Nicolas Cage movies have proven to be a H๏τ commodity on streaming, and his underrated gem from 2021 has sH๏τ up the Netflix charts almost five years after it debuted. Nicolas Cage is one of the most versatile and divisive stars in Hollywood history, and he has made a name for himself playing outlandish characters in nearly every genre. Though he’s capable of turning in an amazing dramatic performance, as in films such as Adaptation or Leaving Las Vegas, it is Cage’s propensity for over-the-top roles that makes him so beloved today.
In recent years, Cage has leaned more and more into the bombastic side of his career, and he has been allowed to completely let go in films like Mandy or Willy’s Wonderland. Cage himself has become a meme, and his recent output has reflected his status as a pop culture icon. However, Cage hasn’t completely given up on his dramatic side, and is still more than capable of delivering a stunning performance if the film is the right fit. Nicolas Cage’s mystery thriller from 2021 largely evaded notice when it first arrived, but it has found new life on Netflix.
Nicolas Cage’s 2021 Film Pig Has Become A Hit On Netflix
The Mystery Thriller Is An International Hit On Streaming
Nearly five years after the Michael Sarnoski thriller arrived in theaters, Pig has found itself in the top 10 of Netflix’s streaming charts. For the week of May 26 through June 1, Pig cracked the top 10 and landed at the ninth spot on the ranking. Though it didn’t rise to the top, it still beat out perennial family-favorite, The Boss Baby, which finished 10th on the list for the week. All the movies that ranked ahead of Pig were either major Hollywood films, family films like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, or Netflix originals.
Netflix’s top 10 movies for May 26-June 1 include:
|
Rank |
Movie |
Release Year |
Rotten Tomatoes Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Fear Street: Prom Queen |
2025 |
27% |
|
2 |
The Wild Robot |
2024 |
96% |
|
3 |
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom |
2023 |
33% |
|
4 |
Nonnas |
2025 |
82% |
|
5 |
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish |
2022 |
95% |
|
6 |
Havoc |
2025 |
63% |
|
7 |
Instant Family |
2018 |
82% |
|
8 |
The Cat in the Hat |
2003 |
10% |
|
9 |
Pig |
2021 |
97% |
|
10 |
The Boss Baby |
2017 |
53% |
What Streaming Success Means For 2021’s Pig
Nic Cage Is Still A Big Draw On Streaming
Netflix has allowed audiences to discover the hidden gem for the first time.
Though Pig flew under the radar back when it first debuted, it was certainly a critical darling that earned a lot of praise for Nicolas Cage. The film is one of his best, and it never really tips too far into the ridiculous territory of many of his recent outings. The success of Pig on Netflix is likely driven by the star power of Nic Cage, and it helps that many viewers likely didn’t see the film when it first came out. Essentially, Netflix has allowed audiences to discover the hidden gem for the first time.
Pig grossed $3.8 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo).
Our Take On Pig’s Streaming Success On Netflix
The Excellent Film Is Finally Getting the Attention It Deserves
Pig‘s success on Netflix is a vindication of the film’s quality, and I think it is finally getting the attention that it deserves. While many might be tuning in to see if Cage will give one of his unhinged performances, they’ll be treated to a well-crafted mystery and a compelling narrative about its two main characters. I think that Pig is one of Nic Cage’s most understated performances, and it shows what he can do when he’s given a great script. Though it likely won’t be a streaming hit for long, Pig certainly deserves its accolades.
Source: Netflix
