The Michael Bay action thriller ‘Ambulance,’ starring Jake Gyllenhaal, is experiencing a surge in popularity on Netflix, making significant gains on the platform’s U.S. charts as of late November 2023. This renewed interest comes nearly two years after its theatrical release, highlighting the evolving success of films in the streaming era and placing the Michael Bay action thriller in the spotlight once again.
‘Ambulance’ tells the high-stakes story of two brothers, played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who, amid desperate circumstances, resort to stealing an ambulance. Their attempt to escape spirals into chaos when hostages are taken, launching a tense and dangerous journey through the city. The film is a remake of a 2005 Danish production, reimagined with Michael Bay’s characteristic explosive direction and complex set pieces.
From Modest Box Office Numbers to Streaming Triumph
Upon its initial release in early 2022, ‘Ambulance’ received a mix of critical reactions, with numerous reviewers praising Bay’s signature approach and Gyllenhaal’s energetic performance. Despite this, it fell short at the box office, earning approximately $8.7 million in its opening weekend and reaching a total worldwide gross of $52.3 million against its estimated $40 million production budget. This performance placed ‘Ambulance’ among a wave of mid-budget action films that have struggled to draw substantial theater crowds in recent years.
Now, statistics from FlixPatrol reveal that ‘Ambulance’ has gained fresh momentum on Netflix. The film started rising through the streaming service’s U.S. rankings soon after November 24, climbing to the #3 position before advancing to #2—just trailing the new Netflix holiday film ‘Champagne Problems’ as of November 27.
Strong Cast and Audience Reception Fuel Renewed Interest
The movie’s ensemble features Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in leading roles, supported by Eiza González, Garret Dillahunt, Keir O’Donnell, Jackson White, Olivia Stambouliah, Moses Ingram, Colin Woodell, Cedric Sanders, A Martinez, Jesse Garcia, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Wale, and Devan Chandler Long. Fronted by such a diverse and experienced cast, ‘Ambulance’ has received a 68% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes from 255 reviews, while audiences have shown higher appreciation, rating it at 87%.
An interesting behind-the-scenes note reveals that Dylan O’Brien, known for his roles in ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘The Maze Runner,’ was initially in consideration for the role of the younger brother portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
Industry Conversations on Mid-Budget Thrillers and Their Place in Theaters
The release and subsequent streaming success of ‘Ambulance’ has added to industry debates about the future of mid-budget thrillers. While some critics and analysts believe these films can flourish on home streaming platforms, there is agreement that movies like ‘Ambulance’ are essential for maintaining theater variety beyond major franchise productions and animated features. The film’s relatively modest budget and casting of a recognizable lead offer a familiar formula with a new perspective on classic high-action narratives.
The streaming era has also seen the rise of similar thrillers, such as Netflix originals ‘Carry On’ and ‘Rebel Ridge,’ supporting the view that demand for well-crafted mid-size action dramas remains—especially with the convenience of at-home viewing. However, there is still a question of balance: some thrillers are best experienced on the big screen, while others adapt seamlessly to home streaming. As ‘Ambulance’ thrives on Netflix, its box office outcome and recent spike on streaming platforms capture both the challenges and opportunities for action-driven films going forward.
Looking Ahead: The Journey of ‘Ambulance’ and Similar Films
The continued presence of ‘Ambulance’ high on Netflix’s charts signals steady audience interest in energetic, mid-budget action thrillers led by established stars like Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. With its strong cast, positive audience scores, and streaming momentum, the film’s story underscores the ongoing evolution of movie distribution and viewership. As theaters and streaming services navigate these trends, the performance of films like ‘Ambulance’ may influence studios’ decisions on future releases and the enduring appeal of the Michael Bay action thriller format.
