Despite underwhelming compared to many Tom Cruise blockbusters back in 2016, his Jack Reacher thriller Never Go Back has unexpectedly found a huge new audience on Netflix years later. Defying its original box office performance, the $159 million Cruise vehicle has surged to the top of Netflix’s movie rankings, even besting some high-profile 2022 releases.

Its unexpected streaming popularity half a decade after theatrical release underscores how platform visibility can drive viewers engagement regardless of initial reception. Despite underwhelming box office returns back in 2016, Tom Cruise’s Jack Reacher: Never Go Back has found unexpected new life on Netflix.

Five years after release, the $159 million Cruise vehicle has surged to the top of Netflix’s movie rankings, besting several recent high-profile releases. Its streaming popularity defies underperformance in theaters.

Tom Cruise’s Years-Old Film Beats New Marvel and Sandler Movies

Inspired by Lee Child’s 2013 novel, Never Go Back continues the saga of former investigator Jack Reacher as he embarks on a quest to clear Major Susan Turner’s name after she is falsely accused of treason. Portrayed by Marvel actress Cobie Smulders, Turner finds an ally in Reacher as he seeks to expose the truth behind the shocking conspiracy framing her. The action-thriller casts Patrick Heusinger, Aldis Hodge, Danika Yarosh, Holt McCallany and Robert Knepper in supporting roles alongside leads Tom Cruise as Reacher and Smulders as Turner. While working to prove Turner’s innocence, Reacher uncovers a deceptive plot threatening them both. This dangerous mission will test the resourceful ex-investigator and give fans another adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Never Go Back has lingered in Netflix’s daily Top 10 film rankings, outperforming brand new titles like Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange sequel and Adam Sandler’s Hustle.

Tom Cruise

The action thriller even briefly held the #1 film spot, demonstrating surprising endurance and popularity for older library content over fresh originals. Its renewed dominance reveals even a theatrical underperformer can thrive when granted platform visibility.

Built-In Fan Base Powers Its Rise

Part of Never Go Back‘s continued appeal comes from the built-in Reacher fan base. As an adaptation of the 18th book in Lee Child’s bestselling series, the movie possesses a pre-existing audience.

Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

Followers have eagerly flocked to catch Cruise’s second outing as the tough-as-nails drifter Reacher, even years later. Leveraging familiarity with beloved source material helps elevate it over wholly original stories.

Sometimes Old Trumps New

The unlikely surge of Tom Cruise‘s Never Go Back proves streaming can massively reward films long after their initial theatrical cycle. By harnessing an enduring franchise fan base, the aging action entry has won a lucrative second life few expected.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016)

When it comes to engaged viewers, sometimes old trumps new. Never Go Back‘s sustained popularity demonstrates even underwhelming box office returns cannot necessarily predict a film’s full potential audience and longevity.

Source: Games Radar