Oscar-nominated actor Tom Cruise rarely misses within the action genre. But his Jack Reacher films are the big exception, particularly the sequel — at least until now, when it's become a massive streaming hit for the second time.
Via Collider, 2016's Jack Reacher: Never Go Back ranks in the Top 10 of Paramount+'s movie charts globally. The action movie is also climbing the charts in several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. It's not the first time Never Go Back has captivated online subscribers, as the thriller topped streaming charts in Summer 2024.
The follow-up to 2012's Jack Reacher and an adaptation of Lee Child's 2013 novel of the same name, Never Go Back saw Reacher spring into action after Major Susan Turner (played by Cobie Smulders) was arrested and charged with treason. Convinced that Turner was framed by foul play, Reacher went on the run to prove her innocence, uncovering the truth behind a major government conspiracy involving the killing of American soldiers. Never Go Back also featured appearances by Aldis Hodge, Patrick Heusinger and Danika Yarosh.
Critics praised Cruise for his performance as the lead character. However, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back was widely panned, receiving a 37% score from critics and a 42% score from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also didn't make a huge impression at the box office, grossing $162 million worldwide against its $60 million budget. And despite the solid marks Cruise received for his performances in the Jack Reacher movies, many believed the action legend was miscast as Reacher — he's shorter and less muscular than the character described in the books, making his Reacher less imposing or believable.
Prime Video's Reacher Has Continued the Jack Reacher Franchise
The Prime Video TV series Reacher got a warmer reception from fans after Alan Ritchson was cast as the title character. The action show garnered a 92% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes in its first season, followed by a 98% score for Season 2 and a 96% score for Season 3. Season 3 is still high on Prime Video's charts as fans await Reacher Season 4 — as well as an upcoming spinoff, Neagley, centered around Maria Sten's character Frances Neagley.
As for Tom Cruise, he's coming off the latest movie in his most famous action franchise, as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning continues its theatrical run. The Final Reckoning, which may or may not be the last Mission: Impossible movie, crossed the half-billion mark at the box office amid positive critical and fan feedback.
Fans can stream both of Cruise's Jack Reacher movies via Paramount+.
Source: Collider
