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"The 355" Flops in Theaters but Becomes Surprise Netflix Hit
24 Aug
Summary
- "The 355" struggled at the box office in 2022 but now ranks 6th on Netflix
- The film features a star-studded cast including Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz
- Director Simon Kinberg has an extensive career in Hollywood
In a surprising turn of events, the action thriller "The 355" has found unexpected success on Netflix after a rocky start in theaters. The film, directed by veteran filmmaker Simon Kinberg, originally premiered in 2022 to a lukewarm reception, earning a low 24% Rotten Tomatoes score and struggling at the box office.
However, as of August 23, 2025, "The 355" has climbed back into the spotlight, sitting at the 6th spot on Netflix's Top 10 movies in the United States. This resurgence comes as the film trails popular titles like "KPop Demon Hunters" and "Hobbs & Shaw," while holding steady above animated favorites such as "Despicable Me 2" and "Hotel Transylvania 3."
The film's plot centers around a criminal mastermind, Elijah Clarke, who obtains a powerful drive that can access any digital system. CIA agent Mace Brown, played by Jessica Chastain, teams up with a group of allies, including Penélope Cruz, Lupita Nyong'o, Diane Kruger, and Fan Bingbing, to track down the device and prevent global chaos.
Kinberg, who has an extensive career in Hollywood, has contributed as a writer and producer on several major franchises, including the X-Men series. His other notable credits include "Sherlock Holmes," "Elysium," and "The Martian," the latter of which earned him an Oscar nomination.
Despite its initial struggles, "The 355" has now found a new lease on life, captivating audiences on the streaming platform and solidifying its place as a surprise hit.
