The former boasts a cast featuring some of the biggest global superstars while the latter exploded in popularity due to a viral TikTok challenge. Of all three, “Don’t Look Up” has the largest roster of easily recognizable names, which has definitely influenced the film’s success. Whether it was getting a better look at Jennifer Lawrence’s red Gale Weathers-in-“Scream 3” bangs, tuning in for another DiCaprio freak out, Ariana Grande returning to acting, or seeing Queen Meryl finally rule America, there were plenty of entry points for a wide variety of audience members.
NetflixThe success of “Don’t Look Up,” whether we enjoy the final product or not, is also a strong argument for the return of the mid-budget film. Something like “Don’t Look Up” would have likely been swallowed whole by the theatrical competition of something like “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” but its accessibility on Netflix has brought the film to homes across the globe, completely dominating the cinematic discourse as of late. Had the film gone theatrical, I don’t think it would have such an insane vice grip over us all, because people wouldn’t have been willing to risk facing off with Miss Omicron Variant to watch a staggering reminder that our government prioritizes profits over lives. Regardless, people can’t stop watching “Don’t Look Up,” and the science denial satire is reportedly responsible for over 263 million watch hours. The most-watched list calculates on a standard of the first 28-days of availability, so at this rate, “Don’t Look Up” is easily poised to take over the top spot over the next two weeks.
