Ryan Gosling's Comedy Hits Number One on Apple TV

Years after its theatrical release, a popular R-rated comedy starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe has climbed to the top of Apple TV's charts.

Published 7 November 2026

Streaming Triumph on Apple TV

A well-known R-rated comedy featuring Ryan Gosling has suddenly captured the top spot on the Apple TV U.S. movie chart, according to FlixPatrol data. This unexpected surge brings renewed attention to a feature that previously struggled to find mainstream financial success during its initial theatrical run.

The film climbed past several notable competitors on the platform, outranking established titles and newer releases alike to claim the number one position.

Plot and Character Dynamics

Directed by Shane Black, the narrative transports viewers to 1970s Los Angeles where two mismatched characters are forced into partnership. Ryan Gosling portrays Holland March, a down-on-his-luck private investigator, while Russell Crowe steps into the role of Jackson Healy, a hired enforcer.

The duo teams up to uncover the circumstances behind a missing young woman and investigate the suspicious death of a porn star. Additional performances include Angourie Rice as March's daughter Holly, alongside Margaret Qualley, Matt Bomer, Kim Basinger, and Yaya DaCosta.

Production and Creative Team

The 116-minute feature combines elements of action, mystery, and dark humor under Shane Black's direction. Black also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Anthony Bagarozzi, while Joel Silver handled production duties.

The project was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and backed by multiple production houses including Silver Pictures, Waypoint Entertainment, and RatPac-Dune Entertainment.

Critical Reception and Fan Response

Upon release, the movie earned strong marks from critics and audiences alike. Rotten Tomatoes records a 91% Tomatometer score derived from over 320 reviews, alongside a 79% Popcornmeter score from more than 50,000 audience ratings, while IMDb holds the project at a 7.4 out of 10 rating.

Viewers consistently praise the clever script and the vibrant chemistry between the two leads. Gosling in particular drew widespread acclaim for his comedic timing and expressive performance.

Box Office History

Despite its current streaming success and positive reviews, the feature faced an uphill battle at the box office when it premiered in theaters on May 20, 2016.

It accumulated roughly $71.2 million worldwide against an estimated production budget of $50 million, which included a domestic take of $36.2 million across the United States and Canada.

News Overview

Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe's R-rated comedy has unexpectedly claimed the number one spot on Apple TV's U.S. movie chart. Despite earning modest box office returns following its May 2016 theatrical debut, the film continues to find appreciation years later through streaming.

Key facts

  • Ryan Gosling stars as Holland March.
  • Russell Crowe stars as Jackson Healy.
  • The film was directed by Shane Black.
  • It was released in theaters on May 20, 2016.
  • The worldwide box office was about $71.2 million against a $50 million budget.
  • Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a 91% Tomatometer score.