A fascinating cultural clash has emerged on social media platforms, with Michelle Obama's documentary Becoming enjoying a remarkable resurgence in popularity coinciding with the theatrical debut of Melania Trump's film Melania. This unexpected parallel release has sparked widespread discussion and comparison between the two former first ladies and their respective cinematic portrayals.
Streaming Resurgence Meets Theatrical Debut
Almost six years after its initial Netflix premiere in 2020, Michelle Obama's documentary Becoming has found renewed relevance, climbing into the streaming service's Daily Top 10 charts in the United States this week. This sudden spike in viewership directly correlates with the release of Melania Trump's documentary, which debuted in cinemas across North America last week.
Both films offer intimate glimpses into pivotal moments during their subjects' time in the White House. Obama's documentary follows her extensive 34-city tour promoting her bestselling memoir of the same name, while Trump's film focuses on the twenty days preceding President Donald Trump's inauguration last January.
Viewership Patterns and Box Office Performance
While Becoming didn't achieve instant blockbuster status upon its initial release, Netflix engagement data reveals it maintained steady viewership with approximately 1.5 million views between 2023 and 2025. Its recent resurgence demonstrates the documentary's enduring appeal and cultural relevance.
Conversely, Melania made an impressive theatrical impact, earning $7 million in ticket sales across the United States and Canada during its opening week. This performance represents the most successful documentary release outside of concert films since 2012, significantly surpassing initial projections of $3 to $5 million. The film required substantial investment, with $40 million allocated for licensing and an additional $35 million for marketing campaigns.
Social Media Sparks Fiery Debate
The simultaneous prominence of both documentaries has ignited passionate discussions across social media platforms, with supporters of each former first lady vigorously defending their preferred subject.
Many Michelle Obama advocates have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to champion her documentary. One user declared, 'If you want to watch a documentary about a smart, accomplished, classy First Lady, watch Becoming on Netflix. Michelle Obama is a true national treasure.' Another commented sarcastically, 'Funny how Melania's movie opening is so similar to Becoming - hmmm… Melania always copying a real First Lady Michelle Obama who is a truly intellectual. Jealous a little?'
A particularly pointed comparison stated, 'Rather than wasting time watching a vapid woman walk in and out of rooms and cars in Louboutins, watch 'Becoming,' about Michelle Obama, a first lady with substance AND style, intelligence, humor and heart. You will be reminded that once we had a first lady as good as she was.'
However, Melania Trump's supporters have been equally vocal in their praise. One fan responded emphatically, 'Michelle Obama's BECOMING documentary on Netflix. That is a hard pass!!!' highlighting the polarized nature of the online conversation.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
The critical assessment of both documentaries reveals stark contrasts. On Rotten Tomatoes, Becoming boasts an impressive 93% Tomatometer score from professional critics, while Melania received just 5%. However, audience scores tell a different story, with Melania achieving a remarkable 99% audience approval rating compared to Becoming's 77%.
According to Newsweek reports, Obama's documentary re-entered Netflix rankings over the weekend, initially debuting at number eight before climbing to sixth position by Monday. The 89-minute film, directed by Nadia Hallgren and produced by the Obamas' media company Higher Ground Productions, follows the former first lady's book tour while exploring her personal reflections, family background, and interactions with people across America.
Melania Trump's documentary, directed by Brett Ratner of Rush Hour fame, runs for 108 minutes. This marks Ratner's first directorial project since 2017, when he faced allegations of sexual misconduct from six women, which he has consistently denied.
The simultaneous prominence of these two documentaries has created an unexpected cultural moment, highlighting how former first ladies continue to captivate public imagination long after their White House tenures have concluded. This streaming versus cinema showdown demonstrates the enduring power of political figures in popular culture and the passionate debates they continue to inspire among the public.
