Ridley Scott Napoleon streaming figures have shown a notable rebound, as the 2023 epic Napoleon, despite its underwhelming performance in theaters, finds renewed popularity on Apple TV. The movie, which features Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role with Vanessa Kirby and Abubakar Salim, has unexpectedly re-entered the global top 10 on the platform, years after its initial release.
Napoleon’s Theatrical Struggles and Streaming Revival
Upon its debut, Napoleon immediately generated controversy among critics and audiences, attracting polarized reactions for its portrayal of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s dramatic rise and fall. While some viewers applauded its ambition, the film was broadly criticized for historical inaccuracies and inconsistencies, leading to a divided response reflected in its 58% scores from both professional critics and general audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
The tension was heightened as Ridley Scott publicly addressed criticism during promotional interviews, a move that did little to reverse the negative buzz. The financial realities also painted a grim picture: produced on a massive budget nearing $200 million, Napoleon managed a box office return of about $222 million. This result, however, fell drastically short of covering costs, with industry estimates placing the film’s total losses around $100 million. This shortfall solidified its reputation as one of Scott’s most controversial and underperforming projects.
Despite the challenging start, things have changed in the digital landscape. Now streaming exclusively on Apple TV, Napoleon has gradually climbed back into viewer attention, capitalizing on the growing interest in Scott’s filmography. This resurgence comes as audiences revisit the director’s work in the wake of subsequent projects, contributing to Napoleon’s unlikely streaming success.
Ridley Scott’s Recent and Upcoming Projects
Since Napoleon’s release, Ridley Scott has remained active but selective in his directorial choices. His only film since then has been Gladiator II, a legacy sequel set in the same universe as his Academy Award-winning Gladiator, but with a new cast—Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington—taking over from the likes of Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. The anticipation around Gladiator II has led fans and critics to revisit Scott’s previous historical epics, further boosting Napoleon’s streaming presence.
Looking ahead, Scott is preparing for the release of The Dog Stars, expected in March 2026. This post-apocalyptic science fiction film features Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley in leading roles, hinting at Scott’s continued dedication to grand cinematic storytelling.
Popular Films on Apple TV Right Now
While Ridley Scott Napoleon streaming numbers have climbed, the platform’s most-watched film currently is The Family Plan, an action-comedy starring Mark Wahlberg. This movie has returned to the top in part due to the anticipation for its forthcoming sequel. Meanwhile, titles featuring stars like Matthew McConaughey, Denzel Washington, Anya Taylor-Joy, and John Krasinski—such as The Lost Bus, Highest 2 Lowest, The Gorge, and Fountain of Youth—maintain strong positions in Apple TV’s popularity charts.
Viewers interested in historical dramas, intense performances, or simply exploring Ridley Scott’s cinematic range have fueled Napoleon’s newfound digital audience. With critical names like Vanessa Kirby, Abubakar Salim, and Joaquin Phoenix in the cast, the film’s complex legacy continues, exemplifying the unpredictable relationship between theatrical success and streaming relevance.
With streaming platforms now able to revive films that initially struggled in theaters, Napoleon’s example reveals how audience preferences and digital availability can shift the fate of even the most contentious movies. As Ridley Scott, Jacob Elordi, and Margaret Qualley gear up for their next major release, interest in Scott’s past and current projects is likely to remain strong.
