Anthony Mackie's 'Elevation' Lands No. 3 Spot on Prime: Why Did It Flop in 2024?

Anthony Mackie is trending as Elevation gets a second wind as the third spot on Amazon Prime's global film charts. For reference, this film was labeled as a box office flop in 2024. Another odd thing about this matter is the contrast between scores given from the general audience compared to the critics.

Could this open up a conversation between how much opening weekend really matters for modern movies? Here's how and why the sci-fi thriller found a second lease on life through a streaming platform.

About Elevation, Initial Release, and Reception

Directed by George Nolfi, Elevation is a 90-minute post-apocalyptic thriller where Mackie stars as a single father named Will. He lives in a world where most of humanity has been exterminated by Reapers, predators that emerged from sinkholes.

He lives with his son and other survivors at high elevations where the predators can't reach them. However, his son starts to get sick, requiring him to make a descent to find supplies.

Elevation was first released in US theatres in November 2024. It had a $3.6 million box office against an estimated $18 million budget. Seeing as it didn't turn a profit initially, the film has been viewed as a flop.

At the time of writing, Elevation holds a 55% critics' score and 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This suggests that the film resonated better with regular viewers, translating into a disconnect between enjoyment and professional critique.

Theatres vs Streaming Platforms

While Elevation did come up with disappointing numbers from traditional theatres, it found its second wind via streaming platforms. As mentioned, it's ranked third on Prime Video's global film chart.

It's currently behind a couple of notable action films. This includes Heads of State, starring Idris Elba and John Cena, and The Accountant 2, starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal.

Screen Rant noted that Elevation was a solid thriller despite their financial failures. The media outlet noted that its belated success via streaming is a second chance for it to redeem itself.

We can only infer so much from why the film became a hit seemingly overnight. Working with what we know, its sudden positive reviews suggest that viewers took a chance on it because of accessibility.

Streaming platforms generally offer a platform via a subscription model, enticing viewers with an average, midrange fare. Meanwhile, theatres have less flexibility with no pausing, no subtitles, and are subject to time-constraint.

There's also Mackie's star power, drawing viewers as he's recognised through many roles. His filmography includes titles like 8 Mile, Real Steel, and his MCU contributions as Falcon and the new Captain America.

What This Means For 'Box Office Bombs'

Elevation is an example of how the evolution of media consumption alleviates initial stagnation from a released film. What may not have done well on opening weekend can and will resonate with audiences at home.

The streaming era gives 'failed' projects another go where expectations are leveled. A level of collaboration between distribution companies and streaming platforms also develops as they help each other out.

Content behind a subscription wall helps the platform afford new additions to their selection. Meanwhile, the distribution companies are slowly yet surely turning a profit from what they initially lost budget-wise.

Elevation reminds us that a box office bomb doesn't equal failure and streaming platforms offer redemption from home audiences.