15 Years Later, Matt Damon's Sci-Fi Thriller Is a Surprise Hit For One of the Biggest Streamers

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Published Feb 13, 2026, 12:39 PM EST

Lade Omotade is a News and Feature Author at Collider with a passion for exploring the ever-evolving world of the Film & TV industry. Her work centers on covering the latest news, from casting announcements and franchise scoops to streaming updates and behind-the-scenes shifts that shape the way stories are told.

Omotade approaches storytelling with both professional insight and unapologetic fandom; digging into what makes a franchise successful, spotlighting rising voices in Hollywood, and asking the questions fans are already buzzing about. Her writing reflects that mix: part industry analysis, part fan excitement, and always grounded in a love for the craft of storytelling.

Although Matt Damon has starred in his fair share of successful sci-fi movies, ranging from massive blockbusters to cult favorites, there are still a few overlooked gems, some of which audiences are now discovering. Elysium is one such example, written and directed by Neill Blomkamp and widely regarded as one of Damon’s most underrated sci-fi projects. The 2013 masterpiece made a successful comeback last month thanks to streaming, and now another Damon favorite is attracting the attention it deserves, prompting an unexpected revival.

Released two years before Elysium, on March 4, 2011, this sci-fi pic was written, directed, and co-produced by George Nolfi in his directorial debut. It is loosely based on Philip K. Dick's 1954 novelette Adjustment Team and stars other big industry names besides Damon. Titled The Adjustment Bureau, it tells a heartfelt story about an ambitious young congressman who finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina, but mysterious forces are conspiring to prevent their love affair.

Streaming data confirms that The Adjustment Bureau is now trending globally on HBO Max, fifteen years after hitting theaters. The sci-fi romance is the eighth most-watched movie on the streamer, majorly attracting audiences in European territories. At the top of the list is the sci-fi horror sequel M3GAN 2.0, followed by Anna Kendrick’s serial killer drama Woman of the Hour, and rounding out the top ten are the sci-fi flop Land of the Lost, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Cillian Murphy’s space movie Sunshine.

'The Adjustment Bureau' Is Stacked With a Brilliant Cast

In The Adjustment Bureau, Damon portrays politician David Norris, who meets the beautiful ballerina named Elise Sellas, played by Emily Blunt. Anthony Mackie also stars as Harry Mitchell, the Bureau agent with a conscience, while other stars attached are Mad Men’s John Slattery, Michael Kelly, Terence Stamp, and even Pedro Pascal, albeit in a smaller role.

Critics approved of the movie, which holds a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus noting that "The Adjustment Bureau rises on the strong, believable chemistry of its stars." Additionally, it grossed over $127.8 million worldwide against a $62 million budget and was nominated for Best Science Fiction Film at the 38th Saturn Awards, while Blunt won Best Supporting Actress.

The Adjustment Bureau streams on HBO Max. Stay tuned to Collider for the latest updates.