‘Night Hunter’ Claws Its Way Up Paramount+ Global Charts, Proving Henry Cavill’s Star Power Defies a 14% Rotten Tomatoes Score!

Hold onto your detective badges, thriller fans—Night Hunter, the 2019 action-packed psychological chiller starring Henry Cavill, is staging a jaw-dropping comeback, storming the global charts on Paramount+ like a serial killer on the loose! Despite a brutal 14% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, this underdog flick has skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on Paramount+’s movie chart worldwide, proving that Cavill’s grizzled charm and a stellar cast can outshine even the harshest critics. As of April 2025, the hunt is ON, and fans are eating it up!


From Box Office Flop to Streaming Sensation

When Night Hunter (originally titled Nomis) hit theaters in 2019, it barely made a dent, scraping together just over $1 million internationally against a modest budget. Directed by David Raymond, the film follows Detective Walter Marshall (Cavill), a weathered cop chasing a cunning serial killer (Ben Kingsley) in rural Minnesota. With a powerhouse ensemble including Alexandra Daddario, Stanley Tucci, Minka Kelly, and Nathan Fillion, it promised a Se7en-style thrill ride but stumbled with critics, who slammed its “contrived and cliched” plot and “incoherent” twists, earning a measly 14% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 35 reviews. Audiences were kinder, giving it a 50% Popcornmeter score, but the film vanished into obscurity—until now.

Fast forward to 2024, and Night Hunter has found new life on Paramount+, where it’s dominating charts across the globe. According to Collider and Flix Patrol, it’s been a Top 10 mainstay in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, often snagging the No. 1 spot. It’s also cracked the Top 3 on Voyo in the Czech Republic and is streaming on Netflix in the UK and Canada, while VOD platforms like Fandango at Home keep it alive in the US. As MovieWeb put it, “Henry Cavill fans still have a lot of love for the Superman star,” and this “long-forgotten” thriller’s resurgence proves it.


Why the Sudden Surge?

So, what’s fueling Night Hunter’s streaming renaissance? For starters, Henry Cavill’s star power is undeniable. Fresh off his Deadpool & Wolverine cameo as The Cavillrine and with buzz around his upcoming Voltron and Warhammer 40,000 projects, Cavill’s fanbase is hungrier than ever. His brooding, bearded Detective Marshall—complete with a grizzled poster image that’s practically a thirst trap—has drawn viewers in droves. Collider notes that “Cavill’s beautifully grizzled face” on the poster might be swaying curious streamers to hit play.

The all-star cast doesn’t hurt either. Ben Kingsley’s menacing turn as the killer, paired with Tucci’s gravitas, Daddario’s intensity, and Fillion’s fan-favorite charm, gives Night Hunter a stacked lineup that screams “watch me.” As Spoiler Bolavip highlights, “There is no shortage of talent in the movie,” and fans of these actors are clearly giving it a second chance. Add in Michael Barrett’s slick cinematography and a gritty, Se7en-inspired vibe, and it’s no wonder this low-budget thriller is resonating with streaming audiences who love a dark, twisty crime saga.


A Second Chance for a Misunderstood Thriller

Night Hunter’s streaming success is a classic case of a film finding its audience long after its theatrical fumble. Its 1-hour-38-minute runtime makes it an easy binge, perfect for late-night thriller cravings. The plot, while criticized for being convoluted, keeps you guessing with its cat-and-mouse game between Marshall and a killer orchestrating chaos from behind bars. 

The film’s hybrid release in 2019—VOD in the US and theatrical overseas—may have doomed its initial run, especially pre-pandemic when such models were less common. But streaming has flipped the script, giving Night Hunter a platform to shine. Collider calls it “a second chance at life” for a “smaller action thriller,” and with Paramount+ pushing it globally, it’s clear the platform’s bet on Cavill’s draw is paying off.


What’s Next for Night Hunter and Cavill?

As Night Hunter continues its global chart climb—holding the No. 4 spot on Paramount+ as of December 2024, per Collider—it’s outshining other heavyweights like Dear Santa and A Quiet Place: Day One. Its success underscores Cavill’s knack for streaming domination, even as his recent theatrical ventures (Argylle, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) have faltered. With Voltron filming and Warhammer 40,000 on the horizon, Cavill’s proving he’s a force in both blockbuster and niche projects.

For Night Hunter, the streaming surge could spark renewed interest in a potential sequel or similar gritty thrillers from director David Raymond, though he’s yet to helm another feature. For now, fans are just thrilled to see this overlooked gem get its due. As Spoiler Bolavip notes, “The movie explores themes of morality, justice, and the thin line between good and evil,” and that depth, paired with Cavill’s intensity, keeps viewers hooked.


Join the Hunt!

Night Hunter’s meteoric rise on Paramount+ is a testament to the enduring pull of a great cast and a twisty plot, even if critics turned up their noses. Whether you’re a Cavill diehard, a Kingsley stan, or just craving a dark, fast-paced thriller, this 98-minute rollercoaster is worth the stream. Catch it on Paramount+ globally, Netflix in select regions, or rent it for $3.99 on VOD platforms like Fandango at Home in the US. But brace yourself—this hunt will keep you on edge till the final frame.

Stream Night Hunter on Paramount+ and join the conversation on X. Is it Cavill’s best underrated role, or does the 14% score hold up? Drop your take and let’s get hunting