Russell Crowe's WWII Thriller 'Nuremberg' Remains a Late-Night Favorite

The acclaimed courtroom drama continues to dominate Netflix's streaming charts a year after its release.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of shattered glass and cracked leather textures in high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the harrowing psychological drama of the Nuremberg trials.The haunting textures of Nuremberg's psychological drama linger long after the credits roll.NYC Today

Russell Crowe's World War II courtroom drama Nuremberg, which features his acclaimed performance as Hermann Göring, has remained a hit on Netflix since premiering on the platform last month. The film, which earned strong reviews and box office success upon its initial release in late 2025, continues to be one of the most-watched titles on the streaming service.

Why it matters

Nuremberg's enduring popularity on Netflix highlights Crowe's continued drawing power as a leading man, as well as the public's ongoing fascination with stories set during World War II and the Nuremberg trials. The film's success also demonstrates the power of word-of-mouth and repeat viewings, as audiences discover and rediscover the movie's harrowing yet compelling exploration of the nature of evil.

The details

Directed by James Vanderbilt and adapted from the book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, Nuremberg follows a WWII psychiatrist who is tasked with evaluating the Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials. As the psychiatrist delves deeper into understanding the mindset of figures like Göring, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the nature of evil. Crowe's performance as the complex and unrepentant Göring has been widely praised as one of the highlights of the film.

  • Nuremberg premiered in theaters in late 2025 and generated Oscar buzz for Crowe's performance.
  • The film was released on Netflix last month and has remained one of the platform's most-watched titles.

The players

Russell Crowe

An acclaimed actor known for his roles in films like Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, and The Insider.

James Vanderbilt

The writer and director of Nuremberg, who has also worked on films like Zodiac and The Amazing Spider-Man.

Hermann Göring

A high-ranking Nazi official who was put on trial at Nuremberg and whose complex psychology is explored in the film.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Russell Crowe's performance as Göring is a masterclass in nuance and complexity. He captures the man's arrogance and lack of remorse in a way that is both chilling and captivating.”

— Peter Travers, Film Critic

“Nuremberg is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of evil that lingers with you long after watching.”

— Angie Han, Deputy Entertainment Editor

What’s next

Crowe is set to continue his busy 2026 with the release of his new MMA film Beast and the ongoing production of the Highlander reboot, which is expected to hit theaters sometime next year.

The takeaway

Nuremberg's enduring popularity on Netflix demonstrates the public's continued fascination with stories set during World War II and the Nuremberg trials, as well as Russell Crowe's ability to deliver complex, nuanced performances that captivate audiences.