Independence Day (1996) heads to Netflix beginning February 1

Collider reports that Independence Day, Roland Emmerich's 1996 sci‑fi blockbuster, will be available on Netflix beginning February 1. Released July 3, 1996, the film follows a counter-attack staged by humans after an alien invasion and was presented from different points of view. Produced on a reported budget of $75 million, it grossed more than $800 million worldwide and helped cement Will Smith as his generation's biggest movie star; memorable elements include Bill Pullman's rousing speech and Randy Quaid's supporting character.

The film now sits at a 69% score on Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, "The plot is thin and so is character development, but as a thrilling, spectacle-filled summer movie, Independence Day delivers." Emmerich broke out earlier with Stargate, starring Kurt Russell, and his follow-ups included Godzilla, which grossed $380 million worldwide, The Day After Tomorrow, which made $550 million worldwide against a reported $125 million budget, and 2012, which made nearly $800 million globally against a reported $200 million budget.

The director has been reported to be on a 15-year flop streak since 2011 with films such as Anonymous, Stonewall, Midway and Moonfall; the franchise sequel Independence Day: Resurgence — which did not feature Smith — made $390 million worldwide against a reported $165 million budget.

Key Topics

Culture, Independence Day, Roland Emmerich, Netflix, Will Smith, Rotten Tomatoes