Introduction to The Maze Runner
The 2014 dystopian blockbuster, The Maze Runner, has made its way to Netflix, officially joining the US catalog on October 9, 2025. Within just two to three days of its release, the film skyrocketed to #2 in Netflix’s US Top 10, marking the most significant resurgence since its theatrical debut.
The Film’s Success
All three films from The Maze Runner franchise were made available on Netflix on the same day, but the debut part is the only one to record a major entry into the charts. Directed by Wes Ball and starring Dylan O’Brien in the title role, the film’s dark, fast-paced, and surprisingly adult tone has helped it transcend the "teen" label. The apocalypse is reduced to claustrophobic precision, with a labyrinth, a protagonist erased from memory, and a primal need to escape. This minimalist intensity has aged gracefully, making it perfect algorithmic bait for Netflix’s recommendation engine.
Box Office Performance
The film has a Tomatometer rating of 66% from 172 critics and an audience rating of 68% from over 50,000 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. In 2014, The Maze Runner turned its $34 million budget into a global hit, grossing $348.3 million worldwide, including $102.4 million domestic and $245.9 million international. This is more than ten times the production cost, an extraordinary return even compared to pre-streaming blockbuster standards.
The Sequels’ Potential
The success of The Maze Runner on Netflix has laid a solid financial foundation for its sequels. The Scorch Trials, built on the global momentum of the original, grossed $312.3 million worldwide with a budget of $61 million. The Death Cure, the third part, followed with $288.2 million from a slightly higher expenditure of $62 million. Although diminishing returns were visible at the end of the trilogy, these numbers placed the franchise’s total box office revenue at over $948 million, making it one of the most successful dystopian sagas of its time.
Streaming Performance
With the first part at number 2 on the Netflix charts, historical trends suggest that streaming interest in the sequels could surge again in the coming days, especially considering all three films were available on Netflix on the same day. The Maze Runner trilogy is now streaming on Netflix, and its performance on the platform is a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise.
Details of The Maze Runner
The film was released on September 10, 2014, and has a duration of 113 minutes. It was directed by Wes Ball and written by James Dashner, TS Nowlin, Noah Oppenheim, and Grant Pierce Myers. The Maze Runner’s unique blend of action, suspense, and mystery has made it a favorite among audiences, and its availability on Netflix is sure to introduce it to a new generation of viewers.
