Fri Oct 24 13:10:00 UTC 2025: Netflix Thriller ‘Don’t Say a Word’ Resurfaces, Climbs Streaming Charts
LOS ANGELES, CA – A thriller starring Brittany Murphy and Michael Douglas, initially released shortly after the 9/11 attacks, is experiencing a surprising resurgence on Netflix. “Don’t Say a Word,” directed by Gary Fleder, has climbed to #6 on the streaming platform’s Top 10 movies list in the U.S., demonstrating the staying power of older, acquired titles.
The film centers on a psychiatrist (Douglas) whose daughter (Murphy), a traumatized psychiatric patient, holds a secret coveted by ruthless kidnappers. Despite lukewarm reception upon its original release in 2001, with Rotten Tomatoes scores of 23% from critics and 49% from audiences, the film is finding a new audience on Netflix.
According to the Rotten Tomatoes’ critic consensus summary “Don’t Say A Word’ is slick and competently made, but the movie is routine and stretches believability with many eye rolling moments,”.
“It’s clear that what’s driving the Netflix performance right now is new audiences finding and making their own judgment about the movie,” said one reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes after the film’s Netflix debut. “Very well written and directed… Lots of suspense, mystery, drama, intrigue and twists. Amazing performances from (the) whole cast.”
The film’s unexpected popularity highlights a trend on Netflix, where older movies frequently compete with the platform’s original content for viewership. “Don’t Say a Word” currently sits just behind “KPop Demon Hunters” (#3) in popularity, proving that even movies over two decades old can find new life and connect with modern audiences.
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