Ridley Scott’s historical epic, Napoleon, has become an unexpected streaming success on Apple TV+, captivating audiences across multiple countries since its release in March 2024. The film’s strong performance online contrasts with its mixed critical reception, showing how Ridley Scott Napoleon streaming success continues to grow despite initial doubts.
The Unfolding Popularity of Napoleon on Streaming Platforms
Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the iconic French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte, has steadily risen in popularity on Apple TV+. According to FlixPatrol data, the film consistently ranks within the Top 10 on the streaming service in over 20 nations worldwide. It currently holds an average ninth-place position, outpacing Greg Berlanti’s latest romantic comedy, Fly Me to the Moon, which sits at tenth. Viewers in countries such as Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Ghana, Norway, and others are dedicating their time—over two and a half hours—to experience this historical drama.
The Storyline and Visual Spectacle of Napoleon
Focused on Napoleon Bonaparte’s dramatic ascent from military commander to First Emperor of France, the movie delves deeply into both grand warfare and intimate personal struggles. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal brings to life the complexity of the ruler’s character, while Vanessa Kirby plays Empress Joséphine, whose turbulent marriage with Napoleon adds emotional depth to the story. True to Ridley Scott’s style, the film features intense and sprawling battle scenes that vividly illustrate the chaos of the era, balanced with a close examination of the monarch’s vulnerable moments off the battlefield.
Critical Reception and Viewer Response
Although Napoleon delivers ambitious action sequences and meticulously crafted period costumes, the film did not receive the anticipated level of acclaim from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a critics’ approval rating of 58%, which falls well behind Scott’s other historical and sci-fi successes such as Gladiator II and Prometheus, rated 70% and 73%, respectively. Even more acclaimed are Blade Runner: The Final Cut and Alien: The Director’s Cut, both achieving 94%, underscoring how Napoleon’s critical reception feels relatively disappointing in comparison.
Despite these lukewarm reviews, the film maintains a dedicated audience base, especially among fans of Ridley Scott’s work and those drawn by the strong lead performances. Its ability to sustain viewer interest on a global streaming stage reinforces its significance within Scott’s more recent projects.
Key Cast Members and Their Roles
At the core of the film’s appeal is the cast, led by Joaquin Phoenix portraying Napoleon Bonaparte. Vanessa Kirby stars as Empress Joséphine, adding layers of emotional complexity through her role. Their performances have been central to engaging viewers who appreciate deeply human stories within the grand historical scope.
Looking Ahead: What Napoleon’s Streaming Success Means
The steady climb of Napoleon’s popularity on Apple TV+ suggests that streaming platforms can offer films a second life beyond their initial theatrical and critical reception. Ridley Scott’s reputation and the star power of the cast have contributed to the film’s endurance among diverse international audiences. Moving forward, this success may encourage more historical epics to find broad audiences via streaming services, highlighting changing patterns in how viewers access and appreciate large-scale cinema. For Ridley Scott, Napoleon’s unexpected triumph could signal a renewed interest and confidence in his historical storytelling on digital platforms.
