Marlon Wayans’ 2025 horror film “Him” is gaining unexpected traction on Netflix months after its theatrical release underperformed at the box office. The supernatural horror movie, co-written and directed by Justin Tipping, premiered in U.S. Theaters on September 19, 2025, through Universal Pictures.
The film stars Wayans as Isaiah White, an aging quarterback nearing retirement, alongside Tyriq Withers as Cam Cade, a rising football hopeful whose dreams take a dark turn after a mysterious assault. Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Jim Jefferies likewise feature in the cast.
According to verified box office data, “Him” grossed $28 million worldwide against a reported $27 million production budget. The film received mixed to negative critical reception, holding a 31% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 229 reviews.
Despite its lackluster theatrical performance, the movie has found new life on Netflix streaming platforms. Recent data indicates it has turn into one of the top-ten most-watched titles on the service, according to FlixPatrol tracking metrics cited in entertainment reporting.
The plot centers on Cam Cade’s journey from admirer of Isaiah White to trainee at the quarterback’s isolated desert compound. After suffering a head injury from an attacker in a goat costume during late-night practice, Cam ignores medical advice to pursue his NFL aspirations through the league combine process.
What begins as specialized football training evolves into a surreal and threatening experience at the secluded facility. The narrative incorporates elements of sports ambition with supernatural horror as Cam encounters increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations designed to test his commitment to the sport.
Justin Tipping co-wrote the screenplay with Skip Bronkie and Zack Akers. The film was produced under Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions banner, with additional production credits going to Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper, and Jamal Watson.
Cinematography was handled by Kira Kelly, editing by Taylor Joy Mason, and music composed by Bobby Krlic. The 96-minute feature was filmed in English and represents a collaboration between American production companies and Universal Pictures for distribution.
Industry analysts note that horror films with sports themes often face challenges finding their audience during initial releases but can develop cult followings through home viewing platforms. The Netflix resurgence appears to be following this pattern for “Him.”
The film’s exploration of football culture, particularly the pressures faced by young athletes pursuing professional careers, resonates with viewers discovering it through streaming. Its blend of athletic ambition with horror elements creates a distinctive viewing experience that differs from conventional sports narratives.
As of April 2026, “Him” continues to accumulate viewership on Netflix, demonstrating how streaming platforms can provide second chances for films that underperformed in traditional theatrical releases. The movie’s availability on a major streaming service has introduced it to audiences who may have missed its initial September 2025 debut.
For sports fans interested in horror films that incorporate authentic football elements, “Him” offers a unique perspective on the sport’s culture through a supernatural lens. Its current availability on Netflix allows viewers to assess the film outside the context of its initial box office performance.
The movie’s journey from theatrical disappointment to streaming discovery highlights changing patterns in how audiences discover and evaluate genre films in the current media landscape.
Would you like to share your thoughts on “Him” or other sports-themed horror films? Join the conversation in the comments below.
