This comedy-action movie just crashed Netflix's top 10 — here's why viewers are loving 'The Lost City'

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“The Lost City” could take the No.1 spot on Netflix

Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum in "The Lost City" movie poster (2022)
(Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

While recent hits like the festive rom-com “Meet Me Next Christmas” and the underwhelming thriller “Time Cut” have been holding their ground in Netflix’s top 10, a surprising contender has surged back into the spotlight: the 2022 action-adventure blockbuster “The Lost City”. It has quickly shot up the ranks since arriving on Netflix on November 9, now holding the No. 2 spot — and it’s well on its way to claiming the top position.

Starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, “The Lost City” delivers a wildly entertaining adventure that embraces well-known formulas of the genre in a creative, fun manner. Upon its release, this crowd-pleaser made waves, earning nearly $200 million worldwide. Despite competing with superhero epics and action franchises at the box office, “The Lost City” proved that audiences still crave lighthearted escapades infused with a good dose of comedy.

What is ‘The Lost City’ about?

“The Lost City” follows reclusive romance novelist Loretta Sage (Bullock), who writes about exotic adventures from the safety of her home. But when she’s kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) who believes she can lead him to an actual hidden treasure described in her latest book, Loretta finds herself in the middle of a real-life adventure.

Her only hope for escape comes from Alan (Tatum), the clueless yet well-meaning cover model for her books who is determined to prove he's more than just a pretty face. The unlikely duo is thrust into a jungle journey filled with danger and hilarious encounters as they try to survive — and maybe find the treasure. Along the way, Loretta and Alan's chemistry begins to spark, adding a romantic twist to this action-packed adventure.

Should you stream ‘The Lost City’ on Netflix?

Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum in "The Lost City" (2022)

(Image credit: Paramount Pictures/Netflix)

If you love a good action-adventure with plenty of comedy, then “The Lost City” is definitely a worthy choice, and clearly Netflix subscribers are loving it considering the movie jumped straight to the No.2 spot.

“The Lost City” has a solid rating of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes, and an even better audience score of 83%. Most of its popularity comes down to it being a “really enjoyable adventure romp” that can make you “laugh and feel good but not think too hard.” Sometimes, it’s better to watch an easy movie that features a star-studded cast in a fun, straightforward plot, and that’s exactly what “The Lost City” can offer viewers.

Majority of critics were also impressed. Liz Shannon Miller from Consequence said: “This isn't a perfect film, but hopefully those involved with making The Lost City believe in that message because they have nothing to be embarrassed about. This movie will make an awful lot of people happy.”

Meanwhile, NPR’s Linda Holmes stated: “As a broadly goofy comedy featuring two enormously charismatic leads who are perfectly suited to each other, it scratches a particular itch very, very effectively.”

Of course, it’s not the best comedy-action movie out there, but it has all the right ingredients for a good time. If you’re looking for something less serious with (sometimes) flat jokes and goofy humor, then “The Lost City” could be your next watch. Viewers may know where “The Lost City” is going at every turn due to its stereotypical romance/comedy tropes, but half the fun is getting there.

Already seen “The Lost City” on Netflix or decided it’s not what you fancy? Check out what’s new on Netflix this week or stream this underrated con artist thriller starring Margot Robbie.

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Alix Blackburn
Alix Blackburn
Senior Streaming Writer (UK)

Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote. 


Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry. 


She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.