meme culture, making accessibility and engagement more important than traditional critical acclaim."
What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 to Benefit from the Trend & How to Do It
Foster audience participation: Use online discussions, watch parties, and social media challenges to generate buzz.
Market through relatability and controversy: Position content as an experience worth discussing, even if it’s polarizing.
Optimize streaming discovery algorithms: Highlight trending and viral content over traditionally rated "good" movies.
Final Note
Core Trend: Hate-Watch & Curiosity Streaming – Consumers engage with poorly reviewed content for entertainment, discussion, and social validation.
Core Strategy: Social Media-Driven Marketing – Brands should leverage memes, virality, and influencer culture to maximize content engagement.
Core Industry Trend: Streaming Platforms as Cultural Curators – Platforms are increasingly prioritizing audience engagement metrics over traditional reviews.
Core Consumer Motivation: Participation in Cultural Conversations – Viewers want to be part of trending discussions, even if the content itself is subpar.
Final Conclusion
In 2025, movie success will be defined not by critic scores but by cultural impact, social engagement, and the power of audience-driven narratives. Brands and platforms that embrace viral storytelling, meme culture, and curiosity-driven engagement will thrive.
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