Netflix recently added In The Lost Lands, a film that performed poorly at the box office and currently holds a 24% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a questionable choice for viewers seeking quality content. The movie, featuring wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista, first hit theaters globally in March 2025 but only earned an estimated $6 million against a $55 million budget.
As of August 18, the film is streaming on Netflix in the United Kingdom, while it’s available on Hulu for audiences in the United States.
Background on the film and its creators
In The Lost Lands was directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, known primarily for the Resident Evil series and the film Monster Hunter, which holds his highest Rotten Tomatoes score at 44%. The story, based on a short tale by George R.R. Martin, the renowned author behind Game of Thrones, explores a fantasy post-apocalyptic world. Despite Martin’s connection, his role in the production appears minimal.
The plot centers around two characters embarking on a perilous journey through a wasteland. These roles are filled by Mila Jovovich, Anderson’s wife and frequent lead actress, alongside Dave Bautista.
Current popularity and reception on Netflix UK
Despite critical and financial failures, In The Lost Lands ranks as the fifth most-watched movie on Netflix UK at the moment. It trails just behind the 2007 action film The Kingdom and two Netflix originals but surpasses other recent additions such as My Oxford Year, Bend it Like Beckham, and Taxi. This suggests a moderate level of viewer curiosity or appeal despite its unfavorable reviews.
Potential appeal as a ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ experience
Given its disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score, lackluster box office performance, and the director’s mixed track record, In The Lost Lands could attract fans of cult films that are appreciated for their flaws. Anderson’s previous movies have found a niche audience among viewers who enjoy cinematic misfires for their entertainment value. Nonetheless, some viewers remain hesitant due to recent viewing fatigue from similarly received titles.
Although Anderson’s films regularly appear on Netflix due to being produced outside major studio systems, In The Lost Lands is currently the only one by him on the platform. For followers of Dave Bautista, Netflix still offers an array of his other notable works, including My Spy, Blade Runner 2049, and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
