It's a tale as old as Hollywood: a big-budget fantasy epic, a star who loathed making it, and a theatrical run that left everyone cringing. But in a twist worthy of its own script, The Great Wall—the 2016 Matt Damon vehicle that the actor himself called a 'turkey'—has found a second life on Prime Video. As of April 2026, the film is among the most-watched titles on the streaming service, a decade after its initial release.
Directed by legendary Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, The Great Wall was designed as a cross-cultural blockbuster, aiming to capitalize on China's booming box office. It starred Damon and Pedro Pascal as European mercenaries who join Chinese warriors to defend the Great Wall from mysterious alien creatures. Despite a reported budget of $150 million, the film grossed $334 million worldwide—a modest return that, combined with a 35% Rotten Tomatoes score, branded it a flop. Damon later admitted on Marc Maron's podcast that he knew during production the film was doomed, saying, 'I was like, this is exactly how disasters happen. It doesn't cohere. It doesn't work as a movie.'
Yet, in the streaming era, second chances are common. The Great Wall has surged on Prime Video, according to FlixPatrol, drawing viewers curious about the spectacle or nostalgic for its flawed ambition. This resurgence comes as audiences revisit fantasy films from the past decade that didn't get their due. The film's visual grandeur—Yimou's signature use of color and scale—and its unique blend of Chinese mythology with Western action have found a new audience willing to look past its narrative flaws.
Damon's candid criticism hasn't hurt the film's streaming appeal. In fact, his honesty may have piqued curiosity. The actor, who was coming off the massive success of The Martian in 2015, saw The Great Wall as a professional low point. 'I've got four more months. It's the up-at-dawn siege on Hamburger Hill. I am definitely going to die here, but I'm doing it,' he recalled. That raw admission has become part of the film's lore, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy seeing stars in their most challenging roles.
The streaming success of The Great Wall also reflects a broader trend: audiences are increasingly giving second chances to films that flopped theatrically. From hated shows finding redemption on streaming to cult classics born from box office bombs, the digital landscape rewards persistence. For The Great Wall, its Prime Video resurgence is a reminder that a film's legacy isn't written in its opening weekend.
As the 10-year anniversary approaches, the film's streaming numbers suggest that even a 'turkey' can become a feast for viewers. Whether you're a fan of Damon, Yimou's visual style, or just curious about one of Hollywood's most infamous productions, The Great Wall is now available to stream—and it's proving that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that rise from the ashes.
