Man on Fire, one of Denzel Washington’s most talked-about movies, will soon be available to stream on Netflix. The 2004 thriller is slated to arrive on the platform in early 2026, bringing it to mainstream circulation. With its addition to a major streaming platform, the film is set to reach new audiences more than two decades after its original release.
Man on Fire begins streaming on Netflix in January 2026
Netflix has added another notable title to its upcoming slate, confirming that Man on Fire will begin streaming on the platform in January 2026. The acclaimed 2004 thriller, known for Denzel Washington’s gripping performance, will be available to subscribers starting January 1, as reported by What’s on Netflix.
Released in 2004, the film is directed by Tony Scott and written by Brian Helgeland. Washington leads the cast as John W. Creasy, a former CIA operative. The cast also includes Dakota Fanning as Lupita (Pita) Ramos, Radha Mitchell as Lisa Ramos, Christopher Walken as Paul Rayburn, and Marc Anthony as Samuel Ramos.
Man on Fire follows Creasy as he accepts a bodyguard position in Mexico City to protect young Lupita Ramos. Initially detached, he gradually forms a bond with her, rediscovering a sense of purpose. However, when Lupita is abducted by a group of skilled kidnappers, Creasy becomes determined to rescue her. He begins a desperate hunt that exposes a web of corruption and high-level criminal involvement.
Critically, the film received mixed reception and currently holds a 39 percent Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 166 reviews.
Richard Propes of The Independent Critic writes, “This is a merely average film that had much more potential. It’s ruined by director Tony Scott’s overambitious and way out of focus camerawork…This ‘Man on Fire’ should just go up in smoke.” However, he praised the cast for delivering strong performances.
Despite this, Man on Fire delivered a strong box office performance. According to Box Office Mojo, it earned a worldwide total of $130,834,852, including $77,911,774 from domestic theaters.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
