Tom Hanks has built a career on beloved roles, from wartime heroes to everyman icons. But one of his most commercially successful films remains a divisive mystery thriller that sparked global debate. Now, two decades after its release, that film has found a new home on a free streaming platform, just as its 20th-anniversary year draws to a close.
The movie in question is The Da Vinci Code, based on Dan Brown's bestselling novel. Released in 2006, it was a massive box office hit, earning around $760 million worldwide against a reported budget of $130 million. Despite its financial success, the film received poor reviews and became a lightning rod for controversy, particularly over its portrayal of religious history.
At the time, audiences were still reeling from Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ (2004), which also divided viewers but grossed over $620 million. The Da Vinci Code faced similar backlash, with some viewers taking its fictional narrative as historical fact. Hanks, however, was taken aback by the reaction. In a 2022 interview with The New York Times, he dismissed the film's historical accuracy, comparing it to James Bond movies: "Those are delightful scavenger hunts that are about as accurate to history as the James Bond movies are to espionage… All we were doing is promising a diversion." He even called the plot "hooey."
The film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival was reportedly met with jeers, and its critical reception has remained poor. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 25% score, with the consensus stating that "what makes Dan Brown's novel a bestseller is evidently not present in this dull and bloated movie adaptation."
Despite the criticism, The Da Vinci Code launched a franchise, with sequels Angels & Demons (2009) and Inferno (2016), both starring Hanks. However, a reboot is now in the works without Hanks' involvement, signaling a new chapter for the property.
For now, fans can revisit the original for free. The film has been added to Pluto TV's library, joining other free thrillers like Tom Hardy's Locke and Harrison Ford's Witness. It's a chance to see Hanks in one of his most controversial roles, alongside a stellar cast including Jean Reno, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Paul Bettany, and Alfred Molina.
As the film celebrates its 20th anniversary, its availability on Pluto TV offers a convenient way to experience the thriller that divided audiences and sparked countless debates. Whether you're a fan of the book or just curious about the controversy, The Da Vinci Code is now just a click away.
Stay tuned for more updates on this and other streaming additions.
