Nicolas Cagemovies have proven to be a hot commodity on streaming, and his underrated gem from 2021 has shot 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 asAdaptationorLeaving 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 likeMandyorWilly’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 as the recluse Rob in 2021’s Pig movie

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,Pighas found itself in the top 10 of Netflix’s streaming charts. For the week of May 26 through June 1,Pigcracked the top 10 and landed at the ninth spoton the ranking. Though it didn’t rise to the top, it still beat out perennial family-favorite,TheBoss Baby, which finished 10th on the list for the week. All the movies that ranked ahead ofPigwere either major Hollywood films, family films likePuss in Boots: The Last Wish, or Netflix originals.

1

Nicolas Cage as Rob Feld in a restaurant in Pig

2025

27%

2

2024

96%

3

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

2023

33%

4

82%

5

2022

95%

6

63%

7

2018

8

2003

10%

9

2021

97%

10

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.

ThoughPigflew 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 ofPigon 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.

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 ifCage 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 thatPigis 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,Pigcertainly deserves its accolades.