Mark Wahlberg has had a rough patch at the box office lately, but one of his recent gems is finally getting the love it deserves. Arthur the King, the heartwarming adventure based on a true story, has quietly become a massive hit on Netflix, landing in the top 10 most-streamed movies in the U.S. this August. It's a welcome bright spot for the actor, whose last few projects have struggled to connect with audiences.
The film, which hit theaters in 2024, tells the incredible story of Mikael Lindnord, an extreme athlete who adopts a stray dog during a grueling race through the jungle. Wahlberg plays Michael Light, a character inspired by Lindnord, and he's joined by a talented cast including Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance, and even survival expert Bear Grylls, who plays himself. The movie earned strong reviews, with many critics praising Wahlberg's performance as one of his best in years.
Despite its critical acclaim, Arthur the King didn't exactly set the box office on fire, pulling in just $32 million worldwide against a $19 million budget. But now, thanks to its streaming debut on Netflix, the film is finding a whole new audience. It's a classic case of a movie that might have been overlooked in theaters but is now being discovered by millions of subscribers at home.
Wahlberg's recent filmography has been a mixed bag, to say the least. From the action thriller Flight Risk to the Prime Video heist flick Play Dirty and the poorly received soccer comedy Balls Up, many of his projects have faced harsh criticism. But Arthur the King stands out as a shining exception, proving that when he gets the right material, he can still deliver a compelling and emotionally resonant performance.
For those who haven't seen it yet, Arthur the King is a feel-good story about the bond between a man and his dog, set against the backdrop of an intense adventure race. It's the kind of movie that reminds you why we love stories about unlikely friendships and the lengths we'll go to for the ones we care about.
If you're in the mood for something uplifting, this is definitely worth a watch. And if you're a fan of Wahlberg's more serious work, you might also want to check out his underrated thriller The Gambler, which has been gaining traction on Paramount+.
As for what's next for Wahlberg, he's got a busy slate ahead. He's set to star in the crime thriller By Any Means alongside Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Giancarlo Esposito, and he'll also appear in The Big Fix with Riz Ahmed. There's also a sports comedy called Weekend Warriors in the works. With Arthur the King proving to be a streaming hit, maybe Wahlberg is turning a corner.
In the meantime, if you're looking for more intense viewing options, check out our list of the most intense movies since 2020. And for a look at what else is coming to Netflix, don't miss our fall 2026 lineup preview.
