A Decade On, The Nice Guys Is a Streaming Favorite With No Sequel in Sight

Overview

• In May 2026, the film’s 10th anniversary coverage highlights a cult surge, with outlets noting it often charts high on Netflix when available and runs frequently on cable.
• The 2016 theatrical run earned about $71 million worldwide on a $50 million budget as it opened against franchise titles and the Angry Birds movie, which Ryan Gosling said "destroyed" its chances.
• Director Shane Black says a follow-up would be hard to sell because returning big stars would raise costs on a movie that underperformed, though he says he would make one if he could.
• The Nice Guys drew strong reviews, screened at Cannes, and is now widely cited as a standout buddy comedy that helped showcase Gosling’s physical and verbal comic skills alongside Russell Crowe.
• Reporters tie the film’s arc to industry shifts that favor franchise IP and push adult comedies to streaming, even as a few recent hits hint at a modest rebound for theatrical humor.