Russell Crowe is having a moment. With two new films out—one in theaters, one on Netflix—the actor is back in the spotlight. But while his latest projects are generating buzz, fans are also revisiting his earlier work. One of his most beloved films, Cinderella Man, has just ended its run on Netflix, leaving subscribers with a limited window to watch it.
Directed by Ron Howard, Cinderella Man tells the true story of James J. Braddock, a boxer who rose from obscurity during the Great Depression to become a champion. The film, released in 2005, was a critical darling, earning an 80% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its gritty realism and Howard's direction, with many noting the powerful chemistry between Crowe and his co-star Paul Giamatti, who earned an Oscar nomination for his supporting role.
Despite its acclaim, Cinderella Man was a commercial disappointment, grossing just under $110 million worldwide against an $80 million budget. It received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Giamatti, but failed to capture the box office magic of Crowe's earlier hits.
Crowe's career in the late '90s and early 2000s was nothing short of spectacular. He starred in L.A. Confidential, which grossed $125 million and earned nine Oscar nods, and Gladiator, which won Best Picture and Best Actor, grossing over $460 million. He followed that with A Beautiful Mind, which brought him another Oscar nomination and grossed $315 million. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World added another $200 million and 10 Oscar nominations to his resume.
Now, with Cinderella Man leaving Netflix, fans can still rent or purchase it on PVOD. It's a chance to revisit a film that, while not a box office giant, remains a testament to Crowe's range and Howard's storytelling prowess.
If you're a fan of Crowe's work, you might also want to check out his epic 'Noah' on Paramount+ or Brad Pitt's 'Ad Astra' on Netflix. And for more underdog stories, Daniel Craig's 'Cowboys & Aliens' is also streaming this month.
As Crowe continues to evolve as an actor, Cinderella Man stands as a reminder of his peak years. It's a film that deserves a place in any movie lover's collection, and with its Netflix departure, now is the time to catch it before it's gone.
