10 Years Later, A ‘Game of Thrones’ Star’s $208 Million Romance Is Trending on Streaming Charts Again

Amid a Game of Thrones favorite’s stint on the acclaimed HBO show, which didn’t end until 2019, came a heart-wrenching romance drama that wasn’t much of a hit among critics but did pretty well at the box office. The star in question is Emilia Clarke, who is best known for portraying Daenerys Targaryen in the fantasy show that ran from April 17, 2011, to May 19, 2019. Before the series finale, she was tapped to join the movie adaptation, Me Before You, which fans will be thrilled to know is making waves once again on the streaming charts.

Earlier this month, we confirmed that the UK-set movie was quickly gaining popularity on Prime Video worldwide, ranking in the top 10. Now, Me Before You is a hit on another platform, MGM+, and this time in the US, where it ranks among the top 10 overall, including movies and TV shows. Meanwhile, topping the charts is the newly renewed Stephen King adaptation, The Institute, starring Ben Barnes, Mary-Louise Parker, and Joe Freeman.

Portraying the young and quirky Louisa “Lou” Clark, Clarke’s character moves from one job to the next to help her family make ends meet in Me Before You. Her cheerful attitude is put to the test when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident two years earlier. Will’s cynical outlook starts to change when Louisa shows him that life is worth living. As their bond deepens, their lives and hearts undergo changes neither could have imagined. Featured opposite Clarke in the critically panned pic was Sam Claflin as Will.

Could ‘Me Before You’ Have Done Better?

Image via MGM

Based on 176 reviews, eighty of which are rotten, Me Before You has a 55% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Most of the commentary highlights the film’s stereotypical storyline, which, despite the lead actors’ performances, diminished its quality. Even the consensus reads, “Me Before You benefits from Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin’s alluring chemistry, although it isn’t enough to compensate for its clumsy treatment of a sensitive subject.” The audience, on the other hand, seemed to have taken pleasure in it, as its Popcornmeter rating is a far better 73%. Additionally, Me Before You grossed over $208 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. Thea Sharrock directed the film.