As the dust settles on the recent release of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds on Prime Video, it’s impossible to ignore the buzz surrounding this adaptation starring none other than Ice Cube. With its premiere, a wave of curiosity and ridicule reminiscent of Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 radio broadcast has surged, capturing the attention of viewers eager to see this year’s ultimate hate-watch film.
This latest rendition of War of the Worlds, which hit screens on July 30, showcases Ice Cube as Will Radford—a domestic terror analyst at the Department of Homeland Security. The film offers an intriguing perspective, presenting Radford’s day-to-day tasks through the lens of his webcam, utilizing platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp. As he attempts to manage his children while monitoring potential threats, he is thrust into the chaos of an alien invasion, relying heavily on surveillance technology and Amazon drones to save humanity.
1. A Glum Reception
Three key facts define this adaptation of War of the Worlds. First, it boasts a zero percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Second, social media is abuzz with critiques of its wooden performances. Lastly, this film has made its way into Prime Video’s top ten, embodying all traits necessary for a classic hate-watch.
Ice Cube throughout the entire War of the Worlds movie pic.twitter.com/6kESlcyqiI
— Skyler Higley (@skyler_higley) August 6, 2025
From comedians to TikTokers, there’s no shortage of voices chiming in on this cinematic spectacle. Everyone seems to be feeding into a feedback loop, where a film’s perceived failures transform it into an accidental success, ranking number five in Prime Video’s US Top 10 at the time of writing.
2. The Power of Meme Culture
The film’s rise mirrors that of Marvel’s Morbius, although Prime Video has refrained from capitalizing on the meme, opting not to heavily promote the movie on social media. It appears they are letting viewer reactions do the talking, which is proving to be just as effective.
#WarOfTheWorlds is Rotten at 0% on the Tomatometer, with 21 reviews: https://t.co/Jo5zHqPicT pic.twitter.com/pCECmU9Yob
— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) August 7, 2025
In a recent review, io9 humorously dissected the film, inviting viewers to experience how far the movie strays while acknowledging its attempts at a fresh take on Wells’ classic narrative. Despite its shortcomings, it has captured the curiosity of many.
3. Why are viewers flocking to watch it?
Why are people so drawn to War of the Worlds? The blend of genuine curiosity and the humorous critique of its failures has created a perfect storm for viewership, uniting audiences in shared laughter and entertainment.
What is the fascination with hate-watch films? Many people enjoy the experience of watching something they know will be bad, as it can be surprisingly entertaining and often leads to memorable viewing experiences.
Is it worth watching? If you’re keen on experiencing a film that has stirred a blend of curiosity and comedic ridicule, tuning in may provide some unusual entertainment value, even if it’s not critically acclaimed.
4. Streaming Availability
If you’re curious to explore why War of the Worlds has become such a point of discussion, you can stream it now on Prime Video. It invites you to participate in the growing conversation around this unconventional take on a classic tale.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Keep engaging with the world of film and television by exploring related content on Moyens I/O. You’re bound to find something that sparks your interest!