In a surprising twist that has entertainment fans buzzing, one of the most notorious superhero movie flops of all time is enjoying a major resurgence on streaming. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, the 2009 action spectacle that cost $170 million and nearly derailed the entire Hasbro franchise, has climbed the charts on Paramount+ this May 2026, proving that even the most critically panned films can find a second life in the streaming era.
According to FlixPatrol, the movie has been among the most-watched titles on the global Paramount+ chart this week. This is a remarkable turnaround for a film that holds a dismal 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics called it a "cartoonish, over-the-top action fest" with "silly writing" and "inconsistent visual effects." Yet, 17 years after its release, audiences are flocking to it, perhaps driven by nostalgia or curiosity about the long-rumored crossover with the Transformers franchise.
A Franchise on the Brink
Unlike the Transformers series, which has grossed over $5 billion worldwide, the G.I. Joe film franchise has struggled to find its footing. The Rise of Cobra earned $302 million globally against a $175 million budget, falling well short of its estimated $400 million break-even point. The sequel, G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), fared slightly better with $375 million, but it remains the last live-action G.I. Joe movie to hit theaters. Directed by Jon M. Chu, that film brought back Channing Tatum in a contractually obligated cameo alongside Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis, but it wasn't enough to revive the franchise.
Now, with the success of reboots like Mortal Kombat, Masters of the Universe, and Street Fighter, a new G.I. Joe movie may not be a pipe dream. The post-credits scene of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts teased a crossover with the secret organization, featuring Michael Kelly's character inviting Anthony Ramos's protagonist to join the Joes. However, no firm updates have been given on that project's development.
Why the Streaming Surge?
So why is a 17-year-old flop suddenly a streaming hit? Part of the answer lies in the enduring appeal of its cast, which includes Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid, Marlon Wayans, Sienna Miller, Lee Byung-hun, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Another factor is the growing interest in the Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover, which has been rumored since the Michael Bay era. Fans are making do while they wait, revisiting the original film to see what all the fuss is about.
For those who missed it the first time, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is a bombastic, over-the-top action movie that embraces its toy origins. Directed by Stephen Sommers, it follows a team of elite soldiers as they battle the evil Cobra organization. While it's far from a critical darling, it offers a dose of nostalgic fun for viewers who grew up with the toys or the animated series.
If you're in the mood for more action-packed streaming picks, check out our Tom Cruise's Jack Reacher Action Thriller Surges on Paramount+ in May 2026 or explore 7 Near-Perfect Fantasy Movies of the Last 6 Years, Ranked for more cinematic thrills.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the story of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra serves as a reminder that even the biggest flops can find redemption in the streaming age. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on this and other franchise revivals.
