Sylvester Stallone’s R-Rated Action Thriller Alarum Finds Streaming Success
Despite a critical failure, the action film Alarum climbs global streaming charts.
1Unexpected Streaming Popularity
The action thriller Alarum, featuring Sylvester Stallone, has emerged as a surprise hit on Prime Video. Despite facing intense critical backlash, the film currently ranks among the top ten most-watched movies globally on the platform. It competes directly with major titles like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for viewer attention.
2Critical Reception Versus Viewership
The film holds a rare 0% approval rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have described the project as undercooked, noting that the talented cast cannot save the weak script. Regardless of these scathing reviews, the movie continues to attract significant audience numbers, highlighting a disconnect between critics and viewers.
3Plot and Character Dynamics
Alarum follows former rivals Joe, played by Scott Eastwood, and Lara, portrayed by Willa Fitzgerald. After going rogue during a mission, the pair marries and attempts to live off the grid. Their quiet life is shattered when a wanted hard drive is discovered, forcing them back into a dangerous, high-stakes situation.
4Production and Creative Team
The film features a notable ensemble cast, including Sylvester Stallone as Chester, alongside Mike Colter. The screenplay was written by Alexander Vesha, while director Michael Polish oversaw the production. Released on January 17, 2025, the R-rated thriller has a runtime of 95 minutes, focusing on intense action sequences and character-driven conflict.
5Stallone's Current Streaming Dominance
Sylvester Stallone is currently enjoying a massive presence on streaming platforms. Beyond the success of Alarum, his series Tulsa King remains a dominant force on Paramount+. The show, which features Stallone as Dwight Manfredi, continues to perform exceptionally well, maintaining high viewership numbers and critical praise for its fourth season.
6The Tulsa King Phenomenon
Tulsa King has become a cornerstone of Paramount+ programming, consistently topping charts since its Season 4 premiere. The series only occasionally loses its top spot to popular content like South Park. This success reinforces Stallone's enduring appeal, even as he balances high-quality television roles with varied, sometimes poorly-received, cinematic action projects.
7Analyzing Audience Morbid Curiosity
The success of Alarum suggests that a 0% rating can sometimes act as a magnet for viewers. Many audiences are driven by morbid curiosity to see why a film failed so spectacularly with critics. This phenomenon often leads to increased streaming traffic, as viewers seek to form their own opinions on controversial releases.
8Future Streaming Trends
The performance of Alarum serves as a reminder that critical consensus does not always dictate commercial success in the streaming era. As platforms like Prime Video continue to prioritize engagement metrics, films with polarizing reputations may find a second life. Observers should monitor how such titles influence future content acquisition strategies.