A decade-old Liam Neeson action film is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, climbing rapidly through the Netflix UK rankings and capturing viewers' attention despite being over ten years old.
Non-Stop, originally released in cinemas back in 2014, has stormed into the sixth most-watched film position among UK Netflix subscribers. The thriller currently sits behind the new animated release In Your Dreams and ahead of K-Pop Demon Hunters in the streaming platform's popularity rankings.
What Makes Non-Stop So Compelling?
The film features Neeson as world-weary US Air Marshal Bill Marks, who has long lost his passion for the job. Despite the life-or-death nature of his work, he views it as little different from a mundane desk job.
Everything changes during a routine flight to London when Marks receives terrifying text messages threatening that a passenger will die every 20 minutes unless $150 million is transferred to an offshore account. The premise creates relentless tension that has drawn comparisons to the classic action film Die Hard.
An Impressive Supporting Cast
Neeson leads an outstanding ensemble cast that includes multiple award-winning actors. Julianne Moore appears alongside him, joined by Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o.
The supporting roles are filled by House of Cards actor Corey Stoll and True Detective star Scoot McNairy, creating what many consider one of Neeson's strongest post-Taken action vehicles.
Critical Reappraisal and Fan Reactions
While initial reviews in 2014 were mixed, many critics have since revisited the film with greater appreciation. Screen Rant notably declared it "the star's best action thriller and potential replacement since Taken" and suggested it could have launched a franchise similar to Die Hard, though no sequels ever materialised.
Contemporary viewers on Netflix are equally enthusiastic. One fan commented: "An absolutely excellent film. The suspense and tension I felt literally had me sweating all over the first time I watched this. The final twist is beautifully-written."
Another viewer praised the film's pacing, saying: "Liam Neeson does it again. A great suspense thriller that keeps you guessing the whole movie. Action-packed, suspenseful, and fast-paced."
Several fans have even drawn direct comparisons to Bruce Willis's iconic role, with one stating: "As good as Die Hard. Excellent film with Liam Neeson. Thrilling, eventful and not over the top."
The film's unexpected streaming success demonstrates its enduring appeal and suggests that quality action storytelling transcends time, finding new audiences years after its theatrical debut.
Non-Stop is currently available to stream on Netflix in the United Kingdom.
