In the ever-shifting landscape of streaming, where flashy new releases often dominate headlines, a quieter phenomenon is unfolding. While true-crime docuseries and romantic comedies grab attention for a few weeks before fading, certain titles have proven to have remarkable longevity. These are the movies and shows that appeal to a dedicated audience—often older viewers—who return to them again and again. Think of Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone, a constant presence on Paramount+'s charts, or Prime Video's Reacher, which reliably draws viewers even when bigger-budget productions stumble. Now, another film has joined this elite club, and it's led by none other than Chris Pine.
According to FlixPatrol, The Contractor has spent more than 100 days on the domestic iTunes chart and is currently among the most-watched movies on Paramount+. This is a remarkable feat for a film that grossed just $2 million at the box office when it was released in 2022. Directed by Tarik Saleh, known for his acclaimed Cairo Trilogy, the movie stars Pine as a struggling veteran who takes on a private surveillance gig for the Department of Defense. The supporting cast includes Gillian Jacobs and Ben Foster, the latter reuniting with Pine after their memorable pairing in Hell or High Water.
Critics were lukewarm on The Contractor at the time of its release, with a 45% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences have been far more receptive, giving it a 72% approval rating. The site's critics' consensus praised the cast for their "strong work" but dismissed the film as a "standard-issue action thriller." Yet, that hasn't stopped it from developing a devoted cult following over the past four years. Its success on streaming is a testament to the power of word-of-mouth and the appeal of a straightforward, well-executed action movie.
This resurgence is part of a broader trend of action thrillers finding new life on streaming platforms. For instance, Prime Video's Ride or Die has been hailed as the action thriller Reacher fans have been waiting for. Similarly, Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim has seen a surge in popularity on Prime Video and Apple TV. These films, often overlooked in theaters, are finding their audience in the comfort of home viewing.
For Pine, The Contractor's success is just one highlight in a busy career. The Star Trek actor is currently headlining the romantic comedy The Catch, which also stars Emma Stone and is directed by her husband, Dave McCary. The film is slated for a theatrical release in 2027. Meanwhile, fans of The Contractor can look forward to the fourth season of Reacher, which premieres this month on Prime Video. And for those who can't get enough of Pine and Foster's chemistry, Hell or High Water remains a must-watch.
The staying power of The Contractor on Paramount+ is a reminder that sometimes the most enduring hits are the ones that fly under the radar. While big-budget spectacles come and go, a solid action thriller with a charismatic lead can keep audiences coming back for more. As streaming platforms continue to battle for subscribers, these long-tail titles are becoming increasingly valuable. They may not generate headlines on release, but they keep viewers engaged month after month.
So, if you haven't yet checked out The Contractor, now might be the perfect time. It's a gripping, no-frills action movie that delivers exactly what it promises. And with its current surge on Paramount+, you'll be joining a growing legion of fans who have discovered this hidden gem. Whether you're a fan of Pine, Foster, or just a good old-fashioned thriller, The Contractor is worth your time.
As the streaming wars heat up, expect more films like The Contractor to find their second life on platforms like Paramount+. It's a win-win: viewers get quality entertainment, and platforms get reliable content that keeps subscribers happy. And for Pine, it's another feather in his cap as he continues to diversify his filmography. With The Catch on the horizon and The Contractor still drawing crowds, the actor shows no signs of slowing down.
