Liam Neeson’s $303M Sci-Fi Action Movie Returns as Streaming Hit

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A popular action star appeared in a major box office failure back in 2012. While it was a low point for the actor at the time, the film is now finding a new audience and gaining popularity on streaming services after 14 years.

Despite initially failing at the box office, the movie Battleship, based on the popular Hasbro board game, is now gaining traction on streaming. It’s currently ranked at No. 8 among the most-watched movies on Amazon Prime Video, according to FlixPatrol. The film is also performing well on demand in other countries, even reaching the top spot on the Apple TV Store in Thailand.

Battleship Flopped Hard Upon Release in 2012

When Battleship hit theaters in 2012, it grossed $303 million globally. However, with a production budget of around $220 million and significant marketing expenses, the film reportedly lost Universal and Hasbro approximately $150 million. Critics weren’t impressed either, giving it a 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and largely negative reviews. While critics panned it, audiences were more divided, with a 54% approval rating, as some enjoyed the film’s over-the-top action despite its unrealistic plot.

Peter Berg, known for directing Friday Night Lights, helmed the film adaptation of Battleship. Liam Neeson starred as Admiral Terrance Shane, who commands the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The movie also featured a large ensemble cast, including Taylor Kitsch (from The Terminal List), Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood), Rihanna (Smurfs), Brooklyn Decker (Grace and Frankie), Tadanobu Asano, Hamish Linklater (Legion), Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad), and Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody).

The Bizarre Story Channels the Rules of the Board Game

The movie follows Alex Hopper (Kitsch), a somewhat irresponsible young man who enlists in the Navy hoping to get his life on track. He becomes an officer on the USS John Paul Jones during a Pacific Ocean training exercise. However, the situation quickly changes when scientists attempt to contact alien life, resulting in hostile extraterrestrials trapping the naval fleet inside a massive energy dome over a section of the ocean.

Within the protective barrier, Alex and the other survivors fight against the aliens’ powerful technology. The combat mirrors the classic board game Battleship, with both sides using strategic planning and coordinates to find and attack each other at sea. The alien ships can transform and deploy incredibly destructive weapons, giving them a significant edge. This all leads to a climactic battle filled with spectacular visual effects.

Battleship is streaming on Prime Video.

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2026-05-22 21:05