(Credit: Netflix)

Cracking the global Top 10 on Netflix is no easy task. Every week, the list gets dominated by flashy new releases, true-crime documentaries, and big-budget originals. Most titles come and go before you even hear about them. So when a film from the 1990s suddenly shows up on the global chart, you cannot help but take notice.

This week, sitting at number 10 on Netflix’s global movie list is a film that many viewers under 30 may not have even heard of. It is called The Quick and the Dead, and it came out in 1995. Yes, 1995. Nearly three decades ago. So, how did a vintage Western land among the streaming giant’s most-watched content?

Let’s start with the basics. The Quick and the Dead is a high-style Western directed by Sam Raimi. He is the same guy who later brought us the original Spider-Man trilogy. This film is nothing like the slow, gritty Westerns of the 1960s. It is full of fast zooms, dramatic showdowns, and camera angles that feel like they belong in a graphic novel. In short, it is fun to watch.

The cast is another reason the film is suddenly back in the spotlight. It features Sharon Stone, Russell Crowe, Gene Hackman, and a very young Leonardo DiCaprio. All four are in top form, even if the film was not a huge box-office success back then. Sharon Stone plays a mysterious gunslinger named Ellen who enters a quick-draw contest in a town ruled by a cruel outlaw, played by Hackman. DiCaprio and Crowe bring depth to roles that are now fascinating to watch, especially considering how famous they have become since.

But let’s be honest. A good cast is not always enough to make a film trend in 2025. So what else might be going on here?

For one, the Western genre is quietly gaining popularity again. In the past few years, shows like Yellowstone, 1883, and Godless have brought the cowboy aesthetic back into the mainstream. People are once again interested in wide-open landscapes, dusty duels, and stories about revenge and survival. The Quick and the Dead fits that craving but with a bit of a twist. It is campier, bolder, and more stylish than most traditional Westerns. In a sea of gritty realism, its over-the-top flair feels like a breath of fresh air.

There is also a strong nostalgia factor at play. Netflix users love rediscovering hidden gems. The algorithm does the rest once someone posts a clip or edit on TikTok or Twitter. You get a wave of curiosity, a few rewatches, and suddenly the film is trending. And with actors like DiCaprio and Crowe in the mix, it becomes an easy choice for viewers who want to see where these stars started.

Another reason might be that viewers are just a little tired of over-serious content. In between intense limited series and grim thrillers, something about a good old-fashioned shootout movie feels like a reset. The Quick and the Dead does not try to be profound. It just wants to entertain you. And sometimes, that is all you need.

It is also worth noting that Sharon Stone was not just the lead actress here. She also served as a producer on the film. In 1995, that was a bold move, especially in a genre dominated by men. Her performance is powerful, but her behind-the-scenes role is just as important. Watching it now, you can see how ahead of her time she really was.

And who knows? After watching it, you might just fall down a rabbit hole of other ’90s gems waiting to be rediscovered.