Adam McKay lashes out at Netflix and critics: "All the viewers really connected with the idea of being manipulated in that way"
Don't Look Up was a movie watched by more than 500 million people, but it has been underrated

- January 20, 2025
- Updated: July 1, 2025 at 10:32 PM

The movie Don’t Look Up has established itself as one of Netflix’s biggest hits, ranking second in the platform’s historical viewership list. According to statements from its director, Adam McKay, the work has been seen by almost 500 million viewers, although Netflix has shared data only from the first 91 days of its release.
In a recent interview with NME, McKay discussed the film’s impact on climate change, highlighting its “monumental importance” within the current landscape. Despite its success in terms of viewership, the director also lamented the negative critical reception, stating that some criticisms of the film are “completely ridiculous”. This controversy is not new, as the director has faced both praise and criticism since the film’s release.
Don’t Look Up, starring renowned actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, is a satire that addresses inaction in the face of the climate crisis. Although McKay admits that Netflix will probably not reveal all the data about the film’s success, his claims suggest a much greater impact than has been officially recognized.
Netflix does not escape hiding and lying
This situation raises a question about how viewing data can influence the public perception of a film project. The lack of transparency from streaming platforms like Netflix could lead to speculation about the real popularity of their content, inviting a broader debate on how success is measured in the digital age. With a cinematic future that includes anticipated productions for 2025, the focus of the audience and critics continues to evolve in a context where entertainment increasingly intertwines with social issues.
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