In a world craving escapism, The Lost City—the 2022 rom-com adventure starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum—has found a second life, captivating audiences on Paramount+ where it’s climbed to the #2 spot, surpassing heavyweights like Top Gun: Maverick and World War Z. After grossing nearly $200 million at the global box office, this delightful blend of romance, comedy, and action continues to win hearts in September 2025, proving its staying power as a feel-good blockbuster. Directed by Aaron and Adam Nee, the film follows Bullock’s reclusive romance novelist, Loretta Sage, who’s thrust into a real-life treasure hunt alongside her dim-witted but charming cover model, Alan (Tatum). With a scene-stealing cameo by Brad Pitt, a deliciously unhinged villain in Daniel Radcliffe, and an 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Lost City is the perfect mix of laughs, thrills, and heart—now just a click away for streaming fans. This article dives into the film’s irresistible appeal, its surprising resurgence, and why it’s a must-watch for anyone seeking a cinematic getaway.

A Star-Studded Adventure Born in the Pandemic

Released on March 25, 2022, The Lost City arrived at a pivotal moment. Cinemas were rebounding from COVID-19 closures, and audiences were hungry for lighthearted fare. Produced by Bullock’s Fortis Films and Tatum’s Free Association, the film was a gamble—a $74 million budget for an original rom-com adventure in an era dominated by superhero franchises. Yet, it paid off, earning $192.9 million globally, including $105 million domestically, making it one of 2022’s top comedies.

The story’s origins are as charming as its execution. Bullock, inspired by classic adventure rom-coms like Romancing the Stone (1984), pitched the concept to Paramount, envisioning a modern take with her as the reluctant heroine. Tatum, fresh off Magic Mike success, was cast as the lovable himbo, while the Nee brothers, known for their indie gem Band of Robbers (2015), brought a playful, kinetic energy to the direction. The script, polished by Dana Fox and Oren Uziel, leaned into self-aware humor, poking fun at romance novel tropes while delivering genuine stakes.

Filming in the Dominican Republic during the pandemic posed challenges—strict protocols, tropical storms, and a tight schedule—but the cast’s chemistry shone through. “We were all just happy to be making something fun,” Bullock told Variety in 2022. “The world needed a laugh, and we gave it our all.” That joy radiates on-screen, fueling the film’s streaming resurgence.

The Plot: A Wild Ride of Romance and Danger

The Lost City centers on Loretta Sage (Bullock), a widowed author whose steamy romance novels, featuring the dashing Dash McMahon, have lost their spark. Forced to promote her latest book with Alan (Tatum), the airheaded model who embodies Dash on the covers, Loretta’s life takes a turn when she’s kidnapped by eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Radcliffe). Fairfax believes Loretta’s novel holds clues to a real lost treasure on a remote Atlantic island. Alan, determined to prove he’s more than a pretty face, teams up with a roguish mercenary, Jack Trainer (Pitt), to rescue her.

What follows is a whirlwind of jungle chases, ancient ruins, and hilarious banter. Loretta and Alan bicker their way through booby traps and waterfalls, their chemistry evolving from annoyance to affection. Pitt’s brief but brilliant cameo as the hyper-competent Trainer steals scenes, while Radcliffe’s manic villainy adds a delightful edge. The film’s 106-minute runtime balances action-packed set pieces—like a motorcycle chase through a volcano—with quiet moments of vulnerability, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Critics praised its charm. The Hollywood Reporter called it “a fizzy, old-school romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” while Roger Ebert noted, “Bullock and Tatum are a match made in comedy heaven.” The 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes reflects its universal appeal, with fans on X posting, “The Lost City is the rom-com we didn’t know we needed—pure fun!” and “Sandra and Channing are magic together.”

The Cast: A Perfect Ensemble

Sandra Bullock, at 57 during filming, delivers a masterclass in comedic timing. Known for Speed (1994), Miss Congeniality (2000), and The Proposal (2009), Bullock brings depth to Loretta, blending cynicism with warmth. Her physical comedy—stumbling through jungles in a sequined jumpsuit—is matched by emotional beats, like a scene where Loretta opens up about her grief. “Sandra makes you laugh and cry in the same breath,” one fan tweeted.

Channing Tatum, then 41, is the ideal foil as Alan. His self-deprecating charm, honed in 21 Jump Street and Magic Mike, makes Alan both hilarious and endearing. Whether he’s stripping off a leech-covered shirt (to audience cheers) or delivering earnest lines like, “I’m not just a cover model, Loretta,” Tatum shines. “Channing’s himbo energy is perfection,” a Reddit user wrote. “He’s the heart of this movie.”

Brad Pitt’s cameo, reportedly a favor to Bullock after her role in Bullet Train (2022), is a highlight. As Jack Trainer, Pitt channels peak action-hero charisma, dispatching goons with ease before a shocking exit. “Brad Pitt for five minutes is better than most actors for two hours,” an X post raved. Daniel Radcliffe, fresh off Harry Potter villain roles, revels as Fairfax, his posh accent and unhinged intensity making him a standout. Supporting players like Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Loretta’s loyal publicist add warmth and wit.

