Almost a year and a half ago, Oppenheimer hit theaters, became a global sensation, earned billions, and won an Oscar. It seemed like there was nothing more to achieve. But in 2024, the film about the creator of the atomic bomb unexpectedly found itself at the top again—this time as one of the most-streamed movies.
6.85 billion minutes of viewing is an incredible result for a film that, at first glance, seems far from the ‘rewatchable on the couch’ type. Yes, Nolan didn’t make a blockbuster but a three-hour historical drama, yet viewers kept returning to it again and again. Perhaps it’s not only the quality of the film but its eerily relevant themes.
In recent years, the threat of nuclear war has, unfortunately, become much more tangible than any of us would like.
Mario doesn’t give up
In second place is The Super Mario Bros. Movie with 5.36 billion minutes of viewing. The animated adventure of the plumber brothers also debuted in 2023, but its popularity has shown no signs of fading. The film became one of the highest-grossing animated films in history, and then made its way to streaming, instantly becoming a hit with family audiences.
The main reasons for its success: a charming, nostalgic storyline, flawless visual style, and an unforgettable soundtrack (yes, ‘Peaches’ is still stuck in our heads). Plus, in 2024, Universal officially announced a sequel, which has reignited interest in the original.
An unexpected hit about the airport
In third place is Carry-On, a Netflix thriller with 5.14 billion minutes of viewing. The tense film stars Taron Egerton as an airport employee who finds himself at the center of a deadly game. On Christmas Eve, his character is ordered by a mysterious stranger to smuggle a carry-on bag with an unknown contents through security, or else his loved ones will suffer.
Released in late 2024, the film instantly became a hit due to its gripping plot and Egerton’s charisma, as well as Jason Bateman, who once again showcased his villainous brilliance. The film balances between a classic thriller and a psychological drama, with a finale that keeps viewers on edge until the very last second.
Why these films?
It’s surprising that the list doesn't feature fresh blockbusters like Dune: Part Two or the new Godzilla. Instead, viewers opted for either tried-and-tested hits from previous years or tense, intimate stories.
Moreover, surprisingly, The Equalizer 3 managed to make it into the top 5, despite receiving modest ratings from audiences — failing to even hit 7 on IMDb. Yet, that didn't stop the Denzel Washington-starring film from racking up 4.78 billion minutes of viewing.
What’s even more notable is that there are no other films in the top 10 — just animated movies, ranging from Encanto to Moana.
And the return of Oppenheimer to the top charts raises an interesting question: Are people rewatching it not just out of love for Nolan, but because of the unsettling parallels to reality? Here's hoping that a year from now, we’ll be writing about how the top charts are filled with uplifting films.
