Netflix Just Added One of Denzel Washington’s Best Movies Ahead of 2026 Reboot

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Denzel Washington is one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, delivering memorable performances for many years. He’s known for his versatility, as seen in films like Training Day and Fences, and has become a true icon. Now, one of his most acclaimed movies is available on Netflix, over twenty years after it was first released in theaters, and just before a new version comes out.

You can now watch the 2004 film Man on Fire on Netflix before the new series comes out later this year. Directed by Tony Scott, the movie quickly became popular on the streaming service after being added on January 1st. It stars Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a former CIA agent who takes on the job of protecting a young girl named Lupita (Dakota Fanning) in Mexico City. When Lupita is kidnapped, Creasy unleashes a violent and determined quest for revenge against those responsible.

Man on Fire Is One of Denzel Washington’s Most Divisive Films

While Man on Fire often appears on lists of Denzel Washington’s best films today, it wasn’t always highly regarded. The movie is known for sharply dividing critics and audiences. Rotten Tomatoes shows a significant difference in opinion: critics gave it a 39% rating, making it one of Washington’s lowest-scored films, but audiences loved it, giving it an 89% rating – one of his highest audience scores.

Critics generally didn’t like the movie because of its relentlessly dark and violent story. Some felt director Ridley Scott focused too much on flashy visuals and editing techniques – like quick cuts and special effects – at the expense of a meaningful plot. In a 2005 review, Nev Pierce of BBC.com called the film “sadistic” and a letdown, while Steven D. Greydanus of Decent Films described Man on Fire as a career low for both Denzel Washington and Ridley Scott, and unusually unpleasant to watch.

Since its release, Man on Fire has gained more appreciation and is now considered one of Denzel Washington’s strongest films. In a 2018 review, Leigh Putsch of the Herald Sun called it a “highly involving revenge thriller” and praised Washington’s performance. The film effectively combines thrilling action with genuine emotion, and Washington delivers a compelling portrayal of Creasy, a complex character driven by vengeance. While the film’s violence initially concerned some critics, the believable connection between Washington and Dakota Fanning makes the story more gripping and intensifies the impact of the film’s second half.

What’s New on Netflix?

I was so excited to see Man on Fire finally hit Netflix – it’s one of the many new additions that dropped at the beginning of the year! And it’s not alone; they’ve also added some amazing films like 12 Years a Slave, Dawn of the Dead, the newer Ghostbusters movie, Lone Survivor, and Priscilla. Honestly, it’s a great start to the year, and I hear there’s even more content coming throughout January!

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2026-01-09 01:40