Before Steven Spielberg’s triumphant return to sci-fi with Disclosure Day, one of his most underrated movies makes a surprise return on the streaming charts. Eight years after its underwhelming release, Ready Player One has discovered an extra life.
The 2018 adaptation of Ernest Cline’s novel of the same name is one of HBO Max’s most popular offerings. According to FlixPatrol, the film is currently the platform’s No. 6 most-streamed movie in the United States. This is a four-spot improvement from the No. 10 slot, where it made its debut on June 10.
Ready Player One Is One of Steven Spielberg’s Most Underrated Movies
Ready Player One is set in a bleak future where corporations have taken over as the dominant powers in the United States. Most citizens’ only escape from the poverty of everyday life is the OASIS, a highly advanced virtual reality. The film follows Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan), who embarks on a lengthy “easter egg hunt” where the winner gets the keys to the OASIS.
The film is one of Steven Spielberg’s less beloved projects, earning mixed reception from general audiences and from fans of the original book. It holds a decent but underwhelming 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has largely been forgotten in the general zeitgeist. Nevertheless, the film does have its merits.
While many viewers were frustrated by Ready Player One‘s endless ’80s references and book changes, the film still has the signature Spielberg flair that has made him one of the greatest directors of all time. The characters and dual worlds still feel fleshed out and real, even if some elements of the OASIS are lacking. In the hands of a lesser director, Ready Player One could have been a complete trainwreck, but Spielberg’s competent storytelling abilities save the film from utter disaster.
Will There Ever Be a Ready Player Two?
Despite the mixed opinions on Ready Player One, the chances of a sequel remain high. Ernest Cline released a second book, Ready Player Two, in 2020, nine years after the original. While the sequel isn’t as groundbreaking as its predecessor was when it was first released in 2011, it still includes plenty of intriguing story details that would make for a great movie.
A film adaptation of Ready Player Two is in the early development phase, with Steven Spielberg returning as a producer. The sequel has yet to nab a director or an official greenlight. However, given the surprisingly strong box office of the first film (which earned over $600 million at the box office), Warner Bros. may be interested in fast-tracking the project once a script is finished.
Ready Player One is available to stream on HBO Max.
- Release Date
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March 29, 2018
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Olivia Cooke
Art3mis / Samantha
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Tye Sheridan
Parzival / Wade
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