Ralph Fiennes shines in Wrath of the Titans on Netflix, making headlines as the Greek mythology epic secures a spot in the platform’s worldwide top 10 movie chart; yet, it is Morgan Freeman’s heist thriller Now You See Me that currently outpaces all competitors, captivating viewers across the globe. Both films, featuring celebrated Hollywood veterans, present viewers with a weekend of thrilling storytelling and blockbuster action.
Morgan Freeman’s Heist Thriller Dominates Netflix Charts
Morgan Freeman stars in Now You See Me, a film that has quickly soared to the second spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 movies after its addition to the streaming service’s library. The movie, renowned for blending magical illusions with a high-stakes crime plot, originally premiered in 2013 and established itself as a commercial powerhouse, grossing over $351 million globally from a modest $75 million budget. Its enduring popularity has cemented it as a modern favorite in the heist genre, drawing in new audiences alongside longstanding fans as it returns to the spotlight.
The unique, hybrid narrative—where illusionists use their craft for sophisticated heists—has kept viewers engaged, prompting millions to revisit the story. According to Tudum by Netflix, the film has tallied 4.9 million views worldwide since its streaming debut, while its sequel is also performing strongly, ranking eighth with 2.9 million views. This renewed interest in the franchise highlights both the appeal of its original concept and the enduring star power of a cast that includes Freeman.
Ralph Fiennes’ Epic Battles for Viewership
Fans of epic action adventure are also streaming Ralph Fiennes’ Wrath of the Titans, which follows on from the earlier hit Clash of the Titans. Although it occupies the sixth position with 3.2 million views, the sequel’s reception has been more mixed. Released in 2012, Wrath of the Titans is known for its spectacular mythical battles and high production values, but its journey at the box office was less triumphant compared to Now You See Me. The film accrued $301 million worldwide but faced criticism for emphasizing visual spectacle over strong storytelling and nuanced character development—a common point raised by viewers and critics alike.
Despite its underperformance in theaters, the movie‘s revival on Netflix offers new audiences the chance to experience its grand adventure, while also casting a spotlight on Fiennes’ commanding role. The contrasting fortunes of these two films underscore how changing viewing habits and digital platforms can breathe new life into titles that may have been overlooked during their original release.
Box Office Standings and Franchise Growth
The financial outcomes of these blockbusters reveal shifting tastes among worldwide viewers. While Now You See Me turned a substantial profit and set the stage for future installments, Wrath of the Titans struggled to meet expectations with its $150 million production budget. Experts note that, to be declared a financial hit, movies should gross at least triple their production costs—an objective met by the heist thriller but not the Greek mythology epic.
Some attribute the greater appeal of Now You See Me to its fresh premise and the intrigue surrounding its magic-driven narrative, which contrasted sharply with the more familiar territory explored by Wrath of the Titans. Additionally, the immersive performances from stars such as Freeman heightened the storytelling impact, making the film resonate with a broader audience.
What Awaits Fans of These Franchises
A wave of anticipation is building for both franchises, following their success on Netflix. Wrath of the Titans, once considered a box-office disappointment, is now being rediscovered by a new generation of viewers and might benefit from renewed interest as it climbs Netflix’s charts. Meanwhile, the heist thriller franchise eyes an exciting future, with a third film, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, scheduled for release in November. This next chapter promises to reunite the original Four Horsemen cast for another twist-filled adventure.
Both Wrath of the Titans and Now You See Me are currently available to stream, giving audiences the opportunity to explore two distinct genres led by acclaimed actors Ralph Fiennes and Morgan Freeman. As the streaming landscape continues to revive and reinvent Hollywood favorites, these films are likely to remain at the forefront of weekend watchlists, offering exhilarating choices for diverse tastes.
