Liam Neeson’s Worst Movie Transforms into Global Netflix Success Two Years Later

Liam Neeson, a seasoned actor celebrated for his diverse roles across film genres, is currently experiencing a surprising resurgence on Netflix. Despite being labeled as one of his least favorable films, Blacklight has emerged as a significant streaming hit globally, two years post-release.

Neeson’s journey in the film industry dates back to 1978, but it was his poignant performance as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List (1993) that catapulted him into the spotlight, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This success opened doors for Neeson, leading him to iconic roles such as Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Ra’s al Ghul in Batman Begins, and Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia series.

Starting in 2009, Neeson shifted gears to establish himself as a formidable action star, featuring in a series of acclaimed action films such as the Taken trilogy, The A-Team, and Cold Pursuit. His collaborations with director Jaume Collet-Serra have resulted in thrilling releases including Unknown, Non-Stop, Run All Night, and The Commuter. Even as Neeson hints at retirement from action-packed roles, he continues to engage audiences with films like Honest Thief, The Marksman, The Ice Road, Blacklight, Memory, and Absolution.

Blacklight: A Surprising Netflix Phenomenon

Current Ranking Insights

According to recent data, Blacklight, directed by Mark Williams, who is known for his work on the series Ozark and directing Honest Thief, has gained substantial traction on Netflix. This 2022 action thriller features Neeson as a government agent confronted by his nebulous past and a conspiracy that jeopardizes national security, pitting him against an FBI director he once served.

Remarkably, Blacklight now claims the fifth spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 movies with an impressive 7.6 million views and 13.3 million hours streamed this week. It has outperformed films such as Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and it’s trending in the Top 10 across 21 countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. However, it is noteworthy that Blacklight is not available on Netflix in the United States, although it can be accessed on Hulu.

Should You Watch Blacklight?

A Mixed Reception

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While Blacklight has found its audience, it is essential to consider its performance during its initial release. The film grossed a mere $16 million against its hefty $43 million budget, earning a reputation as a box office disappointment. Critics largely dismissed the film, awarding it a bleak 12% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many reviews criticized it for being a lackluster and unoriginal entry in Neeson’s filmography.

Interestingly, audiences have had a different response, reflected in its impressive 82% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re in the mood for a conspiracy-laden thriller featuring Liam Neeson, Blacklight may be worth a watch.

Source: Netflix

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