While Top Gun and The Transporter may be the go-to titles when thinking of Tom Cruise and Jason Statham, there’s another gripping thriller quietly climbing the streaming charts — Collateral (2004). Boasting an 86% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and an Oscar-nominated pedigree, this Michael Mann-directed film is experiencing a surprise resurgence, and rightfully so.
A Tense, Stylish Ride Through L.A. After Dark
Collateral is not your typical high-octane action film. It’s a moody, neo-noir thriller set over the course of one night in Los Angeles. Cruise plays Vincent — a silver-haired, ice-cold contract killer on a mission to eliminate five targets before sunrise. Jamie Foxx stars as Max, a mild-mannered cab driver who becomes Vincent’s reluctant chauffeur and hostage for the evening.
Jason Statham’s role is blink-and-you-miss-it, but pivotal — appearing in the film’s opening scene as a mysterious man who subtly sets the deadly night in motion by handing Vincent the briefcase that launches his mission. For fans of cross-universe Easter eggs, some have even speculated that Statham is reprising his Transporter role in disguise — though unofficial.
Critical Acclaim and Oscar Recognition
Despite being released over 20 years ago, Collateral holds up remarkably well — both technically and thematically. It was one of the first major studio films to shoot digitally, giving it a sleek, almost documentary feel that makes L.A. shimmer and menace in equal measure.
Jamie Foxx earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his role, and the film also received a nod for Best Film Editing. Critics praised Michael Mann’s direction, the atmospheric cinematography, and Cruise’s rare turn as a villain — a performance still cited as one of the most compelling of his career.
Why It’s Trending Again
With the current streaming boom and a renewed appreciation for early-2000s thrillers, Collateral is enjoying a second life. Its smart script, tight pacing, and performances make it a perfect pick for both new viewers and long-time fans. Streaming platforms have highlighted the film as a hidden gem, and word-of-mouth buzz is giving it new momentum.
As audiences grow weary of formulaic blockbusters, Collateral offers something refreshingly different — an atmospheric thriller that’s more about mood, character, and tension than nonstop explosions. It’s part of what makes the movie feel timeless, even two decades later.
Final Thoughts
Collateral may not be the loudest title on streaming right now, but it’s one of the smartest and most stylish. With Cruise at his most menacing, Foxx at his most vulnerable, and a surprise Statham appearance to sweeten the deal, this film is a must-watch for fans of elevated thrillers and nuanced performances.
If you missed it the first time or just want to revisit a classic, now’s the perfect moment to add Collateral to your queue — and find out why this hidden gem is sneaking back into the spotlight.
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