A History of Violence Is Resurging on Streaming 21 Years Later - MCE Notices | California State Portal

An underrated film by legendary director David Cronenberg is picking up steam on the charts. Twenty-one years after it first hit theaters, A History of Violence is a streaming success.

A History of Violence is one of the most popular movies on HBO Max. According to FlixPatrol, the 2005 crime drama is the streaming platform’s No. 8 most-streamed movie in the United States. The film currently isn’t available on HBO Max in international territories, but is streaming on various local platforms.

A History of Violence Has a Secret DC Comics Connection

A History of Violence follows Viggo Mortensen’s Tom Stall, a diner owner who becomes a local hero when he defends his restaurant from a pair of marauding robbers. However, the newfound notoriety brings his violent past to light, as his family and neighbors discover the truth: that he was once the notorious mobster Joey Cusack.

Most audiences may not realize that David Cronenberg’s 2005 crime drama has a close connection to DC Comics. Although it does not feature high-flying superheroes or conniving villains with superb superpowers, A History of Violence is based on the graphic novel of the same name by John Wagner and Vince Locke, which was released by DC in 1997.

A History of Violence received largely positive reviews, including an 88% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. It also received two Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for William Hurt and Best Adapted Screenplay for John Olson. The film went on to earn just over $61 million at the worldwide box office against a $32 million budget.

Why Is a History of Violence Suddenly a Streaming Hit?

Image via New Line Cinema

It seems odd that A History of Violence is suddenly a streaming hit more than twenty years after it came out in theaters. However, there is a good reason for its sudden resurgence. The film landed on HBO Max on June 8, giving an entirely new subscriber base the chance to stream it. Their enthusiasm is clear, as the DC Comics adaptation rises on the charts.

A History of Violence‘s streaming success also comes on the heels of the recent return to glory of the DC brand. Under the supervision of new studio head James Gunn, DC is slowly beginning to repair its reputation after years of underwhelming projects. Films like Superman have helped bring audiences back to DC, including old hits like A History of Violence.

A History of Violence is available to stream on HBO Max.