In an era dominated by endless reboots and remakes, few have crashed as hard as The Crow (2024). Directed by Rupert Sanders, this R-rated reimagining of the 1994 cult classic—infamously tied to the tragic death of Brandon Lee—was plagued by skepticism from the start. After years of production issues and fan backlash questioning its very purpose, the film finally arrived only to vanish from theaters within weeks.
But a year later, in an unexpected twist, The Crow remake has clawed its way back into public attention. The supernatural revenge thriller has become one of the top 10 most-streamed movies in the U.S. on Tubi, proving that even the most criticized films can find new life on streaming platforms.
Critics Called It “Lifeless” — and Audiences Agreed
Upon release, critics were ruthless. The film currently holds a 22% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site’s consensus stating:
“Dreary and poorly paced, this reimagining of The Crow doesn’t have enough personality or pulse to merit the resurrection.”
Despite featuring IT: Welcome to Derry actor Bill Skarsgård in the lead role, the film failed to attract moviegoers, grossing just $15 million worldwide on a $50 million budget. By comparison, the original 1994 Crow earned nearly four times as much with far fewer resources, highlighting how poorly the reboot resonated with fans.
Based on James O’Barr’s gothic graphic novel, the story follows Eric (Skarsgård) and Shelly (FKA twigs), soulmates brutally murdered when her dark past resurfaces. Granted a supernatural opportunity to set things right, Eric returns from beyond the grave to exact revenge on their killers.
Despite stylish visuals and Skarsgård’s committed performance, many felt the R-rated film leaned too heavily on grim aesthetics without emotional depth. The violence and bleak tone, intended to elevate the story, instead left audiences disconnected.
The Crow’s Surprising Second Life on Tubi
Now streaming for free on Tubi, The Crow (2024) is experiencing a shocking turnaround. It’s currently among the platform’s ten most-watched titles, suggesting that curiosity and controversy remain powerful marketing tools.
For many, this resurgence represents a “so-bad-it’s-good” fascination—while others may simply be drawn by Skarsgård’s eerie magnetism. Regardless, the film’s newfound streaming success underscores how even critical and commercial flops can achieve cult status in the digital age.