Michael Mann has a gift for making Los Angeles at night look absolutely mesmerizing. When you combine that with a top-tier cast led by Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx, you get a crime thriller that still crackles with tension two decades later. And now, for those who missed it the first time or just want to revisit a modern classic, Collateral is streaming for free on Pluto TV this June 2026.
The film follows Max (Jamie Foxx), a cab driver whose routine night takes a terrifying turn when he picks up Vincent (Tom Cruise), a contract killer who forces him to drive from target to target across the city. It's a simple premise executed with Mann's signature style—gritty digital cinematography, pulse-pounding sound design, and a performance from Cruise that's as cold as it is charismatic. This isn't the charming Ethan Hunt; Vincent is a stone-cold professional, and Cruise leans into the role with unsettling precision.
Beyond the two leads, the supporting cast is stacked. Jada Pinkett Smith plays a lawyer who becomes an early passenger, Mark Ruffalo is a detective on the killer's trail, and Jason Statham appears as Frank Martin, a hitman with a brief but memorable scene. Statham's role, though small, adds another layer of menace to the film's underworld. For fans of action thrillers, this is a must-watch.
Was 'Collateral' a Success?
Absolutely. Collateral was one of Mann's biggest commercial hits, especially considering it wasn't based on existing IP. It opened with $24.7 million domestically and went on to gross $101 million in the U.S. and $220.2 million worldwide against a $65 million budget. That's a healthy return, proving that original thrillers can still draw crowds.
Critics were equally impressed. The film holds an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for Mann's use of digital cameras, the immersive sound, and Cruise's against-type villain turn. Metacritic gives it a 71, indicating generally favorable reviews. It also earned two Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actor for Foxx and Best Film Editing. For those who enjoy other 2004 thrillers now on Pluto TV, Collateral is a perfect companion piece.
Why You Should Watch It Now
If you've never seen Collateral, this free streaming opportunity is the perfect time to dive in. The film's taut 120-minute runtime flies by, and Mann's direction keeps you on edge from start to finish. Cruise's performance is a standout—he's rarely played a character this ruthless, and it's a reminder of his range beyond blockbuster franchises. Meanwhile, Foxx delivers a grounded, everyman performance that earned him an Oscar nod.
For those who prefer addictive thriller shows, Collateral offers a compact, satisfying experience that feels like a mini-series condensed into one night. It's a masterclass in tension, with every scene ratcheting up the stakes until the explosive finale.
So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let Michael Mann take you on a ride through the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles. Collateral is streaming free on Pluto TV this month—don't let it pass you by.
