Samuel L. Jackson's 2007 crime thriller Cleaner has surged to the #2 spot on Netflix's Top 10 charts, as the source reports, marking a dramatic streaming second life for a film that was initially dismissed by critics. Directed by Renny Harlin, the movie follows Tom Cutler, a former police officer turned crime scene cleaner who uncovers a corruption scandal involving a wealthy socialite's ex-husband. Co-starring Eva Mendes and Ed Harris, the film has found a new audience nearly two decades after its release.

Why a 2007 Thriller Is Netflix's #2 Movie Right Now

The sudden popularity of Cleaner highlights the power of streaming platforms to resurrect older titles. According to the source, the film climbed to the #2 spot on Netflix's Top 10 without any significant promotional push. This suggests that algorithmic recommendations and word-of-mouth are driving viewers to Jackson's quieter, more measured performance—a departure from his more explosive roles. The film's mystery, built around staged reveals,appears to be resonating with audiences looking for a tightly plotted, adult-skewing story.

The Cast That Drew Audiences Back: Jackson, Mendes, and Harris

Cleaner features an ensemble that the source calls “impressive,” with Jackson delivering a standout performance as a man who has seen both the best and worst of humanity while retaining his detective instincts. Eva Mendes and Ed Harris provide strong support, adding depth to the corruption plot. The resurgence underscores how familiar faces can attract viewers on streaming services, even for a film that flew under the radar during its original theatrical run. Jackson's range is on full display, reminding audiences why he remains one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.

From Critical Pans to Streaming Gold: A Second Act

Initially panned by critics, Cleaner has defied its original reception. The source notes that the film was “initially panned” but has proven to be a “well-crafted mystery.” This reversal is not uncommon in the streaming era, where box-office flops often find new life. The success raises questions about why Netflix viewers are gravitating toward this particular thriller now—whether it's due to a lack of new releases in the adult-drama category or the enduring appeal of Jackson's brand. The report does not provide viewership numbers, only the chart position.

What Cleaner Reveals About the Market for Adult Dramas

The film's streaming success, as the source puts it, is “a reminder that adult-skewing dramas can still work in today's market.” This is a significant observation in an era dominated by superhero blockbusters and franchise installments. Cleaner's rise suggests that there is a hungry audience for character-driven, mid-budget thrilers—a genre that has largely disappeared from theaters. The source frames this as a sign that such movies can still be popular, even if they were overlooked upon release.

Samuel L. jackson's Next Chapter in the Tulsa King Universe

The actor's next project, Frisco King, is a crime thriller spin-off from the Sylvester Stallone-led Tulsa King, with Taylor Sheridan writing and producing. Jackson will play a notorious hitman building his own criminal empire. As the source notes, Jackson's role in Cleaner proves his ability to captivate audiences whether as a lawman or a criminal.. This upcoming role aligns with the same genre that has given him a streaming revival , suggesting cross-platform synergy may boost interest in Cleaner even further.

Still open questions: Why did Cleaner pop on Netflix now? Was it pushed by an algorithm or a specific marketing campaign? The source does not specify. Additionally, the identity of the “wealthy socialite's ex-husband” central to the plot remains a fictional detail, but the reporting does not clarify if any real-world event sparked interest.