Netflix viewers have shown unexpected interest in the 2015 Jennifer Lopez thriller 'The Boy Next Door,' despite its poor critical reception. The film, which centers around a schoolteacher's ill-fated affair with a former student, debuted at No. 10 on Netflix's U.S. Top 10 Movies chart for the week of July 22-28.
Despite receiving a dismal 12% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, the movie managed to garner a 34% audience score based on over 25,000 user ratings. The film's plot, revolving around a dangerous obsession, seems to have resonated with some viewers, propelling it to unexpected popularity on the streaming platform.
While 'The Boy Next Door' faced harsh criticism upon its theatrical release, it still managed to earn $53.4 million worldwide against a modest $4 million production budget. This financial success, coupled with its recent surge on Netflix, highlights the unpredictable nature of audience preferences and the enduring appeal of suspenseful thrillers.
This resurgence of interest in 'The Boy Next Door' echoes a similar trend seen with Jennifer Lopez's previous Netflix offering, 'Atlas,' which also defied negative reviews to claim the top spot on the global movies chart. Despite initial skepticism, both films have found a dedicated audience on the streaming platform, showcasing the diverse tastes of viewers and the enduring popularity of Lopez as a leading actress.
As Netflix continues to showcase a wide range of content, including both critically acclaimed and divisive titles, the success of 'The Boy Next Door' serves as a reminder of the platform's ability to attract diverse audiences and spark conversations around unconventional storytelling.
