Liam Neeson‘s Forgotten Fantasy Flick has unexpectedly climbed the streaming charts decades after its original release, gaining renewed attention in the United States on the platform Tubi as of July 1. Originally released 37 years ago, the fantasy film High Spirits features Neeson in an early role prior to his rise as a major Hollywood star.
The Unexpected Streaming Resurgence of a Late 1980s Fantasy Film
Despite receiving largely negative reviews at the time, including a 31% critic score and 59% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, High Spirits has found a new audience on streaming platforms. Directed by Neil Jordan, the movie’s story centers on a hotelier who attempts to lure guests by advertising his castle as haunted, only to encounter two real ghosts who become romantically involved with visitors. The film originally generated only $8.5 million during a limited U.S. theatrical run but now ranks among the top ten most-streamed films in the country.
Alongside Liam Neeson, the cast includes notable actors such as Daryl Hannah and Peter O’Toole, with characters Mary Plunkett and Peter Plunkett playing central roles. Their performances contribute to the film’s cult appeal despite its earlier shortcomings in critical acceptance.
“When a hotelier attempts to fill the chronic vacancies at his castle by launching an advertising campaign that falsely portrays the property as haunted, two actual ghosts show up and end up falling for two guests.”
— Synopsis of High Spirits
Other Trending Movies Gaining Popularity on Tubi
High Spirits currently holds the #2 spot on Tubi’s most-streamed U.S. movie list, just behind the 2018 romantic comedy Overboard, starring Eva Longoria. This renewed interest places it among a diverse lineup of popular films including comedies, thrillers, and action features.
The top ten list includes titles such as Shallow Hal featuring Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow at #10, the crime drama American Me led by Edward James Olmos at #9, and Gerard Butler’s thriller Kandahar at #8. Other notable entries are You Again with Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Kristen Bell at #7, John Travolta’s Life on the Line at #6, and the 2023 adaptation of The Color Purple at #5. Classic action films like Demolition Man and Roland Emmerich’s Independence Day hold the #4 and #3 positions respectively.
Liam Neeson’s Role and Career Context
Liam Neeson, known for his versatility as an actor and his acclaimed performance in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, is currently preparing to appear in Akiva Schaffer’s upcoming film portraying the son of Frank Drebin. This resurgence of interest in High Spirits comes as a reminder of his diverse body of work beyond his more recognized dramatic and action roles.
While High Spirits was initially overlooked by both critics and audiences, its current streaming success highlights the unpredictable nature of film reception in the digital era, especially as older films find new life on popular streaming services.
High Spirits is available for viewing now on Tubi, offering a blend of humor, fantasy, and romance that contrasts with Neeson’s later, more serious projects, making it a curious watch for fans and newcomers alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Liam Neeson’s religion?
A. Liam Neeson was born in Ballymena, County Antrim. His father, Bernard “Barney” Neeson, worked as a primary school caretaker. His mother, Katherine “Kitty” Neeson, who was originally Katherine Brown, worked as a cook and grew up in Waterford, located in the southeast of Ireland. Raised in a Catholic family, Liam got his name from a local priest.
