Robert De Niro gangster movie streaming success has shifted the narrative around The Alto Knights, which failed at the box office but is now the top streaming film on HBO Max. Released earlier this year, The Alto Knights, featuring De Niro in dual roles, struggled to bring audiences to theaters but is now finding new life through streaming.
Robert De Niro’s Gangster Legacy and the Fall of The Alto Knights in Theaters
Robert De Niro, a celebrated figure in the gangster film genre, has been a powerful presence in Hollywood since the 1960s. His early start in the entertainment industry saw him take on a variety of roles, from his first credited appearance in the comedy Greetings to later iconic performances in The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight, The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, and The Deer Hunter. De Niro secured two Oscars for The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull and has been nominated for seven more, cementing his legacy in both drama and crime cinema.
Despite this formidable reputation and his frequent returns to gangster films, De Niro’s latest project in that vein, The Alto Knights, became a costly disappointment. The film had a budget of approximately $50 million but earned only $9.6 million at the box office, marking it as a financial flop. The movie, set in 1950s New York City, follows rival crime bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, both portrayed by De Niro, as they battle for control. Drawing on real criminal history, it aimed to revisit the gritty stories that shaped De Niro’s career but failed to attract sufficient audience interest in its theatrical run.
The Alto Knights Gains Unforeseen Popularity on Streaming
Though its box office reception was underwhelming, the fortunes of The Alto Knights changed drastically with its release on HBO Max. According to data from FlixPatrol, the film quickly claimed the top spot as the most-watched movie on HBO Max, trailing only behind the series And Just Like That… in overall platform engagement. This streaming performance places The Alto Knights ahead of popular titles such as How To Train Your Dragon 2, The Last of Us, Rick and Morty, and The Wild Robot, indicating a strong resurgence in audience interest.
The story of The Alto Knights centers on the intense rivalry between Vito Genovese and Frank Costello—two prominent figures from real-life 1950s organized crime in New York City. The drama of their conflict, brought to life by De Niro’s portrayal, appeals to fans of his past gangster films and introduces a new audience to the history behind their criminal empires. Debra Messing also stars as Bobbie Costello, adding further talent to the film’s cast.
Changing Landscape: Streaming Triumphs Over Theaters
In the past, theatrical earnings were the primary metric of success, and a robust box office return was vital for profitability long before movies reached home entertainment formats. However, the dominance of big streaming networks has transformed Hollywood’s approach—now, a disappointing box office performance does not determine a film’s ultimate fate. The Alto Knights, initially dismissed after earning just $9.6 million against its massive budget, demonstrates that profitability and audience influence can still be achieved through digital platforms.
Audiences today have more flexibility and are less reliant on traditional theater experiences. Films that do not create an “event” aspect, such as the simultaneous releases of Oppenheimer and Barbie, may not draw crowds to multiplexes. Instead, viewers can conveniently wait and watch at home using services like HBO Max and Peacock. For The Alto Knights, outside of De Niro’s star power, there was no major theatrical hook to prompt mass attendance. The trend toward streaming means movies without large-scale event appeal can find significant followings and renewed relevance online.
The Significance for Hollywood and the Future of Movie Distribution
The unexpected streaming success of The Alto Knights stands as evidence that digital platforms can redefine how success is measured in the movie industry. The story of Robert De Niro’s gangster movie streaming success reveals that films can transcend traditional failures and reach vast audiences despite initial setbacks. For Hollywood, this example suggests a shift in priorities—profitability and cultural impact may increasingly depend on digital performance, with the old box office standard now just one piece of a larger picture.
Studios, filmmakers, and actors like De Niro may focus more on streaming strategies going forward, recognizing that a theatrical flop does not necessarily close the door on audience engagement. As streaming services like HBO Max attract viewers to stories both old and new, Hollywood’s approach to risk, revival, and success will continue to evolve in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
