Every now and then, a film quietly re-emerges, surprising everyone with a new wave of attention. Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is doing just that, soaring to the top of Netflix’s global charts—almost eight years after its theatrical release. For a movie that didn’t exactly set the world on fire back in 2016, this sudden resurgence feels like a classic case of “right place, right time.”
Burton’s name alone carries a certain expectation—he’s the king of cinematic oddities, after all. From Beetlejuice to Edward Scissorhands, his films typically ooze with dark charm and bizarre whimsy. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children certainly fits into this mold, with its off-kilter characters and gothic visuals. But back in 2016, the reception was mixed—critics didn’t fully embrace it, and while the movie made a respectable $296 million at the box office, it didn’t exactly set the stage for a franchise, especially given its $110 million budget.
So why the sudden interest now? Part of it might simply be timing. Burton himself is having a bit of a cultural moment—his long-awaited Beetlejuice sequel is generating a lot of buzz, and Netflix has a way of bringing forgotten films back into the spotlight. Maybe, just maybe, Miss Peregrine is getting a second chance to capture the hearts of viewers who missed it the first time—or weren’t quite ready to embrace it.
Why It’s Working in 2024
Adapted from Ransom Riggs’ novel, the story centers around Jake, a teenager who stumbles upon a time loop where Miss Peregrine, a headmistress with peculiar powers, protects children with equally peculiar gifts. It’s a fantastical tale with plenty of Burton-esque quirks, but the narrative seemed to fizzle in the mainstream when it first hit theaters. Fast forward to today, and that same oddball nature feels like it’s finally found its audience, especially as streaming allows movies to be rediscovered outside the hype of opening weekends and box office numbers.
Burton’s aesthetics have always been a love-it-or-hate-it affair. His style—so distinctly “Burton-esque” that it’s practically its own genre—didn’t resonate with everyone in 2016. But the passage of time has a funny way of reshaping opinions. What seemed a little too offbeat a decade ago now feels like a breath of fresh air in a cinematic landscape that’s increasingly dominated by formulaic blockbusters.
The Cast That’s Aged Like Fine Wine
Another factor in the film’s comeback is its cast—some of whom have only grown more popular over time. Asa Butterfield, who plays Jake, was still on the rise back in 2016. Now, he’s a household name thanks to Netflix’s Sex Education, which has undoubtedly brought some viewers back to see his earlier work. Likewise, Ella Purnell, who plays Emma, has gone on to star in major streaming hits like Fallout, making her a familiar face to today’s audience. These actors, once on the cusp of stardom, are now major draws in their own right.
Then there’s the adult cast—Eva Green as the formidable Miss Peregrine, Samuel L. Jackson as the sinister Barron, and Judi Dench in a small but memorable role. With such talent behind the camera, it’s a wonder the film didn’t land bigger the first time around, but perhaps its newfound streaming success will reignite interest in these performances.
A Revival in the Making?
The idea that Miss Peregrine could evolve from a one-off fantasy into something bigger isn’t far-fetched. The world of the Peculiars is rich, and its blend of time loops and supernatural oddities is tailor-made for further exploration, whether in sequels or a series. Now that the film is back in the spotlight—and in the hands of Disney, no less—it wouldn’t be surprising to see it soar again, perhaps in a new format. Streaming platforms have a way of reviving even the most forgotten stories, and who knows what the future holds for this peculiar tale?
Also, Read: 10 Best Movies of Tim Burton
What’s clear is that Burton’s strange, magical universe has found new life in 2024, and it’s a testament to how unpredictable the entertainment landscape can be. Movies once considered footnotes can suddenly become the main event—and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is proof of that.
Source: MovieWeb
