In a surprising twist, an anime film that struggled to make waves in theaters has found a second life on streaming. Scarlet, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda (Belle, Mirai), has climbed to the #8 spot on HBO Max's worldwide Top 10 movies chart this September, nestled between Gunslingers and Practical Magic. The film's streaming success is a testament to how digital platforms can revive titles that didn't quite ignite the box office.
Premiering at the Venice International Film Festival in 2025, Scarlet didn't hit U.S. theaters until February 2026. While it managed a respectable global box office haul of $2 million, it was far from the blockbuster numbers seen by other anime features like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle or Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. Yet, the film earned critical recognition, including the Fanheart3 Award at Venice and a nomination for Film of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
The movie reimagines Shakespeare's Hamlet as a dark fantasy. It follows Princess Scarlet (voiced by Mana Ashida in Japanese and Erin Yvette in English), a 16th-century Danish royal who awakens in the Otherworld after a failed attempt to assassinate her uncle Claudius (Koji Yakusho/David Kaye), the man who murdered her father. In the land of the dead, she discovers Claudius is also there, building an army by promising souls passage to the Infinite Land. Along the way, she meets Hijiri (Masaki Okada/Chris Hackney), a modern-day Japanese paramedic who joins her quest for revenge.
Critics have been divided on whether Scarlet reaches the heights of Hosoda's best work or the original Hamlet. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 71% Certified Fresh critics' score and an 80% audience score, with a 3-star average on Letterboxd. Audiences have praised the film's stunning visuals and animation, though some noted a predictable plot and a few plot holes. Still, the film's streaming performance suggests it's resonating with a wider audience now.
This isn't the first time a fantasy film has found new life on streaming. Recent trends show that streaming platforms can turn overlooked titles into hits, and Scarlet is a prime example. For fans of fantasy adventure films, this is a must-watch.
Hosoda's previous works, like Belle and Mirai, have earned international acclaim, and Scarlet continues his tradition of blending emotional storytelling with breathtaking animation. The film's unique premise—a princess navigating the afterlife while confronting her uncle—offers a fresh take on a classic tale.
While Scarlet may not have been a box office juggernaut, its streaming success proves that quality can find its audience. As more viewers discover it on HBO Max, it's likely to gain even more traction. For those who enjoy dark fantasy narratives, Scarlet is a compelling addition to the genre.
So, is Scarlet worth watching? If you're a fan of anime, Shakespearean tragedies, or simply stunning animation, the answer is yes. Catch it now on HBO Max and see why this underdog is finally getting its due.
