Ten years later, the cult of ‘The Nice Guys’ keeps growing 06.05.2026

Ten years after its initial release, the 2016 comic noir film "The Nice Guys," directed by Shane Black, has cultivated a significant cult following despite its modest box office performance. Released between major franchise films like "Captain America: Civil War" and "X-Men: Apocalypse," and facing competition from "The Angry Birds Movie," the film starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe as private investigators in 1970s Los Angeles was initially easy to overlook. However, its consistent availability on streaming services and cable reruns has allowed audiences to discover and appreciate its blend of humor, action, and character-driven storytelling. Director Shane Black, known for "Lethal Weapon" and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," sees this late appreciation as a mark of quality for films that resonate deeply with fans, even if they aren't commercial blockbusters.
















