In the world of streaming, box office numbers don't always tell the whole story. While some mid-budget genre films like Guy Ritchie's In the Grey and David Ayer's A Working Man found their audience at home after modest theatrical runs, a different pattern has emerged for big-budget spectacles. Last year, Red One became the poster child for this phenomenon, grossing under $100 million domestically against a $250 million budget, only to thrive on Prime Video. Now, 2026's Masters of the Universe is following a similar trajectory, turning a theatrical disappointment into a streaming triumph.
Directed by Travis Knight and starring Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, the film also features Alison Brie, Idris Elba, and Camila Mendes. With a reported production cost of $170 million, it managed only $120 million worldwide—$65 million of that from domestic theaters. Critics were lukewarm, though many appreciated its self-aware charm. But the real vindication has come from audiences, who have embraced the movie with open arms.
Audience Love Drives Streaming Success
On Rotten Tomatoes, Masters of the Universe holds a 68% critics' score, with the consensus praising its "self-deprecating script and spirited cast." More tellingly, its audience score sits at a robust 85%. According to FlixPatrol, the film has spent over 60 days on the domestic Prime Video leaderboard, a clear sign that viewers are discovering—or rediscovering—the adventure at home.
This kind of streaming longevity often signals a franchise's second chance. While there's been chatter about a possible sequel, Amazon has yet to make an official announcement. But with numbers like these, the odds are looking favorable. For fans of the He-Man universe, this could mean more adventures from Eternia are on the horizon.
The film's plot follows Prince Adam, who was sent to Earth as a child and has lived there for nearly two decades. When he's summoned back to Eternia, he must confront the villainous Skeletor and unlock the secrets of his past to transform into He-Man, embracing his destiny to save his homeland. It's a classic hero's journey with a modern, campy twist that has clearly resonated with streaming audiences.
If you're in the mood for more fantasy fare, check out our list of Netflix fantasy shows that get everything right. And for those who appreciate underdog comebacks, Russell Crowe's Sleeping Dogs finds new life on Prime Video is another example of a film finding its audience after a quiet theatrical run.
As streaming continues to reshape how we consume entertainment, Masters of the Universe stands as a testament to the power of audience word-of-mouth. Whether it leads to a sequel remains to be seen, but for now, He-Man is ruling the Prime Video charts.
