The 2010 action-adventure film Robin Hood, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, has gained unexpected popularity on HBO Max nearly 16 years after its initial release. Despite its early box office disappointment, the movie recently ranked seventh among the top 10 movies on HBO Max in the United States, reflecting renewed viewer interest in the legendary tale.
A History of Collaboration Between Scott and Crowe
Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe’s partnership began with the acclaimed Gladiator, which earned multiple Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe’s portrayal of Maximus. After Gladiator’s success, the duo worked on four more films, including Body of Lies and American Gangster. Robin Hood marked their last collaboration in 2010, with Crowe playing the title role as the folk hero Robin Longstride.
Initial Reception and Box Office Performance of Robin Hood
Upon release, Robin Hood underperformed at the box office, grossing around $321.7 million worldwide against reported production costs ranging between $155 million and $237 million. Critical response was mixed, with the film holding a 43% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience reception was slightly better at 58%. Some critics felt the film’s serious tone as an origin story took away the enjoyment typically associated with the Robin Hood legend.
Current Streaming Popularity and Genre Trends
Now, Robin Hood’s streaming appeal is coinciding with a wider resurgence in stories about the iconic outlaw. HBO Max’s chart placement comes alongside other titles such as Rose Byrne’s If I Had Legs I Would Kick You and films like The Notebook and MacGruber. Robin Hood occasionally peaks in streaming interest, despite its earlier criticism. This resurgence is happening as other Robin Hood adaptations gain attention, including an MGM+ series starring Sean Bean and Jack Patten, which debuted late in 2025, and an upcoming A24 release titled The Death of Robin Hood starring Hugh Jackman in a darker take on the character.
Legacy and Continued Cultural Relevance of Robin Hood
The vigilante hero has been portrayed in various films and shows over the years, with actors like Kevin Costner and Cary Elwes among those to take on the role. While many versions have struggled to fully capture audiences, the persistent popularity of Robin Hood as a folk figure keeps the stories relevant. The streaming success on HBO Max lends new visibility to Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe’s adaptation, offering it a second chance to connect with viewers.
Main Cast of the 2010 Robin Hood
Russell Crowe leads the film as Robin Longstride, while Cate Blanchett stars as Marion Loxley, shaping the narrative around the legendary characters of the Robin Hood tale.
