Joker: Folie à Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix, is making its way to Prime Video after a disappointing box office run earlier this year, giving fans of Joaquin Phoenix streaming movies a new chance to experience the sequel. Released in 2024 under great anticipation, the film teams Phoenix once again with director Todd Phillips, aiming to follow the critically acclaimed and Oscar-winning 2019 Joker that reshaped public perception of Gotham’s infamous villain.
Despite the storied history of the franchise and Phoenix’s celebrated portrayal of Arthur Fleck, Joker: Folie à Deux failed to live up to expectations with critics and audiences alike. The movie, which continues Arthur Fleck’s story, returns him to the screen opposite Lady Gaga in the role of Harley Quinn. This time, the narrative focuses on Arthur’s incarceration at Arkham State Hospital, where he awaits trial for the murder of five people and wrestles with his fractured sense of self.
Phoenix Reprises Arthur Fleck in a Musical Twist
Breaking away from the somber tone of the first film, Todd Phillips and co-writer Scott Silver opted to turn the sequel into a musical, marking a bold shift in direction. As Arthur navigates the confines of Arkham, he encounters Harley Quinn, introducing a dynamic that prompts him to embrace the music within himself. This stylistic pivot, however, became the most divisive element for both critics and the fanbase, drawing heavy criticism. Many saw the screenplay as either a daring experiment or as something chaotic and lacking coherence.
Under mounting expectations and significant creative changes, Joker 2 proved unable to replicate the original’s massive success. Whereas the first Joker raked in over $1 billion globally, Folie à Deux made only $207.5 million worldwide, according to box office reports. The film’s tepid reception is reflected in its joint Rotten Tomatoes score of just 31 percent from both critics and the general audience. The combination of poor critical reviews and lackluster box office returns led to its categorization as a flop.
Other Notable Joaquin Phoenix Streaming Movies
Outside the world of Gotham, Joaquin Phoenix has continued to take on notable roles in other projects now available to streaming audiences. After Joker: Folie à Deux, Phoenix collaborated once more with director Ari Aster on Eddington, a neo-western set against the backdrop of the pandemic. In this film, Phoenix portrays Joe, a small-town sheriff locked in a tense standoff with the mayor, Ted, played by Pedro Pascal. This clash of personalities causes tension among neighbors, with supporting performances from Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone.
Although Eddington saw limited results at the box office, earning just $13.1 million worldwide, it has found a second life on streaming platforms, where it frequently appears in the top 10 movies. For viewers interested in another commanding Phoenix performance, Ridley Scott’s Napoleon positions him in a grand historical role alongside Vanessa Kirby. This epic drama has also landed on streaming, currently available on Apple TV and adding to Phoenix’s growing list of digital hits.
Joker 2 Set for Streaming Release and Cast Highlights
Joker: Folie à Deux has been slated for a Prime Video release on December 16, offering audiences an opportunity to revisit or finally see Phoenix’s latest portrayal of Arthur Fleck, as well as Lady Gaga’s interpretation of Harley Quinn (Lee Quinzel).
The film’s cast features Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, with Lady Gaga in the role of Lee Quinzel. The complex dynamic between Arthur and Harley provides a new layer to the story, further developing the characters originated in 2019’s Joker. Supporting roles go to several notable industry names, extending the film’s draw despite its mixed critical fortunes.
Although Joker: Folie à Deux did not meet box office expectations, its arrival on Prime Video may allow both fans and new viewers to re-evaluate its ambitious creative approach. As Joaquin Phoenix continues to pursue bold projects—from neo-westerns to historical epics—his work remains a focal point for fans of distinctive streaming movies and the evolving landscape of on-demand entertainment.
