Matt Damon's acclaimed crime thriller, The Departed, has found a new wave of popularity on HBO Max, capturing significant viewership two decades after its theatrical debut. According to a recent report from ScreenRant, the film, which premiered on October 6, 2006, swiftly climbed to the 6th spot on HBO Max's Top 10 movies in the U.S. by October 7, 2026, following its addition to the streaming service on October 1.
This renewed interest is a testament to the film's enduring quality and the star power of its cast and director. Helmed by cinematic legend Martin Scorsese, The Departed boasts an incredible ensemble, featuring not only Matt Damon but also Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Vera Farmiga, and Ray Winstone. The film, a gritty remake of the 2002 Hong Kong crime classic Infernal Affairs, earned widespread critical acclaim upon its release, culminating in four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Scorsese.
The timing of The Departed's streaming success is particularly notable. Its ascent on the charts occurred precisely around its 20th anniversary, offering a unique celebration of its legacy. Furthermore, the film stands out on the HBO Max Top 10 list, which, as reported by FlixPatrol, is predominantly populated by horror titles in anticipation of Halloween. This suggests that even amidst a seasonal preference for scares, a compelling crime narrative with a stellar cast can cut through the noise.
For Matt Damon, this streaming triumph adds another highlight to what ScreenRant describes as an already phenomenal year. While his recent roles in major blockbusters like Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and the Netflix crime thriller The Rip (co-starring Ben Affleck) have kept him in the spotlight, The Departed's renewed popularity underscores the lasting impact of his earlier, critically praised work. The film's ability to captivate a new generation of streamers, or re-engage existing fans, solidifies its status as a modern classic in the crime thriller genre.