Ana de Armas War Dogs has found new life years after its initial release, transforming from a modest box office presence into a streaming sensation on Netflix. Originally released in 2015, this film featuring de Armas is now ranking as one of the platform’s top movies, reigniting interest in both the movie and the actress’s early English-language work.
The Revival of War Dogs on Netflix
War Dogs, starring Jonah Hill and Miles Teller alongside Ana de Armas, has surged in popularity on Netflix, achieving a spot as the 10th most viewed film on the service. The crime thriller follows two young men who rise from ordinary beginnings in America to become prominent international arms dealers. Directed by Todd Phillips, known for Joker, the film explores their journey as they exploit a government program allowing businesses to bid for U.S. military contracts, eventually securing a massive $300 million deal with Afghan forces. De Armas portrays Iz, the girlfriend of Teller’s character David, who manages their family life while he travels the globe building the arms-dealing enterprise.
“With the war in Iraq raging on, a young man (Jonah Hill) offers his childhood friend a chance to make big bucks by becoming an international arms dealer. Together, they exploit a government initiative that allows businesses to bid on U.S. military contracts. Starting small allows the duo to rake in money and live the high life. They soon find themselves in over their heads after landing a $300 million deal to supply Afghan forces, a deal that puts them in business with some very shady people.”
— Official synopsis
Mixed Reception and Box Office Performance
When War Dogs premiered in 2016, responses were sharply divided among critics and viewers. The movie holds a 62% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a wide range of opinions that oscillated between praise and criticism. The audience score is somewhat higher at 69%, with some fans calling it a “masterpiece” and others dismissing it as “uninspired.” Financially, the film grossed $86.4 million worldwide against a budget of $40 million, meaning it technically turned a profit but fell short of Warner Bros.’ expectations for a big hit.
Ana de Armas’ Language Challenges During Filming
At the time of filming War Dogs, Ana de Armas was still mastering English, adding difficulty to the production process. In a 2022 interview with Magazine C, she revealed that while she could grasp some of the script’s language, many parts had to be learned phonetically. Despite this challenge, her dedication and performance in War Dogs paved the way for high-profile roles in films such as No Time to Die and Blonde, as well as her recent starring part in Eden alongside Sydney Sweeney, Vanessa Kirby, Jude Law, and Daniel Brühl.
Key Cast and Creative Team Behind War Dogs
War Dogs was directed by Todd Phillips, who co-wrote the screenplay with Stephen Chin and Jason Smilovic. The cast featured Jonah Hill and Miles Teller as the central duo, portraying the unlikely arms dealers. Ana de Armas played Iz, providing a grounded counterpoint to the high-stakes dealings. Supporting roles were filled by actors including Shaun Toub and JB Blanc, with cameo appearances such as Dan Bilzerian contributing to the film’s eclectic mix of characters.
The Significance of War Dogs’ Streaming Comeback
The resurgence of Ana de Armas War Dogs on Netflix underscores how streaming platforms can offer a second chance for films that didn’t make a major impact in theaters. This revival not only highlights the shifting nature of audience engagement but also spotlights de Armas’s evolving career trajectory—from a struggling English-language actress to a recognized name in Hollywood. As more viewers discover or revisit War Dogs, the film’s blend of dark humor and real-world relevance continues to resonate, suggesting that its renewed popularity will extend beyond the streaming charts.
