Just when it seemed safely tucked away in the Netflix archives, Becoming has popped back up — and not quietly.
Michelle Obama’s 2020 documentary has surged into Netflix’s Daily Top 10 in the US this week, nearly six years after its original release.
The timing isn’t lost on anyone online.
This renewed interest lines up neatly with the theatrical debut of Melania, the new documentary centered on Melania Trump.
Two First Ladies, Two Very Different Stories
Both films zoom in on pivotal chapters in their subjects’ lives, but they couldn’t feel more different in tone or focus.
Becoming follows Michelle Obama as she travels the country on a 34-city book tour promoting her bestselling memoir, reflecting on her roots, family, and personal growth along the way.
Melania, meanwhile, narrows its lens to a tense 20-day window in January last year, just before Donald Trump’s inauguration.
It’s a behind-the-scenes look at a moment of political transition — and one that’s clearly sparked curiosity, if not consensus.
From Slow Burn to Sudden Buzz
When Becoming first arrived on Netflix in 2020, it didn’t exactly explode.
In fact, Netflix engagement data shows the documentary drew about 1.5 million views between 2023 and 2025, maintaining a modest but steady audience over the years.
That calm has now been replaced with chatter.
According to Newsweek, the film re-entered movie rankings over the weekend, landing at number eight before climbing to sixth by Monday.
Not bad for a documentary that’s already had a full life cycle.
Box Office Numbers Tell a Different Story
While Michelle Obama’s film is enjoying a streaming renaissance, Melania Trump’s documentary is making noise at the box office.
Melania pulled in $7 million across the US and Canada in its opening week, outperforming expectations that ranged between $3 million and $5 million.
That makes it the strongest theatrical opening for a non-concert documentary since 2012.
The project wasn’t cheap either — it reportedly cost $40 million to license and another $35 million to promote.
Social Media Picks Sides, Loudly
As the two films collided in the public eye, social media quickly turned it into a showdown.
Michelle Obama supporters flooded X (formerly Twitter) with praise, calling her “a true national treasure” and urging others to stream Becoming for what they described as substance, intelligence, and warmth.
Some comments were less subtle, accusing Melania Trump of imitation and contrasting the films’ tones — often with a sharp edge.
One post suggested viewers skip “a vapid woman walking in and out of rooms” in favor of Obama’s more reflective documentary.
But Melania Has Her Defenders Too
It wasn’t a one-sided pile-on. Fans of Melania Trump pushed back just as forcefully, dismissing Becoming outright and celebrating Melania’s strong theatrical performance.
For them, the numbers spoke louder than critics or commentators.
And those numbers do tell an interesting story.
Critics vs Viewers: A Stark Divide
On Rotten Tomatoes, the two documentaries couldn’t be further apart.
Becoming boasts a 93 percent Tomatometer score from critics, while Melania sits at just five percent.
Flip to audience reactions, though, and the tables turn: Michelle Obama’s film holds a 77 percent audience score, while Melania Trump’s documentary clocks in at a striking 99 percent.
It’s a reminder that cultural impact doesn’t always follow critical consensus.
Inside Michelle Obama’s Journey on Screen
Directed by Nadia Hallgren and produced by Higher Ground Productions, the Obamas’ media company, Becoming runs for 89 minutes.
The film blends candid moments from the road with reflections on identity, public service, and connection.
Its official description promises an intimate look at Obama’s life and hopes — and for many viewers rediscovering it now, that promise still resonates.
A Longer, More Controversial Film
Melania, directed by Brett Ratner, stretches to 108 minutes.
It marks Ratner’s first directing credit since 2017, when six women accused him of sexual misconduct — allegations he has denied.
That history has hovered over the film’s release, adding another layer of controversy to an already polarizing project.
So… What Happens Next?
For now, the so-called “first lady face-off” shows no signs of cooling off.
One documentary is climbing streaming charts years after its debut, while the other is rewriting expectations for theatrical nonfiction releases.
Whether the conversation fades or flares even brighter may depend less on critics — and more on viewers deciding which story they want to spend their time with.
