Kevin Costner’s Forgotten Football Drama Scores Big on Netflix After 11 Years: How Draft Day Became a Streaming Sensation

Sometimes, movies have a second act — and it’s not always on the big screen. Imagine a film that barely made a ripple in theaters more than a decade ago suddenly dominating streaming charts today. That’s exactly what happened with Draft Day, a 2014 football drama starring Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner. Once overlooked, this movie has found new life as Netflix’s latest breakout hit, climbing into the U.S. top 10 and captivating viewers nationwide.

How did a film that earned just $29.8 million at the box office on a $25 million budget become one of Netflix’s most-watched titles in 2025? What makes Draft Day resonate now, when it was largely ignored before? Let’s dive into the surprising comeback story of this football drama, explore its key players, and consider why some movies are better appreciated years later — especially in the streaming era.

The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Draft Day

Back in 2014, Draft Day hit theaters with modest expectations. It told the story of Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner), the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, who faces immense pressure on the day of the NFL draft. The film blends the high-stakes world of sports management with personal drama, including a secret romance with Ali (Jennifer Garner), who is pregnant with Sonny’s child.

Despite a compelling premise and a cast of well-known actors, the film struggled to find its footing at the box office. Critics gave it mixed reviews, averaging around 60% on Rotten Tomatoes, with some praising the “air punch-inducing drama” but others calling out plot holes and clichés. The film’s director, Ivan Reitman — famous for classics like Ghostbusters and Kindergarten Cop — delivered his final feature before his passing in 2022.

At the time, the movie was seen as a middling sports drama, neither a hit nor a flop, but mostly forgotten amid bigger releases. Yet, fast forward to April 1, 2025, when Draft Day landed on Netflix, and everything changed. The film rocketed into the streaming service’s U.S. top 10, currently holding the No. 9 spot. For a movie over a decade old, this is a remarkable turnaround.

Why Draft Day? The Streaming Effect and Timeless Themes

What explains this resurgence? Part of it is the power of streaming platforms like Netflix to revive overlooked films. Unlike theatrical releases, which rely on opening weekend buzz and marketing blitzes, streaming allows viewers to discover hidden gems at their own pace. A slow season for new hits on Netflix — with titles like The Life List topping charts despite lukewarm reviews — creates space for older movies to shine.

But there’s more to it than just timing. Draft Day taps into universal themes that remain relevant: leadership under pressure, tough decision-making, and balancing professional ambition with personal life. Kevin Costner’s portrayal of Sonny Weaver Jr. brings emotional depth and grit to the role of a man navigating the cutthroat world of NFL trades while dealing with a complicated romance.

Sports fans, especially NFL enthusiasts, appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at front-office drama, a perspective rarely explored in film. The tension of draft day, the strategic maneuvering, and the stakes involved resonate with viewers who love the game beyond just the action on the field.

Kevin Costner’s Enduring Appeal

Costner’s star power undoubtedly plays a role in the film’s renewed popularity. Once one of Hollywood’s biggest box office draws, Costner’s career has seen its ups and downs. In the 1990s, he was a household name with hits like Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. But not all his projects found success.

He has openly reflected on some of his career disappointments, naming films like Dragonfly and Message in a Bottle as projects that didn’t meet expectations, despite promising scripts and collaborations with notable directors and co-stars. Still, his commitment to roles like Sonny Weaver Jr. demonstrates his passion for storytelling and sports-themed dramas.

Watching Costner dive deep into the role of a sports executive offers a different kind of cinematic experience — less about physicality and more about strategy, emotion, and leadership. This nuanced performance is part of why Draft Day has gained traction with a new generation of viewers.

Ivan Reitman’s Final Touch

Another layer to Draft Day’s story is the legacy of Ivan Reitman. Known for his comedic hits in the 1980s and 1990s, Reitman’s direction here is surprisingly sharp and dramatic. Critics at /Film ranked Draft Day sixth among Reitman’s films, praising its slick direction and well-crafted script.

Reitman’s ability to blend tension, humor, and heart helped elevate the film beyond a typical sports drama. His passing in 2022 adds a bittersweet note to the movie’s resurgence, reminding audiences of his diverse talents and contributions to cinema.

The Underdog Story: From Box Office Underperformer to Streaming Champion

The journey of Draft Day from a modest theatrical release to a streaming hit mirrors the underdog stories it portrays. Just like Sonny Weaver Jr. fighting to make the right choices against all odds, the film itself has defied expectations to find its audience years later.

This phenomenon is becoming more common as streaming services continue to reshape how we consume movies. Films that once struggled to attract attention can now build fanbases over time, through word of mouth, algorithmic recommendations, and the sheer convenience of watching from home.

For Draft Day, the timing couldn’t be better. With fewer new sports dramas dominating screens, and a public hungry for engaging, character-driven stories, the film’s mix of tension, romance, and football insight hits the sweet spot.

What This Means for Hollywood and Viewers

The success of Draft Day on Netflix highlights several broader trends in the entertainment industry:

Long Tail Viewing: Movies no longer have to succeed immediately to be profitable or beloved. Streaming platforms allow for a longer lifecycle, where films can gain popularity years after release.
Niche Appeal: Sports dramas, especially those focusing on management and strategy rather than just gameplay, can find dedicated audiences online.
Star Power Endures: Actors like Kevin Costner continue to draw viewers, even if their recent films were not box office blockbusters.
Legacy Directors: The work of filmmakers like Ivan Reitman can be rediscovered and appreciated anew, sometimes posthumously.

For viewers, this means more opportunities to explore a wider range of films that might have been missed initially. It also encourages a re-examination of movies that didn’t get their due in theaters.

Could Draft Day Reach No. 1 on Netflix?

Currently sitting at No. 9 in the U.S. top 10, Draft Day’s momentum suggests it could climb even higher. With the NFL season stirring up interest in football-related content, and the film’s feel-good vibes resonating during a slow release period for new hits, it’s not out of the question for it to reach the top spot.

While it may never be hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, its combination of sports drama, romance, and behind-the-scenes intrigue has given it a lasting appeal. Sometimes, it’s the movies that don’t try to be perfect that end up winning hearts.

Reflections from Kevin Costner on Career Highs and Lows

In interviews, Costner has been candid about the ups and downs of his career. He acknowledges that some films he believed in didn’t connect with audiences as expected. Titles like Dragonfly and Message in a Bottle were meant to be great stories but ended up “flattened into soft love stories,” as he put it.

Despite these setbacks, Costner’s resilience and willingness to take on diverse roles have kept him relevant. His recent work, including Draft Day, shows a mature actor capable of delivering nuanced performances that appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers.

Conclusion: The Unexpected Triumph of Draft Day

The story of Draft Day is a testament to the changing landscape of film consumption and the timeless appeal of good storytelling. A movie that once flew under the radar has now become a streaming sensation, proving that sometimes, all it takes is the right platform and the right moment for a film to find its audience.

Kevin Costner’s portrayal of a determined NFL general manager, Jennifer Garner’s heartfelt performance, and Ivan Reitman’s skilled direction combine to create a football drama that resonates beyond the gridiron. Whether you’re a sports fan or just in the mood for a compelling story about leadership and love, Draft Day is worth a watch.

As streaming continues to reshape Hollywood, expect more movies like Draft Day to get their second chance — and maybe even a few surprise victories along the way.

If you want to catch the film’s surge yourself, Draft Day is currently available on Netflix, ready to remind us all that sometimes, the real game happens off the field.