Why It’s Trending on Paramount+

The Lost City’s climb to #2 on Paramount+ in September 2025 is a testament to its timeless appeal. Streaming data from Reelgood shows it surpassing Top Gun: Maverick (#3) and World War Z (#5), trailing only Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. Several factors drive this resurgence. First, the post-summer streaming boom favors escapist content, and The Lost City delivers with its vibrant visuals and breezy tone. Shot in the Dominican Republic’s lush jungles, the film’s sun-soaked aesthetic is a perfect antidote to fall’s chill.

Second, Bullock and Tatum’s star power remains potent. Bullock’s Oscar-nominated turn in Gravity (2013) and Tatum’s recent role in Fly Me to the Moon (2024) keep them relevant. Fans rediscovering The Lost City on Paramount+ often cite their chemistry, with one X user posting, “Sandra and Channing make me believe in love again.” The film’s availability on a platform with 71 million subscribers amplifies its reach, especially as Paramount+ promotes it with curated “Comedy Favorites” lists.

Third, the film’s feel-good vibe resonates in 2025’s polarized climate. Amid political tensions and global unrest, viewers crave lighthearted stories. “The Lost City is like a warm hug,” a Reddit thread read. “It’s funny, romantic, and doesn’t lecture you.” The film’s self-aware humor—mocking romance novel clichés while embracing them—appeals to both casual viewers and cinephiles.

Cultural Impact and Fan Love

The Lost City’s 2022 theatrical run defied expectations, proving original comedies could compete with blockbusters like The Batman ($770 million) and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ($955 million). Its $192.9 million haul, including $31 million on opening weekend, showed audiences were eager for star-driven rom-coms. The film’s 79% critics’ score and 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes reflect its broad appeal, with fans praising its balance of humor and heart.

Social media has fueled its streaming revival. On X, clips of Tatum’s dance scene (set to a Latin pop beat) and Pitt’s action sequence have gone viral, amassing millions of views. TikTok users have recreated Loretta and Alan’s banter, with hashtags like #TheLostCityVibes trending. “The leech scene had me screaming,” one user posted, referencing Tatum’s comedic nudity. Fan art on Instagram, depicting Bullock and Tatum in jungle gear, has further cemented the film’s cult status.

The film also sparked discussions about the rom-com genre’s revival. After years of superhero dominance, The Lost City joined films like Ticket to Paradise (2022) in proving audiences still love romantic adventures. “It’s Romancing the Stone for a new generation,” Vulture wrote, a sentiment echoed by fans comparing it to classics like The Princess Bride.

Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Triumphs

Filming The Lost City was no easy feat. Shot in May–August 2021, the production navigated pandemic restrictions, with daily testing and isolated sets. The Dominican Republic’s unpredictable weather—hurricanes and mudslides—forced reshoots, particularly for the volcano chase. “We were soaked half the time,” Tatum told Entertainment Weekly. “But Sandra kept us laughing.” Bullock, a producer, ensured the cast’s safety, even arranging on-set medical staff.

The Nee brothers’ direction leaned into practical effects, with real stunts and minimal CGI. Bullock performed many of her own action scenes, including a daring rope swing, earning praise from stunt coordinator Tanoai Reed. “Sandra’s fearless,” Reed said. “She dove in, sequins and all.” The film’s vibrant score by Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel) and a soundtrack featuring Harry Styles and Shakira added to its energy.

Why You Should Stream It

The Lost City is a rare gem: a blockbuster that feels intimate, a comedy that doesn’t skimp on stakes, and a romance that earns its swoons. At 112 minutes, it’s a breezy watch, perfect for a cozy night in. Bullock and Tatum’s chemistry is electric, their banter equal parts snarky and sweet. The action—motorcycle chases, exploding ruins—rivals bigger franchises, while the humor lands without being mean-spirited. Radcliffe’s villainy and Pitt’s cameo add star power, but it’s the heart—Loretta’s journey from isolation to connection—that lingers.

For fans of The OA’s bold storytelling or Wind River’s emotional depth, The Lost City offers a lighter but equally engaging ride. Its jungle setting and treasure-hunt plot evoke Indiana Jones, while its romance nods to When Harry Met Sally. “It’s the movie you watch when you want to smile,” a fan tweeted.

The Legacy and What’s Next

The Lost City’s streaming success has sparked sequel talk, though Bullock and Tatum have been coy. “We had a blast, so never say never,” Tatum told Collider in 2024. Paramount+’s data suggests the film’s viewership is growing, with 20% of viewers rewatching within a week. Its influence is evident in new rom-coms like Anyone But You (2023), which owe a debt to its formula.

As it sits at #2 on Paramount+, The Lost City reminds us why we love movies: they transport, entertain, and connect us. So grab your popcorn, stream this gem, and let Bullock and Tatum whisk you away to a world where love and laughter conquer all. In 2025, that’s a treasure worth finding.