
Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt’s latest sci-fi film, The Electric State, is making waves on Netflix. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the movie has managed to hold its ground, maintaining strong viewership numbers. Directed by the renowned Russo brothers, the film boasts a massive budget and an all-star cast.
The Electric State – A Big-Budget Sci-Fi Adventure
Originally announced in 2017 with Andy Muschetti, The Electric State later brought in Anthony and Joe Russo as directors in 2020. With a jaw-dropping budget of $320 million, this Netflix original is one of the most expensive films ever made.
The movie stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in lead roles, supported by an impressive ensemble, including Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Giancarlo Esposito, and Stanley Tucci. Several of these actors have previously worked with the Russo brothers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Mixed Reviews But Strong Audience Support
While The Electric State hasn’t impressed critics—scoring a mere 16% on Rotten Tomatoes—the audience reaction has been much better. Viewers have given it a solid 70%, proving that despite the criticism, the film has found its audience.
The general critical consensus describes the film as “lumbering along like a giant automaton,” praising its impressive visuals but criticizing the lack of emotional depth. However, sci-fi fans seem to be enjoying the adventure, contributing to the film’s continued success on Netflix.
The Electric State Dominates Netflix’s Global Charts
Released on Netflix on March 14, The Electric State debuted at #1 on the platform. During its first week, it racked up 25.2 million views and was watched for 5.38 million hours. The momentum continued into the second week, where it garnered 22.5 million views, totaling 4.8 million hours watched. As of now, the film remains the #1 movie in 53 countries.
The movie has outperformed several big titles, including The Twister: Caught In The Storm, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, Kraven the Hunter, and A Quiet Place: Day One to maintain its top spot in Netflix’s weekly Top 10 list.
A Grand Premiere Before Netflix Release
Before hitting Netflix, The Electric State had its world premiere on February 24, 2025, at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. The film is based on the 2018 novel by Simon Stalnhag, which blends a dystopian world with a unique visual storytelling style. While the adaptation has received mixed reactions, its grand scale and strong performances have kept audiences engaged.
Netflix’s Viewership Calculation Explained
Netflix calculates viewership numbers weekly, not daily. This means that even if a movie is released mid-week, its debut numbers are still counted in Netflix’s official weekly tally. The first week’s numbers represent all films that premiered on the platform within that week, regardless of their exact release date.
Final Thoughts
Despite mixed reviews from critics, The Electric State has proven to be a major success on Netflix. With its stellar cast, stunning visuals, and intriguing storyline, the film continues to dominate the streaming charts. If you’re a fan of sci-fi adventures, this movie might just be worth watching.