Straw has taken the streaming world by storm, achieving record-breaking numbers for a Netflix film in 2025. This psychological thriller, penned and helmed by the acclaimed Tyler Perry, features the talented Taraji P. Henson in the leading role of Janiyah, a single mother navigating the harrowing challenges of caring for her ailing daughter, Aria (Gabby Jackson). Facing a cascade of misfortunes, Janiyah finds herself spiraling into unthinkable actions that grip audiences around the globe.
Released on June 6, Straw has already amassed an astonishing 48.9 million views in its first week, marking the biggest debut week for any Netflix film thus far in 2025. The film has not only maintained top spot on Netflix’s English Films chart but has also surged into the global Top 10. Additionally, it’s currently the third most-watched title on IMDb, further solidifying its place in the cinematic landscape.
What This Means For Straw
Tyler Perry’s Movies Continue To Be Popular Despite Bad Reviews
Straw continues Tyler Perry’s streak of films that generate significant viewership, even amidst critical scrutiny. Past releases such as A Fall from Grace, A Madea Homecoming, and A Jazzman’s Blues faced harsh backlash from critics but still carved a niche audience on Netflix. Perry’s new venture has sparked a mixed response; it currently holds a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this divided critique, viewer response has been far more encouraging, resulting in an impressive 71% audience score.
While the reviews focus on Henson’s compelling performance, many criticized the writing, melodramatic narrative, and unsatisfying conclusion. Yet, the audience seems unfazed, as evidenced by Straw‘s record-breaking performance, surpassing other recent Netflix hits like Amy Schumer’s Kinda Pregnant and other notable releases.
Evolving Landscape of Streaming Success
Tyler Perry Has Become A Streaming King
Tyler Perry has redefined his career as a figurehead in streaming, transcending traditional box office expectations. His films may not perform strongly in theaters, but they flourish on Netflix, where he garners millions of viewers. Perry’s knack for storytelling, even when criticized, ensures his films resonate with audiences, contributing to his “streaming king” status. As the cinematic landscape evolves, Perry’s approach proves that theatrical releases aren’t the only path to success. The wave of viewer support behind Straw highlights an appetite for content that speaks to real-life challenges and emotional depth.
Straw is now available to stream exclusively on Netflix.
Source: Netflix