The Most Successful Original Movie on Netflix: A Deep Dive into 'Roma'

When it comes to original content production, Netflix has been a giant in the entertainment industry. Among its vast catalog of original movies and TV shows, one film consistently stands out: Roma. Released in 2018, this cinematic gem offers both critical acclaim and a unique cultural impact that sets it apart from other offerings. Let’s explore why Roma might be considered the most successful original movie on Netflix.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Academy Awards aside, Roma has consistently received high critical acclaim. It has won numerous prestigious awards and has been a recipients of numerous accolades.[1] Despite lackluster box office performance, Roma no longer relies on theatrical box office earnings for its success. Instead, it has found its global appeal and critical success through its streaming platform, Netflix.

Media Attention and Cultural Impact

The conversation around Roma remains heated and enduring. Media attention has continued to focus on several aspects of the film: The unique storytelling approach inspired by Alfonso Cuarón's personal experiences in Mexico during the 1970s. The technical excellence, including the film's cinematography and sound design. The cultural impact, with many praising the film as a meaningful exploration of family, class, and societal issues.

Comparing Bird Box and Roma

It is worth noting that Bird Box, released in 2018, also garnered significant media and social media attention. This dark fantasy horror film directed by Susanne Bier was based on the 2014 novel by Susana Polo. While Bird Box received a considerable amount of buzz and critical discussion, it has also been noted for its box office performance and psychological suspense.[2]

However, when compared to Roma, there is a noticeable difference in the depth of critical and cultural engagement. Bird Box is primarily known for its high-concept premise and its ability to create a tense, impactful viewing experience. On the other hand, Roma is celebrated for its artistry and storytelling depth, which resonates with a broader audience and academic circles.

Box Office and Financial Considerations

One of the key challenges in assessing the success of Roma is the absence of traditional box office numbers. While theatrical releases provide a clear measure of a film’s financial success in the short term, Roma did not have the same level of box office presence due to its lack of wide theatrical release. Moreover, its exclusive streaming release through Netflix further complicates this assessment.

Instead of financial metrics, the success of Roma can be evaluated based on its production quality, cultural impact, and audience engagement. In this context, Roma stands out as a unique and highly acclaimed film that not only satisfied critical expectations but also garnered a substantial amount of media attention and has a lasting cultural legacy.

Conclusion

In the era of streaming, where the success of a film is often measured by its streaming statistics and cultural relevance, Roma undoubtedly stands out. Its critical acclaim, cultural significance, and sustained media attention contribute to its position as the most successful original movie on Netflix. While Bird Box has its merits, it is Roma that continues to captivate audiences and critics alike, earning its place as a hallmark of original content in the modern media landscape.

[1] The film has won multiple awards, including an Oscar for Best Cinematography and Recognition for Best Score, among others.

[2] While Bird Box also received attention, its success is more pronounced in the realms of genre and suspense, rather than in broader critical or cultural impact.