One of the Most Controversial Movies of the 2000s Is Suddenly a Hit on Netflix

The Netflix Top 10 lists are constantly full of unexpected hits. Each day, Netflix updates its list of most-watched movies and TV shows in the U.S., based on viewings from the previous day. Typically, these rankings include new Netflix originals, recently released movies from theaters, or popular family-friendly content. However, occasionally a title will suddenly appear on the Netflix Top 10 list, gaining momentum to become a streaming success. This weekend saw such an occurrence, but the timing of this film’s rise to popularity isn’t completely coincidental as with other titles.

2004’s “The Passion of the Christ” was recently added to Netflix and has mostly gone unnoticed. Due to its intense storyline, it’s not a film that people typically watch repeatedly. However, this past weekend saw a shift as “The Passion of the Christ” climbed up the ranks to become one of the most watched movies on Netflix in the U.S.

On Monday, I found myself pleasantly surprised to see “The Passion of the Christ” occupying the fourth spot in Netflix’s Top 10 Movies list. Given the timing, this surge in popularity seems quite logical. After all, Easter was celebrated just a day prior, and the narrative of “The Passion of the Christ” aligns with the Biblical account of Jesus’ death and resurrection. With Easter being a time when many people are actively interested in such themes, it appears that “The Passion” is a movie that finds favor only during this particular season.

It’s unlikely that “The Passion of the Christ” will remain popular on Netflix’s Top 10 list for long, given that Easter has passed. It might stick around for a day or two, but its recent surge in popularity seems closely linked to the holiday.

Mel Gibson’s movie stirred up quite a debate when it initially came out approximately 20 years ago, mainly because of its graphic and authentic portrayal of the crucifixion. During its time in theaters, there were numerous anecdotes about viewers shedding tears, leaving early, or even feeling ill. Despite the controversies, the film held onto the position of the second highest-grossing R-rated movie at the box office for over a decade.

What’s New on Netflix?

Among the numerous movies added to Netflix’s streaming library in April, “The Passion of the Christ” is one of them. Although some prominent titles departed from the service as we entered the month, popular films such as “The Breakfast Club“, “The Croods“, and “Heat” were also added to the lineup.

Here’s the full list of Netflix’s April 1st additions:

1. The Era of Uncorrupted Hearts – The Age of Innocence

2. Big Papa – Big Daddy

3. Bonnie and Clyde, Lovers on the Run – Bonnie & Clyde

4. The Morning Gathering – The Breakfast Club

5. Conan the Ravager – Conan the Destroyer

6. Vacation for Couples – Couples Retreat

7. The Cro-Magnon Family – The Croods

8. Selection Day – Draft Day

9. Field of Dreams…Build It and They Will Come – Field of Dreams

10. For the Love of the Game – For Love of the Game

11. Geostorm, Weather Gone Wild – Geostorm

12. Getting Him to the Greek – Get Him to the Greek

13. Heat Wave – Heat

14. Insidious: The Haunting Returns – Insidious: Chapter 2

15. K-9, Police Dog Hero – K-9

16. Lucy in Her Element – Lucy

17. Matilda, the Extraordinary Girl – Matilda

18. The Mauritanian Prisoner’s Tale – The Mauritanian

19. Beyond the Boundaries – The Place Beyond the Pines

20. Psycho, a Disturbing Mind – Psycho

21. Guardians Rising – Rise of the Guardians

22. Rooster Cogburn and His Companion (…) – Rooster Cogburn (…and the Lady)

23. Rudy, the Unstoppable Dreamer – Rudy

24. Day of the Soldado, Sicario Returns – Sicario: Day of the Soldado

25. Smokey and the Outlaw Band – Smokey and the Bandit

26. Smokey and the Bandit’s Return – Smokey and the Bandit II

27. Uncle Buck Takes Charge – Uncle Buck

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2025-04-21 17:41