Mark Ruffalo‘s performance in Now You See Me 2 on Netflix has captured wide attention, following both films’ recent addition to the platform and the sequel‘s leap into Netflix’s Top 10 most-streamed movies in the US. This resurgence comes as viewers revisit the franchise, looking back at Ruffalo’s conflicted portrayal ahead of the upcoming theatrical release, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, set for November 14 in the US.
Rising Popularity Despite Critical Doubts
Both Now You See Me and its sequel arrived on Netflix at the start of June, drawing millions of viewers who are eager to relive the story before the franchise’s return to cinemas. The renewed popularity is particularly striking for Now You See Me 2, which has joined the platform’s Top 10 films alongside its predecessor, the current #1 movie in the US on Netflix. Despite this, Now You See Me 2 faced a tougher critical and fan reception: Mark Ruffalo stated in an interview that he was
nervous that it would be difficult to top the first one,
—Mark Ruffalo, Actor. This uncertainty seemed to mirror the experience of many viewers, as the sequel earned only a 34% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences giving it 53%. The original film fared better, receiving a 51% critic score but a much warmer 70% from its audience.
Comparing Box Office Outcomes and Media Sales
Financially, the gap between the two films was narrower than reviews might suggest. Now You See Me completed its run with $342 million, having made $117.7 million in the US and $225 million overseas. The sequel, Now You See Me 2, earned $328 million globally, splitting $65 million domestically and $263.2 million internationally—a difference of just $14 million between them. Both movies outperformed their production budgets, with the first film making 4.6 times its $75 million cost, and the sequel delivering 3.6 times on a $90 million investment.
Home media sales also reveal the original’s stronger staying power. DVD and Blu-ray sales for Now You See Me totaled $35 million, more than double the $16.8 million achieved by the sequel. Despite this, when combining theatrical and home sales, the two films stand close in total earnings, each approaching the $350 million mark. The first film finished just outside the top 20 box office performers of 2013.
Notable Cast Members Draw Returning Audiences
The Now You See Me franchise features a prominent ensemble that includes Jesse Eisenberg as J. Daniel Atlas, Mark Ruffalo as Dylan Rhodes, Woody Harrelson playing both Merritt and Chase McKinney, and Morgan Freeman as Thaddeus Bradley. The mix of established stars and their dynamic performances remain a draw for audiences, especially as anticipation builds for the next installment directed by Jon M. Chu.
A Franchise Poised for a Revival
With both films currently streaming on Netflix, a new cycle of interest has taken hold, bolstered by Mark Ruffalo’s tense yet memorable role and the broader ensemble’s chemistry. As anticipation mounts for the November release of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, the franchise’s past challenges with critics seem overshadowed by its lasting appeal among viewers. The return to theaters promises another test for the cast and filmmakers, with millions already revisiting the story to see how it all began.
