Robert Downey Jr.‘s 2020 film Dolittle has unexpectedly climbed to number eight among Netflix’s Top 10 movies, according to FlixPatrol. The family adventure, based on Hugh Lofting’s The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, stars Downey Jr. as a reclusive veterinarian who can communicate with animals. Despite boasting an impressive cast, the movie was widely panned by critics and earned only a 15% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Released in theaters in 2020, Dolittle failed to meet financial expectations, grossing $251.5 million worldwide against its inflated production budget of $175 million, which increased further due to costly reshoots. This underperformance placed it among the year’s significant box office disappointments.
The Unexpected Streaming Success of Dolittle
Contrary to its cinematic failure and critical disapproval, Dolittle has found a surprising new audience on streaming platforms. While critics largely dismissed the film, general viewers reacted more positively, granting it a 76% audience score on Popcornmeter. This strong viewer reception appears to have driven its recent surge on Netflix, demonstrating a disparity between critical opinion and casual audience enjoyment.
The film’s growing popularity on streaming services suggests that viewers are approaching Dolittle without the heavy expectations typically associated with Robert Downey Jr.’s blockbuster reputation after his iconic role as Iron Man. Since the film, Downey Jr. has revitalized his career with a critically acclaimed performance in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which earned him an Oscar, solidifying his return to prominence.
Additionally, Downey Jr.’s upcoming role as Doctor Doom in the forthcoming Avengers: Doomsday marks his reentry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, underscoring a notable comeback. Dolittle’s streaming triumph highlights how digital platforms can offer films a second chance to connect with audiences beyond their initial theatrical runs, even when original reviews are harsh.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Career Beyond Dolittle
Since concluding his landmark tenure as Iron Man with Avengers: Endgame, Robert Downey Jr. has faced high expectations for his subsequent projects. While Dolittle was a setback, his later work, especially in Oppenheimer, reestablished his critical and commercial viability. His involvement with Marvel’s next phase through Doctor Doom signals a strategic career move, reconnecting him with a global fan base eager for his return to blockbuster cinema.
