One of Johnny Depp’s best crime movies ever, Black Mass, has entered Netflix’s Top 10 chart in the US, confirming the continued popularity of the film. Directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Antlers), the biopic follows the true story of Whitey Bulger (Depp) and his Winter Hill Gang, a notorious organized crime group in Boston during the 1970s. Black Mass was a critical success, bringing more attention to the crimes comitted in Boston by the organization. It was also released onto Netflix in early September, offering the story to fresh eyes.
Now, Netflix has confirmed that Depp’s Black Mass has entered their Top 10 chart in the US for the week of September 9 through September 15, 2024. The movie came in at Number 8 on the chart, just under Lee Daniels’ supernatural horror movie The Deliverance, and just above The Super Mario Bros. Movie. While its placement on the list as recent originals to the platforms, like Number 1’s Rebel Ridge or Number 2’s Uglies, the film has still proven itself a gripping tale for subscribers.
What Black Mass’ Netflix Popularity Means For The Movie
Bulger’s Crimes Make For A Suspenseful Display Of History
The true crime thriller takes a disturbing look at the reach Bulger and the Winter Hill Gang had during their time operating in Boston. Throughout the movie, it’s depicted how the gang had complex ties to the FBI through Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), who tries using Bulger as an informant only for him to take advantage of the position to cover up his crimes. This story is coupled with engaging performances from Depp and Edgerton, alongside additional Black Mass characters like Billy Bulger (Benedict Cumberbatch), Lindsey Cyr (Dakota Johnson), and John Morris (David Harbour).
The film’s popularity is also reflective of its suspenseful display of a dark criminal organization, whose crimes were never all brought to light, even decades after the gang fell apart. However, by the end of Black Mass, the story of Bulger’s criminal activities has been told, offering a succinct, cinematic way of viewing this dark chapter of Massachusetts history. Because of how realistic the movie is, coupled with engaging performances from many familiar faces, it’s a perfect way to experience the gang’s history in a dramatic light.
Our Take On Black Mass’ Netflix Success
A Well-Deserved Revival For The 2015 Crime Thriller
Although the movie was never nominated for an Academy Award, including for Depp’s chilling performance as Bulger, the engaging story told in Black Mass makes its Netflix success unsurprising. The true crime nature of the film coupled with its dramatic tension and strong acting elevate the thriller to new heights in the history it depicts. With a promising start on the platform by making it into the Top 10 in the US, it wouldn’t be surprising if the film climbed higher in subsequent weeks.
Director Scott Cooper’s latest movie was the 2023 Netflix original The Pale Blue Eye, a mystery thriller starring Christian Bale.
Source: Netflix
