Why Sylvester Stallone’s Samaritan Is Dominating Tubi’s Streaming Charts – And You Need to Watch It

When Sylvester Stallone starred in Samaritan, a 2022 superhero drama, it didn’t exactly set the world on fire. Released on Amazon Prime Video, the movie landed with little fanfare, receiving lukewarm reviews from critics. Yet nearly three years later, Samaritan has found a second chance on the free streaming platform Tubi, where it has become an unexpected hit.

A Superhero Story with a Gritty Edge

Samaritan blends Stallone’s hallmark stoicism with a superhero tale that leans heavily on gritty, urban drama. Stallone plays Mr. Smith, a reclusive neighbor suspected by a 13-year-old boy (Javon “Wanna” Walton) of being the long-lost superhero Samaritan. Once a protector of the fictional Granite City, Samaritan was thought to have died in a battle with his twin brother and nemesis, Nemesis, two decades earlier. When rising crime threatens to throw the city into chaos, young Sam Cleary tries to pull Mr. Smith back into his old vigilante role.

Tubi Resurrects a Forgotten Film

Despite its unique premise, Samaritan received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics were divided on its tone, which tried to balance the grittiness of ‘80s action with the darker atmosphere of modern superhero films. Publications like The Sydney Morning Herald and News.Au noted the movie’s struggle to find its identity, and it ended up with a 38% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s uneven reception and low visibility on Amazon Prime seemed to doom it to obscurity.

But on Tubi, Samaritan has found a new audience. FlixPatrol, which tracks streaming performance, shows that the movie began climbing the service’s charts in late March 2025. It rose to the number eight spot, briefly dropped off, and then surged to number two by the end of the month. For days now, Samaritan has held strong at the second position, with signs that it may soon claim the top spot.

What Makes Samaritan Worth a Watch?

Though Samaritan didn’t wow critics, it does offer an intriguing mix of genres and a compelling performance from Stallone. The veteran actor is in familiar territory playing a reluctant hero past his prime, echoing themes he’s explored in Rocky Balboa and the Creed series. While the film’s tone is uneven, its blend of throwback action and superhero elements has resonated with viewers on Tubi, particularly those looking for something different from mainstream superhero fare.

For fans of Stallone’s grittier roles or viewers curious about a lesser-known entry in his filmography, Samaritan might be worth checking out. Its newfound success on Tubi is a testament to the platform’s ability to breathe new life into overlooked films, giving them a chance to find their audience long after their initial release.

As Samaritan continues its surprising run on Tubi, it’s a reminder that in today’s streaming landscape, even a film once dismissed by critics can rise from the ashes to become a cult hit.