Robert De Niro The Intern resurgence has taken streaming by storm in 2025, with the beloved 2015 comedy leaping to the top spot on Netflix’s U.S. chart just two days after debuting on the platform. The film, starring Anne Hathaway alongside De Niro and directed by Nancy Meyers, originally earned $197 million worldwide and is sparking new conversations about workplace dynamics and generational change.
A Renewed Spotlight on a Modern Classic
When The Intern first hit theaters a decade ago, its financial success far outpaced expectations, earning multiple times its $35 million budget. De Niro shines as Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who decides to join a fashion startup as an intern, partnering with Anne Hathaway’s ambitious entrepreneur, Jules. The film’s warm comedy and its themes of mentorship and balance between work and life are resonating even more in today’s world, where shifts such as remote work and ongoing debates about ageism and burnout are highly relevant.
While critical voices like Stephen Farber from The Hollywood Reporter once labeled the film as lacking excitement, audiences embraced its uplifting message and heartfelt performances. The Intern maintained a solid 73% score on Rotten Tomatoes and steadily grew its following over the years. Now, its Netflix rise signals a genuine reappraisal—and arrives at a pivotal moment in Robert De Niro’s career, especially after his recent performance in The Alto Knights, which received a lackluster reception both critically and commercially, earning just $9.5 million globally.
This renewed engagement showcases De Niro’s adaptability, moving from his usual gangster roles in projects like The Alto Knights to displaying comedic skill and emotional nuance as Ben. The contrast has provided a spotlight for his range and offered something refreshing to younger audiences who may know him only for his dramatic parts.
The Story’s Strong Resonance with Current Times
The charm and analog routines of Ben Whittaker offer viewers a welcome escape in 2025, a year many describe as digitally exhausting. His respectful guidance of his younger colleague Jules reflects a rare kind of workplace allyship. Instead of being patronizing, Ben supports leadership without overshadowing it. These moments play into ongoing discussions about age discrimination, an experience nearly 64% of Americans over 50 report facing at work, according to AARP.
Nancy Meyers crafted Jules as a complex female lead grappling with the pressures of leadership, motherhood, and personal uncertainty. Rather than offering unsolicited advice, Ben provides a steady presence, helping Jules find her confidence again. This portrayal speaks especially to overwhelmed women in demanding careers today. Meyers’ writing stands out for presenting a lead character balancing strength and vulnerability—depicted as authentically ambitious without being vilified for her drive, which was ahead of its time when the film first launched.
The Intern’s Enduring Appeal Across Generations
The movie’s current popularity isn’t limited to nostalgic millennials; it’s become a new favorite for Gen Z and first-time viewers of all ages. Its headline-grabbing success even caught the attention of acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, who once declared it
“one of De Niro’s best performances”
in a 2016 Metro interview. —Quentin Tarantino, Filmmaker
There’s also growing buzz that the film will be remade for Bollywood audiences, starring Amitabh Bachchan with Deepika Padukone, suggesting this story’s cross-cultural relevance is just beginning. The movie is now widely available for streaming on Netflix, as well as for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Meanwhile, De Niro’s recent film, The Alto Knights, can be found on Max.
What The Intern’s Newfound Fame Means
As The Intern enjoys its second act on Netflix, its gentle take on modern work and mentorship feels more poignant than ever amid constant changes in the workplace. For Robert De Niro, this resurgence spotlights his depth as an actor, and for Nancy Meyers, it affirms her vision’s enduring relevance. With the film finding fresh audiences and talk of international remakes, the legacy of this decade-old comedy appears only to be growing stronger.
