The Departed Returns to HBO Max Ahead of 20th Anniversary

The Departed Surges on HBO Max Ahead of 20th Anniversary

The 2006 crime thriller reclaims streaming prominence as it nears its 20th anniversary, topping HBO Max's charts despite its age.

By Second Season2 hours ago2 min read

Current hype level68

The Departed is back — not with a reboot, not with a sequel, but with a quiet resurgence on HBO Max. As the 2006 crime thriller approaches its 20th anniversary, it’s climbing into the top 10 most-watched films on the streaming service, defying the usual fate of older titles.

What’s driving the spike? Collider attributes it to a mix of milestone nostalgia, enduring appeal, and the continued cultural relevance of its stars, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, and Martin Scorsese. The film’s premise. Two undercover agents infiltrating rival organizations, remains as sharp as ever, even if audiences know how it ends. That doesn’t dull the tension. The build-up still delivers, much like watching Titanic for the hundredth time and still feeling the dread before the iceberg.

It’s not just about the plot. The film’s direction, tight screenplay, and layered performances elevate it beyond a simple remake of Hong Kong’s Infernal Affairs. While the original was leaner and more disorienting, The Departed expands the scope, grounding the story in Boston’s Irish Mob while keeping the psychological stakes high. Scorsese blends his signature gangster grit with the pacing of a thriller, creating something that feels both intense and accessible.

And yet, it’s not flawless. Some critics have noted it leans into genre tropes, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a movie that knows what it wants to be. A crowd-pleasing crime thriller, and executes it with precision. