Harrelson's Sports Film Dominates Netflix Charts

Woody Harrelson's sports comedy-drama "Champions" is experiencing a resurgence, having recently climbed into the top three movies on Netflix in the United States. The film, released on the streaming platform on October 28, achieved this popularity within just two days of its debut.

Directed by Bobby Farrelly, "Champions" follows Marcus, a former minor-league basketball coach who, as community service for a drunk-driving offense, is ordered to coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities. The cast also includes Kaitlin Olson, Ernie Hudson, and Cheech Marin.

This 2023 film is an English-language adaptation of Javier Fesser's 2018 Spanish movie of the same name. Principal photography for the adaptation occurred in November and December 2021 across locations in Manitoba, Canada, and Albany, New York.

Initially, "Champions" grossed $21.9 million worldwide during its theatrical release in early 2023. Despite mixed critical reception, with a 59 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film resonated strongly with audiences, earning an "A" CinemaScore. This demonstrates a significant disconnect between critical reviews and viewer enjoyment.