Kevin Costner may be best known for his iconic role as John Dutton on Yellowstone, but one of his more obscure films is suddenly back in the spotlight. The 2016 action thriller Criminal, which was largely dismissed by critics upon its initial release, has become an unexpected streaming phenomenon on the free platform Tubi, rocketing into the service's top ten most-watched titles for March 2026.
From Box Office Bomb to Streaming Gold
When Criminal hit theaters nearly a decade ago, it was met with a collective shrug from reviewers. The film, which also starred Ryan Reynolds, Gary Oldman, and Gal Gadot, currently holds a dismal 30% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus at the time suggested it offered little beyond the most basic thrills for undemanding genre fans. Despite its A-list cast and a high-concept premise, the movie quickly faded from public memory, becoming a footnote in Costner's storied career.
That story has taken a dramatic turn in 2026. The film's availability on Tubi has sparked a massive wave of viewership, proving that a movie's legacy is never truly set in stone. This resurgence highlights the unpredictable nature of the streaming era, where forgotten titles can find passionate new audiences years later.
What Is 'Criminal' About?
The film's plot is a sci-fi-infused action ride. Ryan Reynolds plays a CIA operative who is killed before he can deliver crucial intelligence. In a desperate attempt to retrieve the information, a rogue scientist (played by Tommy Lee Jones) implants the dead agent's memories into the brain of a dangerous death-row inmate, Jerico Stewart (Kevin Costner). The procedure transforms Jerico into a volatile hybrid of his own violent instincts and the CIA agent's skills and mission, sending him on a collision course with international conspirators.
While the execution may have divided audiences initially, the core idea of a criminal gaining a government agent's memories clearly holds a compelling allure for streaming viewers looking for a straightforward, high-stakes thriller.
The Streaming Rebirth Phenomenon
Criminal's success is part of a larger trend on free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platforms like Tubi. These services have become digital treasure troves where overlooked movies and hidden gems get a second life. The low barrier to entry—it's completely free—encourages viewers to take a chance on films they might have skipped in theaters or on premium services.
This isn't an isolated case. Just as Ewan McGregor's 'Son of a Gun' found fans on Tubi before its departure, Criminal is benefiting from the platform's algorithm and the casual browsing habits of millions. It joins a current top ten list on Tubi that includes a wild mix of genres, from the blockbuster disaster film Armageddon to the comedy That's My Boy and the Tyler Perry drama Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
Costner's Enduring Appeal
Kevin Costner's involvement is undoubtedly a key driver of this renewed interest. Fresh off the global success of Yellowstone and his recent executive producer role on the Prime Video epic The Gray House, audiences are keen to explore more of his filmography. Criminal showcases a grittier, more physically imposing side of the actor, a stark contrast to his patriarchal roles in westerns. For fans who have followed his career from The Untouchables to Field of Dreams, this streaming hit offers a chance to revisit a curious chapter.
His co-star Ryan Reynolds has also seen his star power skyrocket since 2016, thanks to the Deadpool franchise and numerous other hits. The combined draw of these two major stars in a single, readily available film is a potent recipe for streaming success.
What This Means for Forgotten Films
The revival of Criminal serves as a reminder that a film's initial reception isn't always its final verdict. In today's fragmented media landscape, a movie can live many lives. A theatrical disappointment can become a cable TV staple, a cult DVD favorite, and now, a streaming chart-topper years down the line.
While major new releases like 'One Piece' Season 2 on Netflix dominate headlines, stories like this highlight the equally fascinating undercurrent of catalog content finding its moment. It begs the question: which other critically maligned films from the past decade are waiting for their own Tubi-fueled renaissance?
For now, Kevin Costner's Criminal is enjoying a well-deserved victory lap. The film that couldn't catch a break in 2016 has finally found its jury—the streaming audience—and the verdict is a resounding hit. You can catch the unexpected comeback story for yourself, free of charge, on Tubi.
