Tom Hanks’ 1998 war drama, “Saving Private Ryan,” has once again captured the attention of audiences, becoming a streaming sensation 26 years after its initial release. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, the film features Hanks as Captain Miller, who leads his squad on a perilous mission across Nazi-occupied France during World War II to save the last surviving brother of the Ryan family. The movie, celebrated as one of the finest war films ever made, boasts an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its enduring critical acclaim.
According to a recent streaming popularity chart from Reelgood, “Saving Private Ryan” ranked as the seventh most popular movie in the United States for the week of June 6 – 12. Available on Apple TV+, the film outperformed other notable titles such as “Oppenheimer,” “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” and “The Boys in the Boat.” However, it was edged out by movies like “Atlas,” “The First Omen,” and “Under Paris.”
Despite being over two decades old, “Saving Private Ryan” continues to resonate with viewers. The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning eleven Oscar nominations and winning five, including Best Director for Spielberg. Although it controversially lost the Best Picture award to “Shakespeare in Love,” its legacy remains untarnished. The film also achieved significant box office success, grossing $481.8 million worldwide.
Spielberg and Hanks’ collaboration on “Saving Private Ryan” set the stage for future projects that explored World War II narratives. The duo later produced acclaimed series such as “Band of Brothers,” “The Pacific,” and the more recent “Masters of the Air.”
One of the key factors contributing to the film’s lasting impact is its unflinching portrayal of World War II combat. The opening D-Day scene is particularly renowned for its brutal realism, often cited as one of the most accurate depictions of war ever filmed. The climactic battle scene is equally intense, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. The D-Day sequence was so powerful that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs established a hotline for veterans who experienced PTSD after watching the film.
“Saving Private Ryan” continues to be a powerful watch, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Spielberg and Hanks’ masterful storytelling. Its recent resurgence in streaming popularity is a testament to its timeless quality and the profound impact it has had on audiences over the years.
