Russell Crowe has been on a wild ride lately, diving into everything from exorcist flicks to road rage dramas. But one of his most intriguing recent projects—a twisty psychological thriller that flew under the radar—is about to vanish from streaming. Sleeping Dogs, a 2024 crime thriller that blends the mind-bending memory loss of Memento with the gritty suspense of Se7en, is leaving Paramount+ on May 1, 2026. If you haven't caught it yet, now's the time.
Directed by Adam Cooper, Sleeping Dogs stars Crowe as an amnesiac detective trying to piece together a murder case from his forgotten past. The film also features Karen Gillan and Marton Csokas in supporting roles. Based on a 2017 novel, the movie was shot in Australia and offers a moody, atmospheric ride that critics gave a lukewarm 43% on Rotten Tomatoes. But audiences were far kinder, awarding it an 80% score—proof that this is one of those hidden gems that resonates more with viewers than with reviewers.
Crowe's recent filmography has been a mixed bag, to say the least. He's starred in B-movies like The Exorcism and Poker Face (which he also directed, earning a dismal 9% on Rotten Tomatoes), as well as big-budget misfires like The Mummy (2017) and Kraven the Hunter (both at 15%). But Sleeping Dogs stands out as a genuinely engaging thriller that deserved a wider audience. It grossed only $2 million at the box office, making it one of Crowe's most overlooked films.
If you're a fan of forgotten crime thrillers that are flawless from first frame to last, Sleeping Dogs is a must-watch. The film's slow-burn mystery and Crowe's committed performance make it a compelling addition to the genre. For more recommendations, check out our list of forgotten crime thrillers that are flawless from first frame to last.
Crowe's next big project is the World War II-era legal drama Nuremberg, where he plays Nazi war criminal Hermann Göring. That film, made on a $10 million budget, grossed nearly $50 million and earned a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that Crowe can still draw a crowd when the material is right. But before you dive into that, make time for Sleeping Dogs—it's a twisty ride that deserves a second look.
Streaming platforms are constantly shuffling their libraries, and Paramount+ is no exception. Alongside Sleeping Dogs, other titles like Matt Damon's wildest sci-fi flop 'Downsizing' are also leaving in May 2026. So mark your calendars: Sleeping Dogs will be available until May 1. Don't let this forgotten thriller slip away.
