Flop Robert De Niro Crime Thriller Is a Streaming Hit Now

A once-overlooked crime thriller led by Robert De Niro is quietly rewriting its legacy. After failing to leave a mark at the box office, the movie has surged in popularity on streaming, proving that audience interest doesn’t always align with theatrical results. The film’s renewed attention highlights how streaming platforms can offer a second chance to movies that struggled during their initial release.

The Alto Knights find major streaming success on HBO Max

Directed by Barry Levinson, the American biographical crime drama, The Alto Knights, struggled to find momentum in theaters despite its pedigree. Now, however, the film appears to be resonating with viewers who are discovering it for the first time at home. The renewed buzz suggests that Robert De Niro’s enduring star power still draws curiosity, especially when paired with classic mob storytelling.

After underperforming theatrically, The Alto Knights’ HBO Max debut has transformed the film into a global streaming hit. As of January 8, the movie ranks ninth on HBO Max’s worldwide Top 10 list, according to FlixPatrol. It currently sits ahead of River Wild and trails titles like Split, How to Train Your Dragon, and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, with One Battle After Another holding the top spot.

Beyond its global ranking, HBO Max’s performance of The Alto Knights is particularly strong across international markets. The film has entered the weekly Top 10 in 18 countries, largely across Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

The movie stars Robert De Niro in dual roles as infamous 1950s mob figures Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. The narrative centers on their bitter rivalry for dominance over New York City’s criminal underworld. Levinson directs from a screenplay by Nicholas Pileggi, whose past work on Goodfellas helped define the modern gangster genre.

Critics were unimpressed upon the release of the movie, awarding the film a 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes and labeling it overly familiar. The film currently holds a 71% audience score, with viewers praising its character-driven approach and nostalgic tone. While The Alto Knights earned just $9 million worldwide against a $45–50 million budget, its streaming success on HBO Max suggests a different story.

Source: Comingsoon.net