Chris Pratt has become a household name in Hollywood, with starring roles in some of the most successful franchises of the past decade. From his comedic turn as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy to dinosaur-wrangling heroics in Jurassic World and voice work in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Pratt has repeatedly proven himself as a bankable star.
But not every film he’s headlined has enjoyed smooth sailing. One of his more ambitious and expensive ventures—The Tomorrow War—was initially met with skepticism and mixed reviews. Despite this rocky start and a production budget that soared to an estimated $257 million, the movie has experienced a remarkable resurgence on streaming platforms. Quietly but steadily, it has climbed the charts and become one of the most-watched sci-fi action films on digital platforms in recent years.
This is the story of how a controversial blockbuster overcame its early stumbles and found new life on streaming—proving that in the digital age, redemption is only a click away.
A Bold Sci-Fi Gamble
The Tomorrow War is a high-stakes, time-traveling alien invasion film. In the movie, Chris Pratt plays Dan Forester, a former military man turned high school teacher who is conscripted into a future war against terrifying alien creatures known as the Whitespikes. The twist? Soldiers from the year 2051 arrive in the present to recruit fighters from our timeline to help save humanity’s future.
Directed by Chris McKay and featuring a cast that includes Yvonne Strahovski, J.K. Simmons, and Betty Gilpin, the film promised a mix of emotional depth and explosive action. It was designed to be a summer blockbuster in the vein of Independence Day or Edge of Tomorrow. However, the film’s release was anything but typical.
Originally set for a traditional theatrical rollout by Paramount Pictures, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. With theaters shuttered and uncertainty in the air, the film was sold to Amazon Prime Video for around $200 million. With marketing and additional production costs factored in, estimates place the film’s total cost at approximately $257 million.
That staggering number immediately raised eyebrows. Would a streaming-first film be able to justify such a hefty investment?
Critical and Fan Reactions: A Divided Reception
Upon its release on Amazon Prime in July 2021, The Tomorrow War was met with divided opinions. Critics were lukewarm, praising the film’s concept and visuals but criticizing its bloated runtime, derivative plot points, and inconsistent tone. While some applauded the emotional arc between Dan and his daughter, others found it manipulative or underdeveloped.
Audiences, however, were more forgiving—at least in part. Many viewers found the film to be an entertaining popcorn flick, the kind of high-concept sci-fi adventure that was perfect for a summer weekend at home. Others felt it lacked originality and relied too heavily on clichés from similar films.
Adding to the controversy was the growing scrutiny around Chris Pratt himself. At the time, he was facing online backlash due to his association with certain political and religious views, which—though unrelated to the film—inevitably influenced public discourse surrounding the release.
A Surprising Streaming Success
Despite its polarized reception and the baggage surrounding its star, The Tomorrow War turned out to be a smash hit—at least in terms of viewership. Within 48 hours of its release, the film had become Amazon Prime Video’s most-streamed movie globally. Millions of households tuned in during its opening weekend, and the numbers continued to rise in the weeks that followed.
Streaming analytics firms later reported that the film was watched for over a billion minutes in its first week alone. It consistently ranked among the top 5 streamed movies in multiple countries, including the United States, Brazil, India, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Its success wasn’t just limited to raw viewing numbers—it became one of Amazon’s most valuable streaming properties of the year.
How did a film with lukewarm reviews become such a phenomenon?
Why It Worked on Streaming
Several factors contributed to The Tomorrow War’s unexpected success on streaming platforms.
First, the film had accessibility on its side. With movie theaters still in various stages of reopening, many audiences were starved for blockbuster content they could enjoy from the comfort of home. The fact that the movie was available at no additional cost to Amazon Prime subscribers made it an easy pick for weekend viewing.
Second, the genre itself was a draw. Sci-fi and action films tend to perform well on streaming services due to their visual appeal and wide demographic reach. The Tomorrow War, with its blend of time travel, alien battles, and emotional stakes, checked all the boxes.
Third, Chris Pratt’s star power remained intact, especially among fans who separated the actor’s off-screen persona from his on-screen roles. His name alone drew a sizable audience who were familiar with his work in Marvel and other franchises.
Finally, Amazon backed the release with an aggressive and creative marketing campaign. From social media promotions to virtual watch parties and themed advertising, the film benefited from a strong push that helped build awareness and curiosity.
Reevaluating Success in the Streaming Era
What The Tomorrow War highlights more than anything is the evolving definition of success in Hollywood. In the past, a film that cost over $250 million and received mixed reviews would likely have been labeled a flop. But in today’s streaming ecosystem, the metrics have changed.
Streaming platforms don’t rely solely on ticket sales. They look at user engagement, completion rates, subscriber retention, and whether a film brings new audiences to their service. By these standards, The Tomorrow War was an undeniable win for Amazon. It drove viewership, kept audiences engaged, and proved that big-budget films could live and thrive on streaming.
Moreover, its success post-release reflects a growing trend: films that underperform or divide critics upon release often find a second life online. Whether it’s through renewed interest, viral social media discussions, or algorithmic recommendations, streaming can resurrect and recontextualize movies long after their debut.
Sequel Buzz and Franchise Potential
In light of the film’s massive streaming numbers, talk of a sequel quickly gained momentum. By the end of 2021, reports surfaced that Amazon was in early talks to produce The Tomorrow War 2, with Chris Pratt and much of the original creative team expected to return.
Though no official release date has been announced, insiders have hinted that a follow-up is likely in development. The proposed sequel would explore new layers of the time travel mythology and possibly expand the world’s lore with deeper character arcs and even higher stakes.
Should it come to fruition, the sequel would be a rare example of a franchise born entirely from streaming success—a testament to how platforms like Amazon are now shaping the future of franchise filmmaking.
What It Means for Chris Pratt’s Career
For Chris Pratt, The Tomorrow War represented both a risk and an opportunity. As one of his first major solo projects outside of an established franchise, the film was a chance to prove his drawing power as a standalone lead.
The mixed critical reception didn’t damage his reputation significantly. If anything, the film’s popularity on streaming reaffirmed his place among Hollywood’s elite, showing that audiences still respond to his performances regardless of what critics say.
While some controversies have followed him off-screen, Pratt has continued to secure major roles, and The Tomorrow War’s digital dominance only strengthens his position as a leading man with staying power.
The Broader Impact on Hollywood
Perhaps the most lasting impact of The Tomorrow War is its demonstration that streaming-first releases can be legitimate cultural events. It challenged outdated assumptions about what films should be reserved for theatrical runs and proved that digital debuts can still draw massive audiences.
The success of the film may also influence future greenlighting decisions. Studios and platforms alike may be more willing to invest in big-budget, original sci-fi concepts—even those that don’t test well with critics—if they can dominate the streaming conversation.
As the lines between theater and home viewing continue to blur, expect to see more films following The Tomorrow War’s path: ambitious, risky, maybe even polarizing—but with the potential for redemption through streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was The Tomorrow War considered controversial?
The controversy stemmed from its enormous budget, its shift from theatrical to streaming release, and the mixed critical reception it received. Additionally, public scrutiny of Chris Pratt’s personal views added to the polarized reactions.
How much did the film cost to make?
The film’s production cost was reportedly around $200 million. When marketing and acquisition costs were added, the total investment reached an estimated $257 million.
Was the film a flop at the box office?
The Tomorrow War was released directly to streaming in most countries, so it didn’t have a traditional box office run. In the few territories where it did play in theaters, it grossed a modest amount, but its streaming success more than made up for it.
How well did it perform on streaming platforms?
It became Amazon Prime Video’s most-watched movie upon release, with millions of streams globally and over a billion minutes watched in its debut week. It remained at the top of streaming charts for several weeks.
Is a sequel confirmed?
While a sequel has not been officially confirmed with a release date, development discussions are underway, and key cast and crew members are expected to return if it moves forward.
What made it successful despite mixed reviews?
The movie’s genre appeal, Chris Pratt’s star power, an engaging marketing campaign, and the accessibility of streaming during the pandemic all contributed to its unexpected popularity.
What does this mean for future blockbuster films?
The Tomorrow War proves that big-budget films can thrive without a theatrical release. It signals a future where streaming success is just as valuable—if not more so—than traditional box office performance.
Conclusion
The Tomorrow War is a prime example of how modern entertainment is being reshaped by the streaming era. Once viewed as a risky, even controversial project due to its massive $257 million budget and lukewarm critical response, the film has proven that success no longer depends solely on box office numbers or critical praise. Through sheer audience engagement and digital reach, it found new life—and even greater impact—on streaming platforms.For Chris Pratt, the film reinforced his star power and ability to lead large-scale productions, even outside of established franchises. For Amazon, it validated the viability of premiering high-budget films directly to subscribers. And for the broader film industry, The Tomorrow War marked a shift in how projects are measured, marketed, and monetized.