Credit: Gage Skidmore

The weekly top 10 movies chart on Netflix has quite a few surprise players. However, the entry that has viewers equal parts dazed and curious is the post-apocalyptic Will Smith starrer, I Am Legend.

Although it’s not unlikely for old Hollywood gems to reclaim momentum with their streaming presence, in turn, resulting in their surprise rise and rekindled popularity on Netflix charts, the 2007 movie is one of the select few blasts from the past to have made the cut amidst the streamer’s latest lineup of originals trending.

During the week of May 11th to May 17th, I Am Legend amassed 2.8million views, ranking tenth on the most popular movies chart globally. The post-apocalyptic action thriller is currently one of the top 10 trending titles on Netflix in eight countries.

While we know the rise is not without reason, the sudden resurgence actually boils down to two primary factors: Netflix’s content licensing game and the long-awaited sequel hype.

Netflix recently licensed I Am Legend, highlighting the movie on the platform and making it rapidly accessible to a large audience. The movie then quickly cracked the streamer’s top 10 weekly movies chart, racking up millions of views in a matter of days, which is only possible when the algorithmic serendipity comes into play.

Now, coming to the ultimate reason behind the contemporary craze surrounding the late 2000s flick, it’s the confirmed sequel. I Am Legend 2 isn’t just a vague rumour anymore. If anything, it’s moving into acting development with the project officially locked in with director Steven Caple Jr., and Smith is set to return alongside Michael B Jordan.

Crucially, I Am Legend’s sequel will follow the original movie’s alternate ending, in which Smith’s character survives, thus prompting existing fans to rewatch and debate the film’s ending arc. While the widespread discussions surrounding the follow-up movie already pushed the original movie back into the public consciousness, now with the Netflix availability, netizens are fascinated by how I Am Legend 2 plans to completely retcon the original theatrical ending.

So, it’s only natural that they’re giving I Am Legend a go without a second thought whenever they see it on the Netflix feed.

And as is the case with every early and late 2000s movie, for many viewers, this is the ultimate palate of comfort and nostalgia tripping. As a result, when these buzzy titles hit a major streaming platform, the love they receive is organic. Hence, if you’re planning to warm up before the 2027 release, I Am Legend is currently streaming on Netflix. Make the most of it!