When Barbie exploded onto screens in 2023, it wasn't just a box office phenomenon—it signaled to Hollywood that audiences were hungry for movies based on beloved toys. Now, Apple TV+ is riding that wave with Matchbox, a film adaptation of the iconic die-cast car brand that has been around since 1953. And despite a rocky critical reception, the movie is proving to be a streaming powerhouse.
Matchbox hit Apple TV+ on October 9 and immediately found an audience. While critics were less than kind—one review lamented that "the stellar cast deserves so much better than this"—viewers have flocked to the film. As of now, it has surpassed the 30-day mark on the Apple TV+ top ten in the U.S. and ranks as the most-watched movie on the platform worldwide. That's a significant milestone for a film that was initially seen as a gamble.
The movie stars John Cena in the lead role, alongside a talented ensemble including Sam Richardson, Jessica Biel, Arturo Castro, Teyonah Parris, and Danai Gurira. Directed by Sam Hargrave, known for his work on Extraction, and written by David Coggeshall, Matchbox delivers the high-octane action that fans of the toy line might expect. While it may not be in the running for any awards, it's clearly hitting the mark with streaming audiences.
This success is part of a broader trend of toy-based movies finding new life on streaming platforms. Following Barbie's massive cultural impact, studios have been eager to capitalize on nostalgia, and Matchbox is one of the first to reap the benefits. The film's performance on Apple TV+ suggests that even if critics aren't on board, audiences are more than willing to give these adaptations a chance.
Interestingly, Matchbox isn't the only film making waves on Apple TV+ right now. In the U.S., the top spot on the platform's movie chart belongs to a different kind of gem: The Nice Guys, starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe. The 2016 action-comedy, which was a box office disappointment upon release, has since become a cult classic. Its resurgence on streaming is a testament to its enduring appeal, and it's currently the most-watched movie on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
For fans of Matchbox and The Nice Guys, Apple TV+ is becoming a go-to destination for both new releases and beloved favorites. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our list of Apple TV+ rewatch gems that you'll never tire of. And if you're in the mood for something with a bit more edge, Crossing Jordan might be the darker, grittier replacement for Bones you've been searching for.
As Matchbox continues to dominate the charts, it's clear that Apple TV+ has found a winning formula with action-packed, star-studded films that appeal to a wide audience. Whether or not it will have the same lasting impact as Barbie remains to be seen, but for now, it's revving past expectations and proving that sometimes, the critics aren't always right.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for all the latest streaming news and updates. And if you're curious about other Apple TV+ offerings, don't miss our coverage of Steven Knight's sci-fi epic See climbing the charts, or Spielberg's Ready Player One finding new life on the platform.
