Four years after its theatrical debut, Robert Eggers' visceral Viking saga The Northman is slashing its way up the streaming charts. The film, which stars Alexander Skarsgård as a vengeful Norse prince, has become one of the most-watched movies on Paramount+ globally, according to FlixPatrol. It's currently sitting at number three on the platform's worldwide chart, proving that audiences are still hungry for blood-soaked revenge tales.
When The Northman first hit theaters in 2022, it grossed $75 million worldwide against a reported $70 million budget—a modest return that might have signaled a quick fade into obscurity. But the film's fortunes changed dramatically once it arrived on home video. Director Robert Eggers told The Daily Beast that while he was disappointed by the short theatrical window before its PVOD release, he was thrilled that the movie had found a devoted audience. That audience has only grown, and now Paramount+ subscribers are discovering—or revisiting—the brutal epic.
Critics were largely on board from the start. The Northman holds a Certified Fresh 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising it as "a bloody revenge epic and breathtaking visual marvel" that sees Eggers expanding his scope without losing his signature style. The film also features an impressive supporting cast, including Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, and Claes Bang. For fans of dark fantasy and historical epics, it's essential viewing—and its streaming success suggests that word-of-mouth is still powerful.
Interestingly, The Northman is currently competing on Paramount+ with another film that underperformed theatrically but found new life on streaming: World War Z. That Brad Pitt zombie thriller, which grossed $540 million worldwide but had a bloated $270 million budget, is also enjoying a resurgence. The fact that these two films are neck-and-neck on the charts speaks to a broader trend: movies that don't quite break even in theaters can become streaming darlings years later. For The Northman, this second chance couldn't be more deserved.
The renewed interest in Viking culture—sparked in part by the Norwegian national team's surprising run during the recent FIFA World Cup—may also be drawing new viewers to the film. But even without that cultural tailwind, The Northman stands on its own as a ferocious, visually stunning piece of cinema. If you're a fan of dark fantasy, you might also enjoy our roundup of the best soulslike fantasy games, which share that same grim, punishing spirit.
Skarsgård's career has been full of interesting pivots, and his turn as the Viking prince Amleth is one of his most physically demanding roles. It's worth noting that another of his blockbuster efforts, his Tarzan adventure, has also found a new audience on Tubi. Clearly, the actor's back catalog is ripe for rediscovery.
For those who appreciate dark fantasy with a strong female lead, Anya Taylor-Joy's recent turn in Furiosa is another example of a bold, underappreciated genre film that deserves a second look. And if you're looking for more epic storytelling, our list of the most influential fantasy TV shows might just fill the void.
As The Northman continues to dominate Paramount+ charts, it's a reminder that great films often find their audience eventually. Whether you're a longtime Eggers fan or a newcomer drawn in by the buzz, now is the perfect time to stream this modern Viking classic. Stay tuned for more updates on streaming successes and hidden gems.
