It was a commercial failure in theaters, but Kevin Costner’s Draft Day is making a huge comeback on Netflix! After a decade of being forgotten, this sports drama is taking the streaming charts by storm. Will it reach number one?

In 2014, Draft Day, directed by Ivan Reitman, was met with a lukewarm reception, both critically and commercially. Despite starring Kevin Costner as Cleveland Browns general manager Sonny Weaver Jr. during the pressure-filled NFL draft day, the film failed to make a significant impact at the box office, leaving many to believe it would be quickly forgotten. Fast forward a decade, and Draft Day is experiencing a stunning revival—not in theaters, but on Netflix.

This sports drama centers on Sonny Weaver Jr., a man juggling personal and professional crises, who must make one of the most crucial decisions of his career. As the draft approaches, the tension builds, but it’s his secret personal life and the tough decisions that give the film its emotional depth. While Draft Day wasn’t hailed as Reitman’s best work, it’s become somewhat of a cult favorite, especially among NFL fans.

The film’s original release didn’t draw large audiences, but in recent months, streaming viewers have rediscovered it on Netflix, catapulting it to the number nine spot on the platform’s most-watched films chart in the United States. This unexpected resurgence comes after its debut on Netflix on April 1, 2025. Given the film’s modest beginnings, this newfound success on Netflix feels like a massive turnaround, and it’s ignited a conversation about why this sports drama, of all films, has struck a chord with audiences.

Why has Draft Day suddenly resonated with viewers a decade after its theatrical release? Part of the appeal lies in its high-energy portrayal of the NFL draft process, with Costner’s portrayal of the conflicted general manager anchoring the film. The script, though filled with tension and drama, has proven to be engaging for those who enjoy the complexity of sports decisions and the human emotions behind them. Add in the dynamic performances from an all-star cast, including Jennifer Garner, Frank Langella, and Denis Leary, and it’s clear why the film has earned a second life on Netflix.

While Draft Day might have failed to capture the public’s attention when it first came out, it has certainly found a new fanbase in the streaming era. In fact, critics have noted how Reitman’s distinctive filming style and the film’s fast-paced dialogue have made it a unique viewing experience for modern audiences, especially those who appreciate sports-related dramas.

The true test, of course, will be whether Draft Day can continue its momentum on Netflix. Its rise in the rankings suggests that, yes, it might just be on the verge of becoming a streaming sensation. Could it reach number one on Netflix’s top films list? With more viewers discovering it every day, the future is looking bright for Costner’s overlooked sports drama.

Ultimately, Draft Day may not have had the theatrical success it deserved, but the streaming era has offered it a second chance. The film’s unexpected success on Netflix is a reminder that sometimes the movies we forget are just waiting for the right time and platform to be rediscovered.

Stay tuned to see where Draft Day ends up in the streaming charts in the coming weeks, and whether this surprise hit becomes the next big sports drama that everyone is talking about!

Catch Draft Day now on Netflix—will it make it to number one? You’ll have to watch to find out!