More than ten years after its 2014 release, Guillermo del Toro’s visually stunning film The Book of Life is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, mainly through streaming platforms. FlixPatrol reports that the movie has climbed the Disney+ Top 10 charts in over 25 Latin American and Caribbean countries, frequently holding the number one position. This renewed interest connects closely to del Toro classics gaining traction among contemporary audiences.
The film’s rise reflects not only its artistic celebration of Mexican folklore, jointly created with Jorge Gutierrez, but also the growing anticipation around del Toro’s upcoming Frankenstein adaptation. The placement of The Book of Life on Disney+—a platform where culturally themed family titles often thrive—has helped draw viewers who find parallels with popular movies like Coco and Encanto. These titles share thematic ties to heritage and tradition, bringing The Book of Life into the spotlight as a rich predecessor.
Key themes of love, death, and tradition resonate powerfully during the Day of the Dead season, explaining its trending status in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and throughout Latin America. The film has also found a significant audience in the United States, where it reached number two on the Disney+ charts and consistently appeared in the top three across multiple markets.
Continuing Evolution of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Through New Films
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, now more than two centuries old, remains a source of inspiration and reinvention for filmmakers worldwide. Guillermo del Toro’s forthcoming Netflix adaptation promises a deeply Gothic and poetic interpretation, drawing from Bernie Wrightson’s iconic illustrations. The film stars Jacob Elordi as the creature and Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale.
In parallel, Romanian director Radu Jude is developing his own Frankenstein film in Romania, with actor Sebastian Stan taking on the dual roles of creator and creation. Beyond these major projects, other filmmakers explore the Frankenstein myth from various angles: Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride! reexamines the Universal 1935 film through a feminist viewpoint, featuring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley in lead roles. Indie cinema also contributes, with Grace Glowicki’s Dead Lover delving into intense psychological horror and obsession.
These directors approach Shelley’s original questions about human ambition and compassion from unique angles—whether it be del Toro’s elaborate humanity or Jude’s sociopolitical critique—ensuring Frankenstein’s story continues to evolve and resonate. The much-anticipated del Toro film is set for a global release on Netflix on November 7, following a limited theatrical run.
Access to ‘The Book of Life’ and Upcoming Releases
The Book of Life remains available for streaming on Disney+, maintaining its cultural impact and drawing in new viewers amid renewed interest in Guillermo del Toro classics. Fans can look forward to his Frankenstein adaptation’s worldwide Netflix release on November 7. The continuing exploration of culturally rich stories and timeless myths highlights both del Toro’s prominence and the enduring appeal of classic narratives reinvented for modern audiences.
