Russell Crowe Nuremberg VOD success is becoming a notable story this awards season, as the World War II courtroom drama rapidly climbs digital rental charts. Following its theatrical debut on November 7, shortly after premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film is now achieving impressive numbers on streaming platforms in the United States.
Since its premium on-demand release on December 23, Nuremberg has claimed the number two spot on both Amazon and Apple TV’s movie rankings in the U.S. On Amazon, only Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (2025) ranks higher, while Crowe’s film outpaces One Battle After Another (2025). Meanwhile, on Apple TV, Nuremberg leads over Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (2025) but comes behind Wicked: For Good (2025). The digital movie charts overall continue to be filled with recent releases such as Good Fortune (2025), The Long Walk (2025), and Edgar Wright’s The Running Man (2025).
Movie Details and Cast
Nuremberg, directed by James Vanderbilt, dramatizes the pivotal trials held after World War II, putting Nazi leaders on trial for their actions. Russell Crowe portrays Hermann Göring, one of the highest-ranking Nazi officials prosecuted, while Rami Malek plays Douglas Kelley, a U.S. Army psychiatrist who develops a complex relationship with Göring during the proceedings. The film is available not only on Amazon and Apple platforms, but also on services like Fandango at Home and Google Play, broadening its reach among VOD audiences.
Reception from Critics and Audiences
Feedback for Nuremberg has been mostly favorable, with both critics and general viewers recognizing Crowe’s performance and the film’s gripping courtroom scenes. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a 72% rating from critics. Audience approval is even stronger, boasting a 96% Popcornmeter score, a significant mark of popular support.
Despite this, the movie’s prospects at the upcoming Academy Awards appear limited. While Nuremberg has received shortlist nods for categories like Makeup and Hairstyling and Original Score, it is not deemed a major contender for Best Picture. One Battle After Another is widely seen as the frontrunner in this category, reducing Nuremberg’s chances for broader Oscar recognition this year.
Some reviewers remain critical of the film’s perspective and tone. ScreenRant’s Gregory Nussen offered a starkly negative evaluation, rating it just 3 out of 10 and critiquing its approach to historical figures.
“With Nuremberg, James Vanderbilt is less interested in showing Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) as ‘normal,’ as he is in accentuating Hitler’s right-hand man as a charming charlatan. But this intentionality is miscalculated, and the film, bloated as it is with jarring tonal changes and thickly laid-on sentimentality, tilts so far into humanizing Nazis that it seems, at times, to apologize for the behavior of the high command.”
— Gregory Nussen, Critic
Financial Performance and Box Office Analysis
Nuremberg’s digital performance builds on a financially strong theatrical run. The film, reportedly produced on a budget between $7 million and $10 million, brought in approximately $29 million worldwide. Based on industry standards, its break-even point was considered to be about $25 million, putting the film comfortably in profitable territory. Its popularity on VOD platforms suggests considerable ongoing interest from viewers seeking historically themed legal dramas.
Ongoing Career Trajectory for Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe’s momentum is poised to continue, with upcoming roles already on his schedule. In the coming year, Crowe will star in the period adventure The Weight alongside Ethan Hawke, and Bear Country, an action thriller, highlighting his ability to attract both projects and audiences. The recent success of Nuremberg, even as debates over its historical interpretations continue, affirms his enduring appeal in challenging roles and high-stakes historical narratives.
The case of Nuremberg exemplifies how streaming platforms can alter the trajectory of awards-season contenders, at times boosting the profile of films that may not reach the highest accolades but nevertheless secure broad audience engagement and provoke critical conversation.
