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2 Years Later, the Worst Sci-Fi Video Game Movie Ever Made Is Officially a Streaming Hit
The 2024 film Borderlands, once dismissed as one of the worst video game adaptations ever made, has found unexpected success on streaming two years after its disastrous theatrical run. Directed by Eli Roth and based on the popular looter-shooter game series, the film starred a notable cast including Cate Blanchett, Jack Black and Kevin Hart, but suffered from well-documented production troubles, including reshoots by Tim Miller and original writer Craig Mazin removing his name from the credits. Its resurgence highlights the unpredictable afterlife films can have once they reach streaming platforms, regardless of their critical and box office fate.
Borderlands grossed just $33 million worldwide against a reported $120 million budget and holds a dismal 10% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics branding it "balderdash". Despite this, data from FlixPatrol shows it has become one of the most-watched titles on Peacock in the US this week, sitting behind only The Super Mario Bros. Movie on the platform's chart. The revival comes amid a broader resurgence for video game adaptations, following successes such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie, A Minecraft Movie and HBO's The Last of Us.
In short
- Borderlands, a 2024 box-office flop, is now a Peacock streaming hit
- Film earned just $33m against a $120m budget, 10% on Rotten Tomatoes
- Success reflects wider revival of video game film and TV adaptations
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The film’s streaming popularity suggests that theatrical failure and poor reviews do not necessarily settle a film’s worth to audiences. Viewers may enjoy its cast, humour or connection to the games, while streaming gives people a low-cost, low-commitment way to decide for themselves and discover films they missed in cinemas.
The case against
A high streaming-chart position is only a snapshot of viewing on one platform, not proof that the film has been broadly reassessed or is a lasting success. Its weak box office and critical reception remain relevant measures of how it performed, and its current visibility may reflect curiosity or the wider popularity of video game adaptations rather than the film’s own merits.
Explained simply
Borderlands is a science-fiction action film based on a series of video games in which players explore dangerous planets, fight enemies and search for equipment. The film was directed by Eli Roth and featured Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart and Jack Black.
The film’s production included additional filming overseen by director Tim Miller, and screenwriter Craig Mazin later removed his name from the credits. Its cinema release earned far less than its reported production budget and received poor reviews, making its later audience interest a contrast to its initial reception.
Video game adaptations have had very different fortunes, from major hits such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Last of Us to films that struggled with critics and audiences. Borderlands illustrates how a film’s prospects can change when it reaches streaming, where viewers can discover it well after its cinema release.