‘Him’ Returns: When Second Chances Await on Streaming Platforms
It’s rare for a movie that initially misses its mark to find fresh life so quickly, but that’s exactly the story surrounding ‘Him’. Premiering to extraordinary hype and expectations, this horror film seemed poised to be a genre-defining entry. The theatrical release, however, sparked a mixed reaction, with critics and audiences divided. Still, the excitement around its arrival on Netflix means this film might just shake off its disappointing debut—and perhaps even rewrite its own legacy in the horror community.
High Expectations, Heavier Critiques
Horror was everywhere this past year, thanks to breakout smash hits that redefined chilling cinema. With titles like Sinners, Weapons, and 28 Years Later raising the bar, ‘Him’ had a lot to live up to. Much of the conversation was about its loaded ambition: stylish trailers, bold imagery, and a haunting atmosphere hinted at something special. But after release, the numbers told a sobering story—a 56% audience rating and just a 31% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes signal not divisive artistry, but broad disappointment.
The most consistent critique? ‘Him’ falters in its finale, leaving story threads unresolved and relying heavily on overt religious symbolism that landed with a thud for many viewers. These weren’t just nitpicks; they reflected fundamental disconnects between narrative intent and execution. Yet even among detractors, the film’s core potential was widely acknowledged. Some reviewers even argued that its ambitious premise and striking visual elements made it a candidate for cult status—if only it found the right audience.
Box Office Woes and the Modern Streaming Upside
Box office performance can sometimes seal a film’s fate, especially in a crowded horror landscape. With takings around $27 million, ‘Him’ clearly didn’t set the world alight. But in 2026, theatrical disappointments are no longer a death knell. Streaming platforms like Netflix have rewritten the rules, giving misunderstood or underloved titles a new lease on life. Viewers often use critical pans as a reason to wait for a home release, banking on a lower barrier to entry and the privacy to form their own opinions. Several recent theatrical flops have stunned industry watchers by achieving massive success on streaming, as the comfort of home viewing and word-of-mouth buzz take over from formal reviews and box office buzz.
The Streaming Redemption Arc
‘Him’ possesses several key elements that tend to thrive in the streaming era: a provocative hook, polarizing imagery, and a conversation-starting narrative. Social media dissection and the ease of recommending a movie with a click often lead to a sharp uptick in viewership for controversial titles. Netflix debuting ‘Him’ on April 19 creates an ideal storm for it to go viral, especially as horror lovers seek out fresh content after an impressive run of genre hits.
Practically, this means ‘Him’ could transcend its theatrical disappointment and achieve cult classic status among streaming audiences hungry for something divisive and dark. Whether the film is ultimately embraced or becomes a guilty pleasure, its journey reflects the reality of modern movie distribution—where almost any film can get a powerful second act if timing, platform, and audience curiosities align just right.
