Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his blockbuster hits such as The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, has experienced notable ups and downs in his film career. His 2014 action thriller Sabotage, directed by David Ayer and starring Schwarzenegger as a DEA task force member, initially failed to impress both critics and audiences at the box office. Despite this rocky start, the movie has recently surged in popularity on streaming services, becoming an unexpected Arnold Schwarzenegger streaming hit.
Sabotage centers on a DEA team who rob a drug cartel safe house, only to be systematically targeted one by one afterward. The ensemble cast also includes Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard, Josh Holloway, Olivia Williams, and Joe Manganiello. However, the film grossed only $22.1 million worldwide, falling short of its $35 million production budget and receiving poor critical reception.
Box Office Reception and Critical Response to Sabotage
Upon release, Sabotage was met with largely negative reviews and underwhelming ticket sales. It holds a 21% rating on the Tomatometer and a 36% audience score on Popcornmeter, reflecting widespread disappointment. This marked one of the lowest points in Schwarzenegger’s career, especially given the strong success of some of his earlier work. Meanwhile, director David Ayer—previously praised for End of Watch—also faced setbacks with this film’s reception.
The disappointing box office performance left Sabotage overshadowed, with it failing to connect with theatergoers or critics at the time of release in the United States and worldwide.
The Streaming Revival: Sabotage Rises in Popularity Years Later
Despite its original failure, Sabotage has found a new audience through streaming sites. Recent data from FlixPatrol reveals that as of July 30, the movie ranks as the 10th most popular film on Prime Video in the United States. It competes alongside recent hits like Wicked, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and The Accountant 2, highlighting a surprising resurgence in viewer interest for this older action movie.
This resurgence demonstrates the shifting dynamics of film popularity, where properties that once flopped theatrically can find success by reaching audiences directly at home. The sustained curiosity about Schwarzenegger’s films continues to draw viewers even for titles that initially struggled.
Implications of Sabotage’s Streaming Success for Schwarzenegger’s Career
The renewed interest in Sabotage provides a somber yet hopeful reminder that Arnold Schwarzenegger remains a compelling figure to audiences, despite the uneven performance of some of his recent films. While the theatrical release failed to deliver, the streaming environment allows films like Sabotage to gain appreciation in ways not possible before.
For Schwarzenegger and the film’s cast, the streaming hit status offers a form of redemption, proving that audience engagement can transcend critical and commercial failure. It suggests that his name still carries weight in the entertainment industry, especially on digital platforms where viewers may approach films with different expectations.
This trend is notable as it underscores how older movies, even those considered flops, can experience revitalization and contribute meaningfully to an actor’s legacy in the streaming era.
