Netflix has invested billions in high-budget films, aiming to compete with Hollywood blockbusters. However, many of these Netflix expensive movies have struggled with critics and audiences despite massive production costs. From action-packed thrillers to ambitious sci-fi epics, here are the most costly Netflix original films and how they performed.
1. The Electric State – $320 Million
Topping the list of Netflix’s most expensive movies, The Electric State had a staggering budget of $320 million. Directed by the Russo Brothers and starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, the film underperformed, receiving only a 15% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. Red Notice – $200 Million
This action-comedy, starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, was another big-budget Netflix movie that failed to impress critics. Despite its A-list cast and a $200 million budget, Red Notice received mixed reviews for its predictable plot.
3. The Gray Man – $200 Million
Another Russo Brothers project, The Gray Man, featured Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans in a high-stakes spy thriller. Despite a $200 million investment, the film struggled to leave a lasting impact, proving that even Netflix’s expensive action movies aren’t guaranteed successes.
4. Back in Action – $200 Million
With a $200 million budget, Back in Action was expected to be a blockbuster. However, like other high-budget Netflix movies, it failed to meet expectations in both critical reception and audience engagement.
5. Heart of Stone – $150 Million
This Gal Gadot-led spy thriller was another costly gamble. With a $150 million budget, Heart of Stone aimed to be a Netflix franchise starter but instead landed as another Netflix expensive movie that struggled to gain momentum.
6. 6 Underground – $150 Million
Directed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds, 6 Underground had all the elements of a big hit—explosions, high-speed chases, and a $150 million budget. Despite its action-packed premise, critics slammed it for its lack of story depth.
7. The Irishman – $160 Million
Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman was a critically acclaimed gangster epic with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. However, its hefty $160 million budget, largely due to costly de-aging CGI, made it one of Netflix’s most expensive movies to date.
8. Outlaw King – $120 Million
Starring Chris Pine, Outlaw King had a $120 million budget, positioning itself as a historical epic. Unfortunately, it failed to achieve the same acclaim as other medieval war films.
9. Triple Frontier – $115 Million
Despite a stellar cast, including Ben Affleck and Oscar Isaac, this $115 million action film underperformed. Like other Netflix big-budget movies, Triple Frontier struggled to gain long-term traction.
10. Bright – $90 Million
Will Smith’s Bright was one of Netflix’s early attempts at a blockbuster franchise. With a $90 million budget, it combined urban fantasy with action but was widely criticized for its weak storytelling.
Are Netflix Expensive Movies Worth It?
Despite these costly investments, Netflix continues to fund high-budget original movies, hoping to create hits that drive subscriptions. However, as seen with these films, big budgets don’t always translate to quality or audience success.
With Netflix pouring billions into original content, will future Netflix expensive movies break the cycle of big spending and disappointing results? Only time will tell.
