Matt Damon is having a phenomenal 2026, with major roles in The Odyssey and the Netflix hit The Rip. But while those projects dominate headlines, one of his earliest and most underrated performances has just resurfaced for a new generation of viewers. The Rainmaker, a 1997 legal thriller based on John Grisham's novel, is now streaming on MGM+, giving subscribers a chance to revisit a classic courtroom drama.
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Rainmaker stars Damon as Rudy Baylor, a fresh-faced attorney who takes on a corrupt insurance company that denies a dying boy's coverage. The film also features standout performances from Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, and Mickey Rourke. It's a tense, character-driven story that echoes the moral complexity of A Few Good Men and the legal maneuvering of The Lincoln Lawyer.
A Forgotten Gem Finds a New Audience
When The Rainmaker hit theaters in 1997, it earned modest box office returns, grossing around $45 million against a $40 million budget. In today's dollars, that's a significant investment, and the film didn't exactly set the world on fire commercially. But critically, it was well-received, holding an 82% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a 78% audience score. Over time, it's become a cult favorite among legal thriller enthusiasts.
Now, with its arrival on MGM+, the film is poised to reach a wider audience. For those who missed it in theaters or on cable, this is a chance to see a young Damon in a role that showcases his dramatic range before he became a global superstar. It's also a reminder of the era when Grisham adaptations were a Hollywood staple.
Why 'The Rainmaker' Still Resonates
The story follows Rudy Baylor, a struggling lawyer who takes a job with a shady attorney (Rourke) and meets a paralegal named Deck Shifflet (DeVito). When a mother (Mary Kay Place) can't get her dying son's insurance claim approved, Rudy and Deck decide to fight the powerful corporation, going up against a ruthless lawyer played by Jon Voight. Meanwhile, Rudy gets involved with Kelly Riker (Claire Danes), an abused wife whose husband complicates matters.
It's a classic David-vs-Goliath narrative, but with a gritty, realistic edge that sets it apart from more polished legal dramas. The film's themes of corporate greed and personal integrity feel just as relevant today as they did nearly three decades ago.
More Grisham on the Way
If The Rainmaker leaves you wanting more, there's good news: a new TV adaptation of the novel is currently airing on USA Network, with Season 2 set to premiere next month. The show has already released its first official trailer, promising more of the same tense, character-driven storytelling.
For now, though, fans can dive into the original film on MGM+. And if you're in the mood for more underrated thrillers, check out our list of forgotten adventure gems to stream this weekend or explore hidden gems that deserve your attention. For those who enjoy a good courtroom battle, The Rainmaker is a must-watch.
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