Scarlett Johansson’s 2014 sci-fi action film, Lucy, is now streaming on Netflix in the United States. The film, directed and written by Luc Besson, has returned to the platform as part of a larger content update on April 1st.

Box Office Success and Plot Summary

Lucy proved to be a significant box office success, grossing $469 million globally – more than 11 times its $40 million production budget. The film centers on Lucy, played by Johansson, who gains superhuman abilities after a drug containing a powerful chemical leaks into her bloodstream.

The Cast and Crew

Alongside Scarlett Johansson, Lucy features a strong supporting cast including Morgan Freeman, Choi Min-sik, Amr Waked, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Pilou Asbæk, Lio Tipton, and Nicolas Phongpheth. Luc Besson served as both the writer and director of the project.

Critical Reception and Controversy

Lucy received a mixed critical response, achieving a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics acknowledged the film’s energetic tone and Johansson’s performance, but noted its logical inconsistencies. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is currently 47%.

A common point of contention was the film’s premise, which relies on the debunked myth that humans only use 10% of their brain capacity. Christopher Orr of The Atlantic famously called it “the dumbest movie ever made about brain capacity.”

Besson's Intentions

Luc Besson clarified that his intention wasn’t to create a scientifically accurate portrayal of the brain. “I didn’t want to make a documentary about the brain,” Besson stated, adding that he aimed to create “an action film with a purpose” that explores scientific and ethical themes.

Streaming History

Lucy has demonstrated consistent popularity on streaming platforms. In 2024, it ranked eighth on Netflix’s Global Top 10 for the week of August 19–25. It later reached the No. 4 spot on Netflix’s top 10 films in the United States on April 10, 2025. The film also briefly appeared on HBO Max in January 2026, though it was not available for streaming in the US at that time.

Following a period of unavailability, Lucy is once again available on Netflix and is expected to continue attracting viewers.