Rambo Rises Again: Why Last Blood Is Exploding on Netflix in 2025

Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo: Last Blood, the fifth and final installment in the legendary action franchise, is experiencing a surprising resurgence in 2025, especially after its addition to Netflix in February. While the film had a lukewarm reception at the box office following its September 2019 release, it is now thriving in the streaming space, attracting new viewers and reigniting interest among longtime fans. This article explores the factors contributing to the film’s success on streaming platforms, its audience reception, and how it fits into the broader context of Stallone’s career and legacy.

Background and Release Context

Rambo: Last Blood follows John Rambo (played by Stallone), the iconic war veteran, as he embarks on a violent rescue mission to save his adopted niece, who has been kidnapped by a Mexican cartel. The film’s premise aligns with the franchise’s well-known themes of vengeance and combat. Directed by Adrian Grünberg and co-written by Stallone, the film served as a culmination of Rambo’s story after nearly four decades since the first First Blood movie debuted in 1982.

However, despite the franchise’s history and Stallone’s star power, Rambo: Last Blood underperformed at the box office, grossing $91.5 million worldwide against an estimated break-even point of $160 million. Critics were particularly divided, with the film earning a low 26% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences had a more favorable view, with an 81% audience score. This divergence between critics and fans would play a significant role in the film’s renewed popularity on streaming platforms.

Streaming Resurgence and Accessibility

The most significant catalyst for the film’s resurgence has been its availability on Netflix, which added Rambo: Last Blood to its library on February 10, 2025. Within days, the film quickly charted on Netflix’s Top 10 in the United States, securing the No. 10 spot. By March 2025, it remained available for streaming across various Netflix subscription tiers, including both ad-supported and premium plans. The film’s presence on other platforms, including AMC+ Roku Premium Channel and Philo starting April 1, 2025, further increased its accessibility.

This broad distribution across multiple major platforms is crucial for its newfound popularity. With Netflix’s algorithmic recommendations and user discovery features, Rambo: Last Blood is being promoted to action movie enthusiasts and Stallone fans alike, reaching new audiences who may have missed it during its theatrical run. Streaming platforms are an ideal space for films with cult followings or niche appeal, and Last Blood is proving to be just that.

Audience Reception: Divided but Engaged

Despite its critical shortcomings, Rambo: Last Blood has found success thanks to its audience approval. The 81% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes indicates that many viewers enjoyed the film’s action-packed sequences and Stallone’s performance, particularly in his return to the Rambo character. The film’s themes of vengeance and justice, coupled with intense, visceral combat scenes, resonated with fans who had long been drawn to the franchise’s gritty narrative.

However, the film’s portrayal of Mexican stereotypes and its controversial themes—some critics called it a “Trumpian fantasy”—have sparked discussions and polarized opinions. While these critiques may have initially hurt its box office performance, the controversy may be contributing to its current resurgence, especially in the more expansive space of streaming. Films that generate debate tend to stay in the public conversation, and in the case of Rambo: Last Blood, this controversy likely played a role in keeping the film relevant even after its initial release.

Comparing Last Blood to Other Content on Streaming

In its current position on Netflix, Rambo: Last Blood is holding its own against a diverse array of both original and established titles. As of March 2025, it is ranked alongside Netflix originals like La Dolce Villa (No. 3) and Honeymoon Crasher (No. 8), as well as high-profile box office hits like Minions (No. 9) and Sing (No. 6). This indicates that the film is drawing in viewers who are interested in action and thriller genres, and its placement among both new releases and established films suggests effective recommendations from Netflix’s algorithm.

Moreover, its success on streaming highlights a significant trend: older films, especially those tied to iconic characters and franchises like Rambo, are finding new life when they’re accessible on streaming platforms. These platforms have created a space where legacy films can be rediscovered by new audiences, reigniting the passion of long-time fans while introducing fresh perspectives to older content.

Nostalgia and Stallone’s Legacy

A major factor in the resurgence of Rambo: Last Blood is likely tied to the enduring appeal of Stallone himself. With the actor’s ongoing projects, including the hit series Tulsa King, audiences are reconnecting with Stallone’s cinematic legacy. His role in Rambo is iconic, and as fans await the next season of Tulsa King, they may be drawn to revisit his other films, particularly the Rambo series, through the convenience of streaming.

The sense of nostalgia for Stallone’s action-hero roles, particularly his portrayal of John Rambo, adds another layer to the film’s appeal. For viewers who grew up with the original Rambo movies, Last Blood offers a final chapter in a beloved saga, making it an emotional journey worth revisiting on platforms like Netflix.

Looking Ahead: Future of the Franchise and Streaming’s Impact

Rambo: Last Blood’s streaming resurgence speaks to the power of accessibility and the changing landscape of how audiences engage with film. While the film initially struggled to meet box-office expectations, its placement on Netflix and subsequent rise in viewership illustrates how streaming platforms have become a crucial space for films that might not have garnered immediate success in theaters.

As we move further into 2025, it’s clear that the Rambo franchise, particularly Last Blood, has found a new life through streaming. Whether or not the film will continue to rise in popularity remains to be seen, but its current success is a testament to the ongoing relevance of Stallone’s action legacy and the lasting appeal of iconic characters like John Rambo.