G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra has experienced an unexpected surge in viewership on streaming platforms, 17 years after its release. According to FlixPatrol data, the film ranked among the most-watched titles on Paramount+ this week. Directed by Stephen Sommers and featuring stars like Channing Tatum, Dennis Quaid, Marlon Wayans, Sienna Miller, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the film may have disappointed at the box office, but it seems to have found new life on digital platforms.

When the film premiered in 2009, it was commercially unsuccessful. Made with a budget of $175 million, it grossed $302 million worldwide and failed to reach the projected break-even point of $400 million. With a score of 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film was criticized by reviewers for its "absurd scripts, inconsistent visual effects, and mediocre acting performances." However, despite its failure, a sequel titled G.I. Joe: Retaliation was directed by Jon M. Chu in 2013 and grossed $375 million.

After Retaliation, the last live-action film in the G.I. Joe series, no new production was made for 15 years. However, the recent revival of popular franchises like Mortal Kombat, Masters of the Universe, and Street Fighter suggests that the G.I. Joe universe could also make a comeback. Notably, in the final scenes of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Michael Kelly's character teased the G.I. Joe organization, signaling a potential crossover between the two franchises and generating excitement among fans.

The resurgence of the G.I. Joe series on streaming demonstrates how classic action films can find a second life on digital platforms. Viewers continue to explore older films, perhaps driven by nostalgia or curiosity. This trend may lead Hollywood studios to re-evaluate the old content in their archives.

While Hasbro and Paramount's collaboration plans between G.I. Joe and Transformers remain uncertain, this unexpected success on streaming could pave the way for new projects. Stay tuned to Collider for more news.