Going to the movies in the 1990s was a lot of fun, especially in the summer when big, exciting blockbusters were always being released. Thanks to advancements in visual effects, filmmakers could create truly stunning scenes, improving on the special effects pioneered in earlier films. A prime example of this is Independence Day, a 1996 disaster movie directed by Roland Emmerich where humanity battles an alien invasion. The film was hugely popular when it came out and remains a popular choice for moviegoers even today.
During the week of February 2nd through 8th, Independence Day ranked as the seventh most popular movie on Netflix in the U.S. It outperformed titles like Homefront, The Rip, and Kpop Demon Hunters to achieve this position. This marked the first time Independence Day appeared in Netflix’s top 10.
Why Independence Day Is a Streaming Hit On Netflix
It’s hard to believe, but this year is the 30th anniversary of the movie Independence Day. That’s likely why it was so popular on Netflix last week. It was recently added to the streaming service, and viewers are enjoying the chance to rewatch it to celebrate the anniversary. While the official anniversary isn’t until the Fourth of July, Netflix often changes its movie selection each month, so fans probably wanted to watch it now while they could.
Even without a special anniversary, Independence Day is likely to be a popular choice on Netflix. It’s a classic 90s sci-fi action film, full of entertaining performances and impressive special effects. The explosion of the White House is still a memorable movie moment, and it’s enjoyable to see stars like Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum bring their charm to the leading roles. Plus, Bill Pullman’s portrayal of President Whitmore is considered one of the best presidential performances in film history, making Independence Day a consistently fun watch.
While Independence Day didn’t receive rave reviews like some other films of its time (it has a 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), its exciting action sequences have won over many viewers. It’s a perfect movie to stream when you want to relax – easy to enjoy after a long day, and familiar enough to have on in the background while you do other things. What some might see as a lack of depth is actually a strength; Independence Day delivers exactly what a blockbuster should – impressive visuals and pure entertainment. It’s a classic of its era for a reason.
Released in a different time, Independence Day captured a unique magic that hasn’t been matched since. Even director Roland Emmerich couldn’t recapture that success with the sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence, which didn’t perform well with critics or audiences. Though the sequel disappointed those who had waited a long time for it, the original Independence Day remains a cherished classic and will likely stay that way for years to come.
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2026-02-14 19:10