Ridley Scott’s Napoleon Becomes a Global Streaming Hit on Apple TV Plus

Director Ridley Scott is known for large-scale films. His sci-fi films, including Blade Runner and the Alien franchise, remain staples within the genre alongside being some of his most recognized works. Scott also has a track record with historical epics such as the 2000 film Gladiator and its 2024 sequel, Gladiator II.

Not all epics see immediate success, and one particular project struggled until it reached streaming platforms in 2024.

The 2023 film Napoleon stands as a sprawling epic of pageantry. In theaters, it was largely considered a box office disappointment. It fared slightly better overseas, but in the United States and Canada it grossed merely $61.5 million. With a gross of $160.9 million in other territories, the film finished with a total worldwide gross of $222.4 million.

Napoleon seemed destined to fade away once its theatrical window closed. Streaming tends to connect new audiences with overlooked projects, however, giving the film a renewed outlook.

Much like Napoleon himself, the film is rising to power (in the charts)

After two years on Apple TV Plus, Napoleon has climbed the streaming charts to reach #4 on Apple TV’s Top Movies. Scott created a biopic that strikes a balance between fact and fabrication. Starring Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte, the film follows the emperor’s ruthless quest for power. While many viewers possess rudimentary knowledge about the rise and fall of Napoleon, Scott attempts to dig deeper into the subject.

Screenwriter David Scarpa researched the French emperor’s history, focusing on his volatile relationship with his wife Joséphine de Beauharnais, played by Vanessa Kirby. French critics and audiences criticized the film for historical inaccuracies. Reviewers also pointed to uneven pacing that made certain dramatic stretches feel disjointed from the heavy battle sequences.

Phoenix remains a central focus of the production. The actor captures the many sides of the historical figure, balancing megalomania and charisma to give the role considerable complexity.

Even with a substantial runtime, the theatrical release could not fit every detail of the emperor’s life into a single film. An extended director’s cut on Apple TV Plus runs for 205 minutes. This version explores the French Terror and expands the backstory of Joséphine.

Holding the #4 spot on the platform gives the film strong odds of continued viewership. While the project may not recover its theatrical losses, its chart performance demonstrates sustained audience interest.

Napoleon is streaming on Apple TV Plus.

Source: Polygon