'Masterpiece' action movie shoots up Netflix charts days after 'terrible' remake drops

The Netflix Top 10 UK chart has seen an unexpected title creep back in following the release of an unpopular remake.

The streamer is home to some iconic action movies by some of the world's most esteemed directors, including Steven Spielberg, who has just finished work on The Thursday Murder Club film. One film in particular has caught viewers' attention and is currently sitting at number eight in the platform's Top 10 movies list.

Initially released two decades ago, War of the Worlds starred Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning as a father and daughter who must fight for survival when extra-terrestrials invade Earth. The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews, with critics praising Spielberg's ability to capture the thrilling and suspenseful elements of H. G. Wells' 1898 novel.

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Letterboxd said on Reddit: "Here's my take: War of the Worlds(2005) is the most underrated masterpiece of 21st century."

The original film is climbing the Netflix rankings following the release of a Prime Video remake starring rapper and actor Ice Cube.

Ice Cube plays Will Radford, a Department of Homeland Security official who monitors an array of feeds for terrorist threats.

However, he realises he is too late when meteor strikes occur worldwide and alien tripods emerge, destroying everything in their path.

The film, which was first announced at the start of the Covid pandemic, was quietly released in July 2025 and only has a 3% positive review rating on the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes.

Andy Meek of Boy Genius Report went as far as to name the film the "worst film of the year".

Matt 73132 took to Reddit to share: "The new War of the Worlds movie with Ice Cube is so awful I couldn't even finish it."

He added: "Casting Ice Cube for War of the World's was a terrible idea. He doesn't fit the role. I knew it was gonna be bad when I saw that."

However, some fans thoroughly enjoyed it with Muchtox1cboss sharing on Google Reviews: "Where do I even begin? The 2025 War of the Worlds is nothing short of a cinematic spectacle.

"From its opening moments, director Rich Lee crafts a tense, visually striking reimagining of H.G. Wells’ classic, blending gripping performances with a modern, screen-driven narrative.

"Ice Cube delivers a commanding presence, while Eva Longoria and the supporting cast bring heart and humanity to a world on the brink."

War of the Worlds is available to watch on Netflix, the 2025 film is on Prime Video