Those who experienced the cinematic release of The Passion of the Christ more than twenty years ago will recall it as a pivotal moment in film history. This movie sparked widespread debate and discussion, yet it achieved remarkable financial success, holding the title of the highest-grossing R-rated film until the recent releases of Deadpool & Wolverine. Its continued relevance is evident, as The Passion of the Christ recently secured a spot on Netflix’s weekly top 10 list. This resurgence in viewership may be attributed to the seasonal observances of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, which traditionally prompt a higher interest in faith-centered films in theaters.
The Passion of the Christ achieved the remarkable feat of ranking second in Netflix’s top 10 weekly listings for non-English films. It dominated the charts in ten different countries, amassing an impressive total of 8.5 million views in just one week. Furthermore, it was featured among the top 10 films in 46 countries globally, even claiming the number one spot worldwide during the Easter weekend. The leading title was the Dutch thriller iHostage, which garnered 15.1 million views. Meanwhile, the most popular English-language film that week was The Life List, which has consistently topped the charts for four consecutive weeks.
Directed by the controversial filmmaker Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ features Jim Caviezel in the role of Jesus Christ. The film is renowned for its stark and graphic portrayal of the crucifixion and the events that preceded it, which led to polarized opinions among critics. Currently, it holds a “rotten” 49% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, an aggregator website. However, its lasting appeal is evident in its audience rating, which stands at an impressive 85%. Renewed interest in the film is also sparked by news of a potential sequel. Both Caviezel and Gibson are set to reprise their roles in what is reportedly titled The Resurrection of the Christ, with production anticipated to start next year. In a recent conversation with Joe Rogan, Gibson described this sequel as an “acid trip.”
The Need for a Successful Comeback for Gibson and Caviezel
In recent years, filmmaker Mel Gibson has faced significant challenges in his career, experiencing a major fall from grace that has affected his public image. He has made attempts to stage comebacks, including a recent project as a director for the film Flight Risk. This film, which features Mark Wahlberg as the lead, managed to gross approximately $45 million worldwide against a budget of $25 million. Meanwhile, Jim Caviezel has also struggled to match the monumental success of The Passion of the Christ, which achieved over $620 million globally during its theatrical run. After transitioning to network television, Caviezel took on the role in the controversial film Sound of Freedom, which has been associated with Q-Anon narratives. Currently, viewers can enjoy The Passion of the Christ on Netflix, and fans are encouraged to stay updated with Collider for the latest news and developments regarding this iconic film.
