Directed by Doug Liman, known for his work with Cruise on Edge of Tomorrow, American Made is a high-octane thriller inspired by the true story of Barry Seal. Cruise portrays Seal, a real-life TWA pilot who found himself entangled in a complex web of espionage and drug trafficking in the 1980s. Recruited by the CIA for clandestine operations in Central America, Seal simultaneously leveraged his piloting skills to smuggle cocaine for Pablo Escobar's notorious Medellín cartel—a dangerous double life that forms the core of the film's narrative.

Upon its release in 2017, American Made garnered a modest reception at the box office. Produced on an estimated budget of $50 million, the film grossed approximately $135 million worldwide. While this performance was enough to cover its costs and turn a profit, it was far from the blockbuster numbers typically associated with a Tom Cruise vehicle. In territories like France, the film saw particularly low admissions, leading many to consider it an overlooked entry in Cruise's extensive filmography.

However, the landscape of film consumption has drastically shifted, offering films like American Made a second chance. Its recent availability on major streaming platforms has catalyzed a wave of renewed interest, pushing it into the top five most-watched programs on HBO Max and making it accessible to a broader global audience on Netflix. This streaming success highlights a growing trend where films that might have struggled in traditional theatrical releases find new life and appreciation from viewers at home.

Audience reception has been notably positive, with French film site Allociné reporting an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 from over 6,400 user ratings and more than 300 reviews. Viewers frequently praise the film's energetic pace and Cruise's compelling performance. One Allociné user, 'CH1218,' commended Liman's direction, stating it was 'visually in phase with the era evoked, interspersed with explanations and archival images,' and called it 'a most pleasant entertainment.' Another reviewer, 'Marc T.,' highlighted the film's engaging nature, remarking, 'We really don't have time to get bored!' adding that it 'brilliantly mixes action, comedy, adventure and even thriller.'

Beyond Cruise, the film features a strong supporting cast including Sarah Wright, Domhnall Gleeson, E. Roger Mitchell, Jesse Plemons, Caleb Landry Jones, and Lola Kirke, all contributing to the film's vibrant portrayal of a tumultuous period in history. The renewed attention for American Made serves as a testament to the power of streaming services in unearthing and celebrating films that might have been prematurely forgotten, giving them the widespread recognition they deserve years after their initial debut.