Guy Ritchie has been on a roll lately, even when his movies don't set the box office on fire. Earlier this year, In The Grey with Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal had a modest theatrical run but exploded on streaming. It's clear that Ritchie's biggest fanbase is at home, where his projects consistently rack up impressive viewership. He's also been busy on TV, directing episodes of the Tom Hardy-led gangster drama MobLand and creating Young Sherlock, starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin as a 19-year-old Sherlock Holmes, which has become a fan favorite.
As Ritchie's filmography grows, fans are rediscovering some of his earlier gems, like the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies or the underrated Fountain of Youth. Among these is King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, starring Charlie Hunnam. Ritchie took the classic Arthurian legend and gave it his signature fast-paced, witty, and gritty action style. Originally planned as the start of a franchise, the movie didn't resonate with audiences when it hit theaters in 2017.
Hunnam plays Arthur as a reluctant hero—a street-smart guy who avoids his past and must overcome inner demons before leading a rebellion. Critics gave it a rough 31% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences were far kinder, scoring it 69%. That audience love is now paying off: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword has climbed into Netflix's top 10, currently sitting at number six, according to FlixPatrol, alongside titles like The Day After Tomorrow and The Mummy.
What's the Movie About?
The story follows Arthur, raised in the slums after his father's death and his birthright stolen. He grows up on the streets, learning to fight with a close-knit gang. When Excalibur reappears, Arthur pulls it from the stone and embraces his destiny, leading a rebellion against his tyrannical uncle, Vortigern. The film strips away the noble chivalry of the legend, replacing it with themes of street smarts and psychological survival.
This isn't the first time a Ritchie film has found new life on streaming. His style—quick cuts, sharp dialogue, and stylish action—translates perfectly to the small screen. And with the recent success of King Arthur's Netflix resurgence, it's clear that Ritchie's movies are built for binge-watching.
If you haven't seen it yet, now's the perfect time to check out King Arthur: Legend of the Sword on Netflix. And for more on what's trending, keep an eye on our other streaming success stories.
