Masters of the Universe lost money in cinemas and has owned Prime Video since July

So, Masters of the Universe. Remember when that was meant to be the next Barbie-level smash for Prime Video? Well, it tanked (spectacularly) at the cinema, then promptly turned into a colossal streaming juggernaut. Typical for 2026, really – nobody buys popcorn for these things, but turn on the telly at home and suddenly everyone loves it.

‘Masters of the Universe’ dropped on Prime Video 22 July and has stubbornly refused to budge from the number one spot ever since.

MOTU: From Box Office Bomb to Streaming Showstopper

Let’s start with the numbers. The film brought in a paltry $113 million at the worldwide box office, which sounds decent until you realise the production budget was $170 million. Ouch. Most in Hollywood thought that was the end of it – chalk up another overcooked franchise graveyard next to Disney’s Star Wars sequels. But no. Once Masters of the Universe hit Prime Video in late July, viewers flocked to it in droves, lifting it straight to number one, where it’s still lounging comfortably weeks later. Even Project Hail Mary – that other absolutely massive Prime hit this year – is stuck playing second fiddle in the rankings. The Devil’s Mouth is trailing slightly further back in third.

New-Age Cult Classic

Back in the day, films became cult favourites because people found them in forgotten corners at Blockbuster or bought up the DVDs after everyone moved on. Well, DVDs are dead and buried (like Kevin Smith's Masters of the Universe cartoon, which frankly deserved more love), so streaming’s now the new yardstick. Nearly a month in, still number one: at this point, Prime Video’s Masters of the Universe ticked every box for 'cult classic' by modern rules. The mythos – ludicrous toy logic and all – has genuinely found its audience.

But Is It Any Good?

The big question: is it worth actually watching, or is this just hype fuelled by sad nostalgia and streaming’s bottomless PR machine?

• Nicholas Galitzine leads as He-Man: back on Eternia after a 15-year exile, predictably having to rescue the realm from – who else? – Skeletor.
• With him are the full suite of cartoon regulars: Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Morena Baccarin as Sorceress, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, plus a heap more old favourites.

Rotten Tomatoes wasn’t blown away – it’s sitting on a 67% critics’ score. But the audience rating is a very different beast, coming in at 85%. Honestly, you’ll find everything from glowing nostalgia to utter disdain, depending who you ask. As ever, if you’re on the fence, there's only one way to settle it: have a watch and see if Eternia’s vibe is still for you.