Ben Affleck’s Forgotten Sci-Fi Movie Is Now a Netflix Hit

Ben Affleck’s 2003 Science Fiction Movie Paycheck Is Trending On Netflix

In a surprising turn of events, Ben Affleck’s 2003 sci-fi film Paycheck has found new life on Netflix. Once a modest hit in its time, this thriller directed by the renowned John Woo is now capturing the attention of audiences two decades later, landing at #5 on Netflix’s global top ten. The film follows a reverse engineer, played by Affleck, who awakens to find himself on the run, his memories erased after each job. With its engaging premise and twists, Paycheck is worth a second look.

Revisiting Affleck’s Cinematic Journey

While 2003 was a tumultuous year for Affleck, featuring both the infamous Gigli and the lukewarm Daredevil, Paycheck emerged as a solid, if not outstanding, addition to his filmography. Made during a time when he was still rising in Hollywood, the film grossed $117 million globally—a stat that belies its mixed critical reception. Perhaps its resurgence on streaming platforms speaks to an audience hungry for the genre, and allows for newly minted fans to explore Affleck’s earlier work.

Interestingly, Affleck’s longtime friend and collaborator, Matt Damon, was originally offered the lead role but turned it down due to his recent experience with amnesia in The Bourne Identity. This paved the way for Affleck, who embraced the role and its complexities.

Certainly, Paycheck is an unusual entry in Affleck’s career, which has leaned heavily toward drama and thrillers. Its poor critical reception—standing at a mere 27% on Rotten Tomatoes—might have nudged Affleck away from the sci-fi genre thereafter. However, this film’s unexpected popularity now raises questions about its worthiness and audiences’ changing tastes.

As viewers rediscover the movie in 2025, it’s apparent that Paycheck has more to offer than just flashy action sequences. The film’s roots trace back to a short story by Philip K. Dick, whose work has consistently inspired solid adaptations across the cinematic landscape. If anything, it showcases Affleck’s range and the precarious nature of a Hollywood career that could swing from triumph to turbulence within a single year.

For those intrigued by paranoid sci-fi thrillers, Paycheck serves as a compelling watch. The film’s unique premise, along with its stylish direction from John Woo, provides a refreshing experience, even if it diverges from the more nuanced storytelling that Affleck has pursued in recent years. As the streaming landscape evolves, the revival of such films underscores the intriguing interplay between nostalgia and new audiences eager for discovery.

As we look forward to what Ben Affleck has in store with his latest cinematic venture, The Accountant 2, one can’t help but wonder if the resurgence of Paycheck might serve as a stepping stone for more sci-fi explorations in his future projects. The appeal of the genre remains strong, and who knows? Another foray into the unknown could yield surprising rewards.