Nicolas Cage's Indie Hit "Pig" Finds New Life on Streaming

The 2021 drama, which was snubbed at the Oscars, is now one of the most-watched titles on Paramount+.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Nicolas Cage's 2021 indie drama "Pig" is experiencing a viewership surge on the Paramount+ streaming platform, five years after its theatrical release. The film, which marked the directorial debut of Michael Sarnoski, was overlooked at the Oscars despite Cage's acclaimed performance, but has since grown in stature and is now considered one of the greatest cult classics of the decade.

Why it matters

The success of "Pig" on streaming highlights the enduring appeal of Cage's acting talents and the ability of smaller, character-driven films to find an audience even after a lackluster theatrical run. It also showcases the growing importance of streaming platforms in reviving and preserving overlooked cinematic gems.

The details

"Pig" follows a grieving former chef, played by Cage, who goes on a quest to find his beloved truffle-hunting pig after it is stolen. The film was produced on a tiny $2 million budget and grossed less than $5 million in theaters, but has since earned a "Certified Fresh" 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It is now one of the most-watched titles on the global Paramount+ charts, trailing only major IP-driven films like "Mission: Impossible" and "The Naked Gun".

  • "Pig" was released in theaters in July 2021.
  • The film is now experiencing a viewership surge on Paramount+ in February 2026.

The players

Nicolas Cage

An acclaimed American actor known for his versatility and eclectic film choices, who delivered what he considers his best performance in "Pig".

Michael Sarnoski

The director of "Pig", which marked his feature film directorial debut. He has since gone on to work in franchise cinema and is set to release a new original film this summer.

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What’s next

Cage is set to star as John Madden in a biopic directed by David O. Russell, while Sarnoski is preparing to release his dark thriller film "The Death of Robin Hood" starring Hugh Jackman.

The takeaway

The success of "Pig" on streaming demonstrates the enduring appeal of character-driven dramas and the ability of smaller films to find new life and audiences on digital platforms, even after a disappointing theatrical run. It also highlights the continued critical acclaim and versatility of Nicolas Cage as a leading actor.