Before Nicolas Cage dons the fedora for Spider-Noir on Prime Video, another of his superhero outings is reminding audiences why they love—and love to laugh at—his over-the-top style. The 2007 Marvel film Ghost Rider has suddenly reignited on streaming, proving that some flames never die out.
Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, who also helmed Daredevil and Elektra, Ghost Rider stars Cage as Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stuntman who unwittingly sells his soul to Mephisto (Peter Fonda) and becomes a fiery, skull-headed demon hunter. The film recently cracked the Sony Pictures Core Top 10 in the United States, landing at #10 just below Evil Dead. This resurgence comes as Sony prepares to expand its streaming library with more superhero content, including a rumored push for Ghost Rider in May 2026.
Despite earning over $228.7 million worldwide and spawning a sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, the film was never a critical darling. It holds a 28% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a 48% audience rating, with Letterboxd users giving it 2.5 stars. Yet, that hasn't stopped viewers from flocking to it. Many describe Ghost Rider as a guilty pleasure—a film that's undeniably cheesy but wildly entertaining, thanks largely to Cage's unhinged performance.
Cage's career has been a rollercoaster of superhero roles, from voicing Spider-Noir in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to cameoing as Superman in The Flash. He also appeared in Kick-Ass and voiced Dr. Bill Tenma in Astro Boy. But Ghost Rider remains a unique entry: a film that critics called "corny" and "cheesy," yet one that audiences can't stop watching. As one fan put it, "It's not good, but I love it."
The debate over Cage's casting still rages. Some argue he was perfectly suited for the role, bringing a manic energy that matched the character's supernatural chaos. Others feel he was miscast, but even they admit his performance is the film's saving grace. With Marvel Studios now firmly in control of the MCU, fans have long speculated whether Cage could reprise his role—or if a new actor will take up the chain. For now, the 2007 version is having its moment again.
If you're looking for more underrated thrillers, check out Why Jon Bernthal and Dwayne Johnson's 2013 Thriller 'Snitch' Deserves a Second Look or dive into 5 Psychological Thrillers from the 2010s That Are True Masterpieces. For those who prefer supernatural scares, Netflix's 'The Boroughs' Sci-Fi Thriller Sets May 21 Release might be your next binge.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, Ghost Rider is a wild ride that encapsulates everything we love about Nicolas Cage: unpredictable, fearless, and utterly committed. As Sony Pictures Core continues to build its catalog, this flaming skull is proving that even a so-called failure can become a streaming sensation.
