Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein premiered on Netflix and quickly rose to the top spot as the platform’s most-watched film worldwide. The release succeeded only weeks after Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite debuted, which now ranks second, reinforcing the strong presence of prestige content on Netflix. Del Toro’s Frankenstein stands out as one of his most ambitious projects, with the Oscar-winning filmmaker continuing his collaboration with Netflix after previous successes like Pinocchio.
According to streaming analytics site FlixPatrol, Frankenstein immediately captured the number one position on Netflix globally, surpassing big titles including A House of Dynamite and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. Featuring Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the creature, the production reportedly cost $120 million, making it del Toro’s second most expensive film after his $200 million Pacific Rim. Known for his fascination with the macabre, del Toro’s vision has earned critical acclaim before, with The Shape of Water winning Best Picture and Best Director Oscars nearly ten years ago.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year and had a limited theatrical release in the United States at the end of October. It received mostly positive critical attention, with particular acclaim for Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the monster. Frankenstein currently holds an 85% “certified fresh” rating and a 95% audience approval score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics’ consensus highlights del Toro’s ability to bring humanity to one of cinema’s most iconic monsters, emphasizing the impact of Elordi’s performance.
Visual Mastery and Standout Performances Earn ‘Frankenstein’ Praise
Critic Ross Bonaime of Collider praised the film’s stunning visuals and the complexity of its sets, costumes, and makeup. He wrote that the movie
“looks absolutely gorgeous, with massive sets that you want to explore, sprawling landscapes, and incredible costume and makeup work.”
The film’s release coincided with Predator: Badlands debuting in theaters, offering audiences new genre experiences both at home and on the big screen. Alongside Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, the cast includes Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, and Lars Mikkelsen, contributing to the film’s wide appeal on Netflix.
Leading Cast and Characters in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
Oscar Isaac delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the scientist at the heart of the story. Jacob Elordi brings depth and nuance to the role of Frankenstein’s creation, offering a fresh and emotional interpretation of the monster. Their portrayals anchor the film’s exploration of themes related to identity, creation, and humanity, in line with del Toro’s signature storytelling style.
As Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein climbs to the top of Netflix’s charts, it underscores the streaming service’s ongoing success in showcasing ambitious, high-profile projects. With its combination of strong visuals, powerful performances, and a significant budget, the film is likely to maintain its popularity in the coming weeks and influence future collaborations between del Toro and streaming platforms.
