In a classic tale of streaming redemption, a star-packed action movie that once landed with a thud is now finding its audience. Kevin Costner's 2016 thriller Criminal is currently one of the most-watched titles on Tubi, according to streaming data trackers, proving that some films just need a little time—and the right platform—to connect.
The film, which originally debuted to tepid reviews and modest box office returns, boasts a cast that reads like a Hollywood wish list. Alongside Costner, it features heavyweights Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Oldman, reuniting with Costner for the first time since 1991's JFK. The supporting roster is equally impressive, including Gal Gadot just weeks before her breakout as Wonder Woman, Ryan Reynolds fresh off Deadpool, and actors like Alice Eve and Antje Traue.
A High-Concept Plot That Didn't Quite Connect
So, what's Criminal about? The plot is a high-octane mash-up of familiar genres. Costner plays a dangerous convict who undergoes an experimental procedure to have the memories of a deceased CIA agent implanted in his brain. He's then thrust into the agent's mission, creating a scenario that blends the relentless pursuit of Taken with the body-swapping identity crisis of Face/Off.
Despite its intriguing premise and A-list firepower, the film failed to make a significant impact upon release. It grossed a lukewarm $38 million globally against a $31 million budget. Critics were largely unimpressed, with the film currently holding a 30% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus suggested it offered little beyond the basics for undiscriminating action fans.
Why Is It Finding Fans Now?
Streaming services like Tubi have become a digital sanctuary for films that missed their moment in theaters. For viewers scrolling for something entertaining without a hefty subscription fee, Criminal presents an irresistible package: big names, a straightforward action premise, and zero commitment. Its resurgence is part of a larger trend where overlooked titles find new popularity, much like Sandra Bullock & Channing Tatum's 'The Lost City' Finds New Life on Pluto TV.
The film's rediscovery also benefits from the massive career resurgence of its star. When Criminal was released, Kevin Costner's career was in a different place. Just two years later, he would headline the cultural phenomenon Yellowstone, a role that redefined his stardom for a new generation and cemented his status as a modern Western icon. Fans who discovered him through the hit series are now delving into his back catalog, leading them to titles like this one. For more on Costner's TV dominance, check out Yellowstone Reigns Supreme: Sheridan's Western Still Paramount+'s Top Draw in 2026.
Furthermore, the cast's subsequent fame adds a layer of curiosity. Watching Gal Gadot in a supporting role right before she became a global superhero, or seeing Ryan Reynolds in a brief part between his own franchise hits, gives the movie a unique time-capsule quality. It's a snapshot of a moment just before several careers skyrocketed.
A Second Chance on Streaming
The story of Criminal is a testament to the unpredictable lifecycle of movies in the digital age. A theatrical disappointment can be reborn as a streaming comfort watch years later. Its performance on Tubi this March shows that there's always an audience for straightforward, star-driven action. For a deeper look at this specific streaming success, you can read our related report, Kevin Costner's Panned Thriller 'Criminal' Becomes a Tubi Sensation in March 2026.
Directed by Ariel Vromen, Criminal is available to stream for free on Tubi. Its unexpected chart success serves as a reminder that in the vast library of streaming, every film has the potential for a second act.
