Aquaman’s Netflix Success Despite a Box Office Letdown for the DCEU
Released in late 2023, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom faced a box office letdown, but it has since become an Aquaman‘s Netflix success. While the original Aquaman made waves with $1.1 billion globally, the sequel managed just $439.3 million.
With a $205 million budget, the film was a financial flop. Critics were harsh, giving it a 33% Rotten Tomatoes score, though audiences were more positive with a 79% audience rating.
Aquaman 2’s Streaming Comeback on Netflix
In May 2025, the film debuted on Netflix in Central and South America, where it quickly found new life.
Key Streaming Stats (May 26–June 1):
- 5.8 million views
- 12 million hours watched
- Top 10 placement in 22 countries
- #1 spot in 6 countries
- #3 in Netflix’s global Top 10
Note: The film is not on Netflix U.S. — it remains exclusive to Max (formerly HBO Max).
Aquaman’s Netflix Success Amid a Bigger Trend of 2023 Flops
Aquaman 2 wasn’t the only blockbuster to fall short in 2023. In fact, several other high-budget films also underdelivered at the box office, including:
- Fast X
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
- The Marvels
- Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Furthermore, these titles contributed to a wider trend of disappointing performances among major franchises last year. Despite this, some films managed to find new life through streaming platforms and international markets.
The film’s streaming success shows ongoing fan interest in the Aquaman character—even after critics moved on. The difference between critic and audience scores hints that general viewers enjoyed the movie more than expected, especially outside the initial box office hype.
Jason Momoa’s Next Role in the DCU
With James Gunn and Peter Safran launching the new DC Universe (DCU), the DCEU is officially over. However, Jason Momoa isn’t done with DC yet.
He’s expected to return as Lobo, a popular cosmic antihero.
What We Know:
- Character: Lobo
- First Appearance: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- Release Date: June 26, 2026
- Comes After: Superman (releasing July 11, 2025)
While it flopped in theaters, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has turned into a streaming sensation. Its Netflix performance proves that superhero fatigue doesn’t apply to everyone — especially not to fans in global markets.
As the DCU resets, Jason Momoa’s journey isn’t over — just shifting from Atlantis to the cosmos.
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