Robert Downey Jr. stands out as one of the most acclaimed actors in contemporary cinema. His remarkable performances range from the charismatic and humorous portrayal of Tony Stark in the <em>Iron Man</em> series to his critically acclaimed role in Christopher Nolan‘s Oppenheimer, showcasing his talent for elevating any film he graces. Despite his impressive filmography, not all of his projects have resonated with audiences. A notable example is the 2010 film Due Date, which garnered a mere 52% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a dismal critical score of 39%. This film, which paired two comedic giants—Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis—left many viewers feeling unfulfilled and disappointed.

Fast forward nearly fifteen years, and it appears that the initial disappointment surrounding Due Date has somewhat dissipated. The film has regained popularity on the streaming platform Netflix, even breaking into the platform’s top 10 charts this week, as reported by FlixPatrol. Competing with popular titles like The Secret Life of Pets 2 and the latest action-packed release Carry-On, the allure of watching these two comedic actors alongside talents such as Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan, and Juliette Lewis in a lighthearted road trip comedy has proven irresistible for Netflix viewers. For those who have yet to experience the film, here’s a glimpse at its engaging synopsis:

“Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) is preparing to welcome his first child, with his wife due to give birth in just five days. He plans to catch a flight from Atlanta to be there for the momentous occasion. However, a chance encounter with the quirky aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) derails his plans. As Peter desperately tries to reach his wife before their baby arrives, he finds his sanity tested during a cross-country road trip filled with unexpected challenges and comedic mishaps with the dog-loving Ethan.”

Analyzing the Box Office Performance of ‘Due Date’

Released during a competitive year for films, Due Date had the challenge of standing out between Robert Downey Jr.’s celebrated roles in Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes. Despite receiving lukewarm reviews from critics and audiences alike, the film surprisingly managed to nearly quadruple its reported budget of $65 million. Overall, Due Date grossed an impressive $211 million globally, with $100 million generated from domestic audiences and $111 million from international markets. The film’s popularity allowed it to secure a place among the top 30 highest-grossing films in US theaters in 2010, even claiming the top spot at the domestic box office for several days. Coupled with $38 million in home market sales, Due Date ultimately racked up close to $250 million – marking it as a financial triumph despite its critical reception.

As of now, Due Date has officially made its way into Netflix’s top 10 list, making it easily accessible for viewers seeking a good laugh. You can stream this entertaining comedy on the platform right now and experience the antics of its comedic duo.

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Release Date

November 4, 2010

Runtime

95 minutes

Writers

Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland, Adam Sztykiel

Studio(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

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