The Netflix adaptation of a 2004 Denzel Washington action film has received a mixed critical response. Led by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as a former mercenary driven by revenge, the series has sparked divided opinions on Rotten Tomatoes.
What critics are saying about Man on Fire in reviews
Critical responses to Man on Fire have varied, with reviewers offering contrasting views on its execution and performances.
At RogerEbert.com, Kaiya Shunyata questioned the decision to expand the story into a series. The critic wrote, “Throughout its seven-episode run, I couldn’t help but wonder why this adaptation was made into a series, rather than a film.” The review points to concerns over both story depth and action scenes.
By contrast, Carly Lane of Collider pointed to the advantages of the longer format, noting that it allows for deeper character development. She wrote, “Netflix’s new adaptation is more of a slow burn than an instantaneous firestorm. Man on Fire’s longer series approach allows the story to delve that much deeper into character, both in terms of individual growth and shared development.”
Lane also highlighted the lead performance of Abdul-Mateen II, describing it as “undeniable magnetism as both a leading man and an action star.”
Meanwhile, Dani Kessel Odom of ScreenRant called it “one of the best thrillers out there.” Odom emphasized that the cast delivers strong performances, noting, “While every actor in Man on Fire does a fantastic job bringing their characters to life, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is truly the heart and soul of the show.”
The review concluded, “The Netflix show is truly something special. Ultimately, this deeper level makes Netflix’s Man on Fire a must-watch.”
Man on Fire gets a poor score on Rotten Tomatoes
On Rotten Tomatoes, Man on Fire Season 1, the Netflix remake of Denzel Washington’s action film, holds a 57% critics’ score based on 21 reviews, along with a 68% audience rating. These figures may change as additional reviews are published.
By comparison, the original film Man on Fire holds a 39% critics’ score based on 166 reviews. Meanwhile, its audience rating stands significantly higher at 89%.
