Ryan Reynoldsremains one of the most recognizable actors working in Hollywood today. Though many viewers will know him through his role as Deadpool in movies both inside and outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he has a long resume of films across a variety of genres dating back to the mid-90s. In more recent years, Reynolds has mostly embraced a similar kind of charming, wise-cracking character in many of his films, including titles likeFree Guy(2021),Red Notice(2021),The Adam Project(2022), andSpirited(2022).
John Krasinski, on the other hand, only became a known figure in the mid-to-late-2000s, thanks to his role as Jim on NBC’sThe Office. Since the hit sitcom ended in 2013, Krasinski has seemingly attempted to move beyond his comedic persona, starring in projects like13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi(2016),Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan(2018 – 2023), andA Quiet Place(2018). The last of these projects also marks the big break for Krasinski as a director, and he returned to directA Quiet Place Part IIin 2020, as well as a 2024 family comedy.
IF Becomes A Netflix Hit
The Reynolds & Krasinski Collaboration Is Experiencing Renewed Success
IFhas officially ascended to become a top 10 hit on Netflix. Released last year, the fantasy comedy tells the story of Bea (Cailey Fleming), who, after experiencing a particularly emotional event, gains the ability to see the imaginary friends that were left behind when their creators grew into adults.IFstars Reynolds as Cal, Bea’s neighbor who can also see the imaginary friends, while Krasinki directed the film and played Bea’s father. The film, after earning mixed reviews, went on to gross a disappointing $190 million worldwide on a $110 million budget.
Now, however,Netflixreveals thatIFranked as the sixth most popular movie worldwide for the week of March 10 – 16. The film clocked an impressive 5.7 million views and 9.8 million hours viewed, putting it ahead of other titles likeBee Movie(2007),Chaos: The Manson Murders(2025),The Boss Baby(2017), andThe Croods(2013).IFwas a top 10 film in seven countries in total, including the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Check out the full top 10 list below:
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The Croods
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IFcame nowhere close to matching the 25.2 million views of the newly-releasedThe Electric State(2025), the 13.4 million for theSpongebob Squarepantsspin-off,Plankton: The Movie(2025), or evenKraven the Hunter(2024)’s 7.1 million draw. Still, a 5.7 million total put it ahead of countless other films. In a disappointing month at the box office, this is further proof that streaming is a viable path for theatrical releases to find success.
What IF’s Netflix Success Means For The Movie
It Marks Redemption After Its Time In Theaters
Whileevery Ryan Reynolds moviehas heart,IFstruggled to find much love when it was first released. Because of its estimated budget of $110 million,IFmay have been looking at a break-even point of $220 million or higher, a goal that it evidently fell short of. A mixed critical response potentially contributed to this disappointing box office performance, withIF’s middling reviews leading to a lackluster 50% score onRotten Tomatoes. The Popcornmeter score is higher at 86%, but it would be a considerable stretch to call the film a success.
It’s unclear ifIF’s streaming success will continue in the weeks ahead.
IFmaking the top 10 chart on Netflix, however, suggestsit could finally be finding its audience. The movie is aimed at children and families, and these types of movies can sometimes break through on streaming even when the critical response is lacking. Plus, Reynolds' face alone on the film’s Netflix tile is probably enough to get some viewers to click on it given his A-list movie star status. It’s unclear ifIF’s streaming success will continue in the weeks ahead, but its performance this past week is evidently a promising development after a disappointing theatrical run.
Our Take On IF’s Streaming Success
This Has Been A Long Time Coming
It should come as no surprise thatIFis already finding success.ScreenRant’s Rachel Labonte reviewedIFand emphasized that it had “an impressive amount of heart and enthusiasm”. Labonte also praised the movie’s creativity, themes, and “overall warmth”. The plot is somewhat lacking, but the imagery, characters, and performances meant that it earned a strong review. Seeing the movie struggling in theaters was disappointing after it proved to be such a heartwarming film. Thankfully, Netflix is offering it another chance.
Deadpool & Wolverinewas Reynolds' highest-grossing movie with its $1.3 billion take, while Krasinski’s wasDoctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness(2022), which earned over $950 million.
This movie is no clear exception, of course, as streaming is drastically changing the film industry. Ever since the pandemic began, audiences have been staying at home and waiting to see new releases after they come to Netflix and similar services. Consequently, some films have struggled in theaters that otherwise might have seen success early on. Hollywood has been slowly responding to that shift, as many movies are now developed as streaming originals. ForIFand other box office failures, much-deserved success can still be found on streaming platforms, as it is now a path for recovery from a disappointing theatrical run.
