Surprise Netflix Comeback for 2004 Box Office Flop: Why I Loved It

If you’re scrolling through Netflix and looking for something new to watch, you might be surprised to see a 2004 movie climbing the Top 10 charts. Nope, I’m not talking about Happy Gilmore, which is riding the wave of its sequel’s hype. I’m talking about After the Sunset—a title that didn’t ring any bells for me at first either. But one glance at the star-studded cast had me intrigued, prompting me to dive into this tropical heist flick.

Back in 2004, After the Sunset didn’t make a splash at the box office. With earnings just shy of $63 million against a $60 million budget, it definitely wasn’t a blockbuster hit. Critics weren’t too impressed either, giving it an 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The audience was a bit kinder, landing it a 52% rating. Not the most stellar numbers in the world of cinema.

But you know what? I decided to give it a shot anyway, and I’m so glad I did.

Here’s the lowdown: Max Burdett, a top-notch jewel thief played by Pierce Brosnan, has already nabbed two out of three Napoleon Diamonds. He decides to retire with his equally brilliant partner, Lola, played by Salma Hayek, to a dreamy tropical island. All seems calm until the third diamond pops up on a cruise ship docking at their island, along with FBI agent Stan Lloyd, played by Woody Harrelson, who’s set on keeping Max retired. Spoiler alert: things don’t go as planned.

Sure, the heist plot is a bit predictable, but the cast is a dream team. Brosnan, Hayek, Harrelson, Don Cheadle, Naomie Harris—and surprise cameos by Shaquille O’Neal and Jeff Garlin. Action, comedy, and a touch of tropical vacation vibes—it’s all there.

Is After the Sunset a hidden gem? Probably not. But is it better than the reviews make it out to be? In my view, absolutely. If you’re in the mood for something light, fun, and a little twisty, it’s definitely worth a watch—especially since it’s currently on Netflix for free.

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