A Decade Later, 'The Nice Guys' Finds Its Audience

A decade after its release, Shane Black's "The Nice Guys" has cemented its status as a beloved cult comedy, a genre largely abandoned by Hollywood studios in recent years. While the film, starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as private eyes in a 1970s Los Angeles crime caper, didn't make a splash at the box office upon its debut, its enduring appeal is undeniable. "There’s a lot of interest in ‘The Nice Guys’ today that wasn’t there when it opened," Black recently observed, highlighting how audiences discover these gems on streaming or rental platforms.

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They’re just so angry

"The Nice Guys" is a prime example of a film that found its audience over time. Its frequent presence on cable reruns and streaming services, often ranking high on platforms like Netflix, has introduced it to new generations of viewers. As stars like Gosling gain further recognition, as seen in "Barbie," fans often circle back to his earlier work, with "The Nice Guys" frequently being the film they ask about.

Black, known for his blockbuster "Lethal Weapon" franchise, has a particular fondness for his less commercially successful films. "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," another cult favorite that helped revive Robert Downey Jr.'s career, preceded "The Nice Guys." Black's comment about being "the king of the midnight movie" encapsulates the unique charm of these films that thrive outside mainstream success. The film's initial release was overshadowed by major blockbusters and the changing cinematic landscape, which saw horror films gain prominence over comedies.

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There’s a lot of interest in ‘The Nice Guys’ today that wasn’t there when it opened. And the box office will attest to that. But people find these things. I think there’s kind of a joy of finding a movie on streaming or rental and then suddenly kind of realizing: How did I miss this? And ‘The Nice Guys’ was easy to miss.

Despite the shift in Hollywood's focus away from big-screen comedies, there are signs of a potential resurgence. Recent successes like "Project Hail Mary" and "The Devil Wears Prada 2" suggest a renewed interest in the genre. However, for the past decade, comedies have largely found a home on streaming services or have become niche cult hits. "The Nice Guys," with its blend of action, humor, and noir, stands as a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted comedy that, even if initially overlooked, can find its place in the hearts of audiences.

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There’s something to being the king of the midnight movie. It’s not the most lucrative thing in the world.