From Box Office Bust to Streaming Hit
Chris Hemsworth and his crew have reason to celebrate: their newest film is a streaming sensation. It’s a sharp reversal, given that Crime 101 underperformed at the US box office and never even debuted in theaters in France or many other countries.
It’s become common for films to find new audiences online after lackluster theater runs. That pattern held true for this action thriller, anchored by a lineup of stars, including familiar Marvel faces.
A Theatrical Release That Went Largely Unseen
Crime 101 opened in US theaters on February 13, 2026, followed by a limited release in Canada. The film skipped French cinemas and much of Europe entirely, despite a cast featuring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, Nick Nolte, and Barry Keoghan.
Even the combined appeal of actors known for playing Thor, Hulk, and Storm wasn’t enough to fill theater seats in North America. According to Box Office Mojo, Crime 101 earned only $37 million in North America and another $36 million in other select markets, totaling $72 million worldwide. With a production budget of $90 million, the film failed to break even at the box office.
Streaming Success on Prime Video
Fortunately for the filmmakers, streaming gave Crime 101 a second wind. The movie was added to Prime Video on April 1, 2026, and within a week, it soared to the number one spot on the platform’s global chart, including in France, according to Flixpatrol.
Chris Hemsworth acknowledged the renewed interest on X, thanking fans for their support:
Crime 101 is number 1 on @PrimeVideo!! I appreciate all the love and support for this film.
Halle Berry also shared her gratitude:
Love you all for your unwavering support! Number 1 on @PrimeVideo #Crime101.
Can Big Budget Thrillers Still Succeed in Theaters?
Would Crime 101 have fared better with a global theatrical release? There’s no clear answer. Even with an impressive roster of stars, the movie struggled to draw US audiences—an issue that isn’t unique to Hemsworth or Berry. Recent releases like Thunderbolts or Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer saw similar results. These major films outside the Marvel and DC franchises often find more success on streaming services.
Whether studios will keep betting big on theatrical runs for films like these, or shift their focus to streaming debuts, remains to be seen. For now, at least, audiences are tuning in—even if it’s from their living rooms.
