Kevin Costner’s Horizon and Civil War vie for Max viewers

Kevin Costner's film 'Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1' debuted in theaters on June 28, 2024, but struggled to attract audiences, leading to its quick transition to digital streaming via premium video on demand on July 16. In contrast, the dystopian thriller 'Civil War' opened in theaters on April 12, 2024, where it gained significant popularity, subsequently moving to PVOD on May 24 and making its streaming debut on Max on September 13. This strategic release pattern allowed 'Civil War' to capitalize on its theatrical success and attract viewers on the streaming platform. As of September 16, 2024, 'Civil War' has emerged as the most viewed film on Max, reflecting its successful transition from theaters to streaming. Meanwhile, 'Horizon' has not fared as well, trailing behind in viewership. The competition for audience attention is further intensified by the presence of other popular films on Max, including the classic 'Beetlejuice,' which has seen a resurgence in viewership due to the release of its sequel. The top five most viewed films on Max also include 'The Watchers' and the Oscar-winning animated feature 'The Boy and the Heron.' This indicates a diverse range of viewer preferences on the platform, with both new releases and classic films drawing significant interest. The success of 'Civil War' and the struggles of 'Horizon' highlight the challenges faced by films in a competitive streaming landscape. Overall, the contrasting performances of these two films underscore the importance of strategic release timing and audience engagement in the evolving entertainment industry, particularly as streaming services continue to reshape how viewers consume content.