The Latest Treasure from Russell Crowe Debuts on Netflix
Russell Crowe, the esteemed Oscar-winning actor known for his prolific output in Hollywood, has a new film that has just made its way to Netflix. Despite a typically busy schedule that sees him starring in multiple films annually, 2025 was a quieter year for Crowe with only one film release. Yet, this film, a World War II drama titled Nuremberg, stands out as it features Crowe in one of his most demanding roles to date, playing Hermann Göring, Adolf Hitler’s right-hand man. The plot centers around Douglas Kelley (played by Rami Malek), a U.S. Army psychiatrist tasked with assessing the mental states of Nazi leaders awaiting their monumental trial.
Although it experienced modest reception domestically, earning just $14.5 million at the box office, Nuremberg found substantial success internationally, accumulating a global total of $45.5 million. This international acclaim has turned the film into an unexpected gem, now accessible to American viewers on Netflix starting March 7.
The film was produced with a budget of approximately $7 to $10 million and saw significant box office success abroad, particularly in Europe, likely buoyed by Crowe’s star power, the historical significance of the subject matter in Europe, and strong word-of-mouth endorsements.
Initial Reception and Subsequent Acclaim
Prior to its U.S. release, Nuremberg premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) where it initially received mixed to unfavorable reviews, reflected in early Rotten Tomatoes scores in the 30s. However, perceptions of the film improved dramatically over time, with its rating later stabilizing at a fresh 72%.
Even more impressive has been the response from audiences, who have given the film an outstanding 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This rating not only surpasses all of Crowe’s previous films but also edges out other classics in his filmography such as L.A. Confidential and American Gangster. Critics have praised the film for its straightforward and engaging portrayal of the historic trial, highlighting Crowe’s compelling performance as Göring. Discussions about potential award nominations for Crowe were prevalent, although he was ultimately not shortlisted for the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. Rami Malek also received acclaim for his role, creating a dynamic on-screen confrontation with Crowe’s character.
The narrative of Nuremberg is adapted from Jack El-Hai’s 2013 novel The Nazi and the Psychiatrist. The film, written and directed by James Vanderbilt, features a strong supporting cast including Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Richard E. Grant, Michael Shannon, and Colin Hanks.
While Nuremberg is set for release in Germany in April 2026, it has already been available through digital home release platforms. Despite its lackluster U.S. box office performance, the film is gaining traction as a PVOD favorite, slowly revealing itself as a hidden gem among American audiences.
Opportunity for Broader Recognition
Thanks to positive word-of-mouth, Nuremberg now stands a chance to captivate a larger audience through one of the top streaming platforms, potentially completing its journey to redemption in the U.S. market.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
