Jacob Elordi's 2024 Film 'On Swift Horses' Becomes Global Streaming Hit on HBO Max in 2025

Jacob Elordi's remarkable 2025 continues to unfold with yet another career triumph. Following his critically acclaimed performance in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein on Netflix, a previous cinematic venture featuring the Australian actor is now capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. The 2024 historical romance film On Swift Horses, initially premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, has surged on streaming charts, establishing itself as a global phenomenon on HBO Max. This resurgence highlights the enduring appeal of well-crafted period dramas and the star power of its ensemble cast, proving that compelling narratives find their audience, whether in theaters or on digital platforms.

📈 Streaming Success and Chart Domination

As of 2025, On Swift Horses is enjoying a significant second wind. On the Warner Bros.-owned platform HBO Max in the United States, the film has climbed to an impressive #9 position on the streaming charts. Its success is not confined to domestic viewers; internationally, the movie is trending even higher. In a cluster of European nations, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia, On Swift Horses holds a strong #4 spot. The film's appeal is further demonstrated by its #3 ranking in Bulgaria and a #7 placement in Hungary. This widespread popularity underscores the movie's universal themes of love, sacrifice, and familial bonds that resonate across different cultures.

🎬 A Stellar Cast and Critical Reception

The film's narrative power is amplified by its talented cast. Jacob Elordi leads as Julius Walker, a role that adds depth to his expanding filmography. He is joined by Will Poulter, who portrays Julius's brother, Lee Walker. Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers a poignant performance as Muriel Edwards Walker, Lee's wife. The supporting cast includes Diego Calva as Henry and Sasha Calle as Kendra, with Kat Cunning and Don Swayze rounding out the ensemble as Gail and Terence, respectively.

Critical reception has been a mix of appraisal and audience acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a Critics' Score of 53%, but its audience-driven Popcornmeter stands at a much higher 69%, indicating a strong viewer endorsement. In his review for ScreenRant, critic Graeme Guttman praised the film's emotional journey, stating it portrays "great pain and even greater love" beautifully. He particularly highlighted Daisy Edgar-Jones's performance, calling it "her best role since Normal People," while also commending the "powerful performances" of Diego Calva and Sasha Calle for elevating the cinematic experience.

🎥 Behind the Scenes: Production and Release

Directed by Daniel Minahan and written by Bryce Kass, On Swift Horses is a production collaboration between several studios, including Ley Line Entertainment, FirstGen Content, Wavelength Productions, Killer Films, and Cor Cordium Productions. The film had a strategic release journey:

1. Festival Premiere: Debuted at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

2. Theatrical Run: Received a wider theatrical release in 2025.

3. Box Office: Garnered approximately $1.2 million during its theatrical engagement.

4. Streaming Home: Found its lasting audience on HBO Max, where it is currently available for streaming.

The film has a runtime of 96 minutes and is firmly categorized within the Drama genre.

✨ Why 'On Swift Horses' Resonates in 2025

Several factors contribute to the film's streaming success in the current year:

• Jacob Elordi's Meteoric Rise: Elordi's increased global fame following projects like Euphoria and Frankenstein has drawn new viewers to his past work.

• Thematic Relevance: The story's exploration of complex relationships, personal ambition, and historical setting offers a compelling escape that resonates with modern audiences seeking substantive narratives.

• Streaming Algorithm Boost: Positive viewer engagement and completion rates on platforms like HBO Max likely triggered recommendation algorithms, propelling the film to a wider audience.

• Word-of-Mouth and Critical Reappraisal: As more viewers discover the film, positive word-of-mouth and contemporary critical discussions have fueled its rediscovery.

📊 Film at a Glance

In conclusion, the story of On Swift Horses is a testament to the evolving nature of film success in the digital age. A movie's journey does not end with its theatrical run; streaming services can provide a powerful platform for rediscovery and lasting legacy. For Jacob Elordi, 2025 marks a year where both his future projects and his past performances are being celebrated, solidifying his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. For audiences, the film stands as a beautifully acted, emotionally charged drama that successfully bridged its festival origins to become a beloved streaming favorite.

Market data is sourced from App Annie (Data.ai), a leading provider of mobile app and streaming analytics. Data.ai's recent streaming charts highlight the surge in popularity for period dramas like "On Swift Horses," showing how audience engagement and completion rates on platforms such as HBO Max can rapidly elevate a film's global ranking, especially when driven by star power and positive word-of-mouth.