Chris Pratt’s $303M Sci-Fi Movie Just Became a U.S. Streaming Hit, 10 Years Later

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As a huge movie fan, I remember when Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence were everywhere in the 2010s! Pratt went from being a familiar face to a full-blown action star with hits like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World. Lawrence was amazing because she could do both critically acclaimed films like Silver Linings Playbook and massive blockbusters like The Hunger Games. So, when they announced they were starring together in Passengers, everyone was so excited! Honestly, though, when it first came out, it didn’t quite live up to the hype – the reviews were all over the place, and it didn’t do amazing at the box office. But, I’m glad it’s finding a new life now, and more people are discovering it on streaming.

During the week of June 1st to 7th, the movie Passengers ranked as the 6th most popular film on Netflix in the U.S. This marked the first time it appeared in the streaming service’s top 10. It climbed the charts, surpassing titles like The Murder of Rachel Nickell and Creed III to reach that position.

Why Passengers Is a Streaming Hit on Netflix

Released around the holidays in 2016, shortly after Rogue One, the movie Passengers sparked considerable debate. The film’s central idea involves a troubling plot twist that many viewers found problematic. Chris Pratt plays Jim Preston, a passenger on a spacecraft traveling to a distant planet. When his sleep pod fails and he wakes up 90 years too early during a 120-year voyage, Jim faces the grim prospect of spending his life alone. Desperate to avoid this fate, he intentionally awakens another passenger, Aurora Lane (played by Jennifer Lawrence), and tries to start a relationship with her.

Jim’s behavior in the movie made many viewers uneasy. While films with flawed characters aren’t new, Passengers pushed boundaries for some. This might be why it’s found a new audience on streaming services years after its release. Science fiction fans probably remember the discussions around Passengers when it first came out, and now they’re either rewatching it to reconsider their opinions or finally checking it out to form their own.

Since its release, Passengers has gained a reputation as an underrated film, with many believing it deserves more credit despite its controversial premise. The acting is consistently strong, featuring not only leads Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, but also a memorable performance by Michael Sheen as a robotic bartender – a character inspired by The Shining. Visually, the film is stunning, with exceptional production design that convincingly brings the spaceship to life, a feat considering the entire story takes place on board. Director Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game) successfully balanced large-scale effects with heartfelt character development. While the film may not have fully achieved its goals, its ambition is undeniable.

The movie Passengers is now available for streaming just as science fiction films are becoming increasingly popular. Following the huge success of Project Hail Mary earlier this year, and with Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day set to hit theaters soon, audiences looking for sci-fi entertainment may discover Passengers on Netflix. The film’s well-known actors and thought-provoking story make it a unique addition to the streaming service’s offerings.

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2026-06-14 20:12