Chris Pratt’s return to the animation genre is proving just as much of a streaming success as theatrical one asThe GarfieldMovieis already becoming a Netflix hit. The movie serves as a reboot of the franchise based on Jim Davis' beloved comic strip, with Pratt taking over the role from Bill Murray in the live-action/CGI hybrid movies. Following the titular cat as he’s reunited with his long-lost father and goes on an adventure with him and Odie,The Garfield Moviewas poorly received by critics, but generally embraced by audiences, grossing over $257 million against its $60 million production budget.
Just shy of four months after making its theatrical debut,The Garfield Moviepremiered on Netflix as part of the streamer’s exclusive rights deal with Sony, and it’s already proving to be a hit for both parties. At the time of writing,the movie is maintaining the No. 1 spot in the Top 10 movies in the U.S. today, this coming a full week after its premiere. While exact numbers have yet to be shared, the fact its ranking has remained so high for as long as it has is an encouraging sign of its chance at record-level numbers.
The Garfield Movie’s No. 1 ranking puts it ahead of a wide variety of new and familiar titles in Netflix’s library, including the similarly recent releases of the true crime drama,Jailbreak: Love on the Run, the acclaimed thrillerRebel Ridgeand YA novel adaptation,Uglies. Interestingly, the animated reboot’s No. 1 placement isahead of another Pratt animated hit,The Super Mario Bros. Movie, in the No. 6 spot, as well asTrollsat No. 5,American Gangsterat No. 7,The Boss Babyat No. 8,Evil Dead Riseat No. 9 andTrolls Band Togetherat No. 10.
What The Garfield Movie’s Netflix Success Means For The Film
Another Animated Hit For Chris Pratt
Although Pratt is best-known for his live action roles, like Andy Dwyer inParks and RecreationandStar-Lord in theGuardians of the Galaxyfilms, he has also had a lot of success starring in animated films. His other animated roles include Emmet Brickowski inThe Lego Movieand Barley Lightfoot inOnward. Last year, he voiced the legendary video game character Mario inThe Super Mario Bros. Movie, which went on to become the second highest-grossing movie of 2023, even in spite of its mixed reviews.
How Much Profit The Super Mario Bros. Movie Made At The Box Office
The Super Mario Bros. Movie has already cemented itself as one of the biggest movies of 2023, but it’s made even more money than imaginable.
The success of the film also shows that audiences are still interested inseeing Garfield onscreen, more than 40 years after he was first introduced in the comic strip. Outside of the films and comic strip, the character also starred in theGarfield and Friendstelevision series (voiced by Lorenzo Music), which ran from 1988-1994. The years since have seen a variety of TV adaptations produced, includingThe Garfield Show, which is also available to stream on Netflix and saw legendary voice actor Frank Welker star in the titular role.
Our Take On The Garfield Movie’s Success On Netflix
WithThe Garfield Moviehaving such success on Netflix, it could lead to having more onscreen adventures of the cat that hates Mondays. Garfield’s fellow comic strip stars,Charlie Brown and Snoopy, have recently found new life on Apple TV+, as the streaming service is not only the home of the classic Peanuts holiday specials, but also has new specials, and the television seriesSnoopy in SpaceandThe Snoopy Show. Although there are currently no definitive future onscreen plans for the character, the success of the film shows that audiences are as hungry to see more Garfield as he is for lasagna.
The Garfield Movie
Cast
The Garfield Movie, released in 2024, follows Garfield, the lasagna-loving cat, as he embarks on an outdoor adventure with his canine companion Odie. The journey begins when Garfield is unexpectedly reunited with his long-lost father, Vic, leading them to join a comedic, high-stakes heist.
