Why Prime Video’s New #1 Movie Is Taking Over The World (The Sci-Fi Thriller Was A Box Office Flop)

A new science fiction thriller is becoming a hit on Prime Video, quickly rising to the top of its most-watched list. Prime Video consistently draws viewers with its new content, including original shows and movies, films recently released in theaters by Amazon MGM, and a wide range of older titles.

A new sci-fi thriller is quickly becoming popular on Prime Video. Starring two well-known actors in the genre, the movie offers a fresh take on a story that many are comparing to the classic film, Minority Report.

When laid out like that, perhaps it should be no surprise that this movie is taking over the world.

Chris Pratt Stars In Mercy: Now Trending Worldwide On Prime Video

Currently, the most popular movie on Prime Video is Mercy, a new sci-fi thriller with Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson. Pratt plays Chris Raven, a police officer who finds himself accused of his wife’s murder after waking up in a futuristic, AI-controlled court system called Mercy. He has just 90 minutes to prove his innocence to Judge Maddox—an AI played by Ferguson—or face execution.

The movie Mercy premiered on Prime Video on Sunday, March 22nd and immediately became very popular, reaching the top of the platform’s movie rankings. As of today, March 23rd, it’s the number one movie in the United States and the most-watched movie globally, according to FlixPatrol.

In the U.S., Mercy is the third most popular title, behind only the TV shows Scarpetta and Invincible. When looking at movies alone, Mercy is number one, surpassing titles like Sinners, Melania, The Bluff (which previously topped Prime Video’s charts), and the recently added Roofman.

Amazon MGM Studios is thrilled with how popular Mercy has become. While they hoped the film would do well, its current success is a pleasant surprise, especially considering that previous thrillers starring Pratt and Ferguson haven’t resonated with audiences.

Why Mercy Is So Successful On Streaming (But Wasn’t In Theaters)

©Amazon MGM Studios/Courtesy Everett Collection

The thriller Mercy first came out in cinemas two months ago, on January 23rd, from Amazon MGM. Featuring actors known from popular franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World, and Dune, the film was expected to do well. To attract a wider audience, it was even shown in IMAX. The story unfolds almost entirely on screens, as the main character, Chris, is confined to a chair.

Despite the anticipation, the movie Mercy didn’t perform well in theaters. It opened with just $10.8 million domestically and ultimately earned $54.5 million worldwide – less than its $60 million production budget, resulting in a financial loss for Amazon MGM.

The film likely received poor reception due to negative reviews. Its Rotten Tomatoes score is only 25%, and ScreenRant gave it a 4 out of 10. Critics particularly disliked the film’s portrayal of AI, its narrow focus, Chris Pratt’s acting, and the overall story and how it was executed.

Even though some people might have been hesitant to see Mercy in cinemas, it’s now much more accessible thanks to Prime Video. It’s simpler to watch the film from home on a streaming service you already subscribe to, rather than going to a theater and potentially being let down.

Viewers seem to be enjoying the film, giving it an 83% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews highlight its suspense, action, and gripping storyline. Many people also praised the surprising twist at the end of Mercy and how it kept them engaged throughout.

Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson are big reasons why the show is doing so well on streaming. Many Prime Video subscribers have already watched Pratt in shows like The Terminal List and the movie The Tomorrow War. Ferguson also has a dedicated fanbase from Silo, Mission: Impossible, and other popular projects. Because people are already familiar with and enjoy their work, they’re more likely to start watching this new show.

If you’re interested in a fast-paced sci-fi story about AI and government spying, and you’re a fan of the lead actors, then Mercy might be worth checking out, despite a few imperfections. Watching it now could help it stay popular on Prime Video for a while longer.

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2026-03-23 19:39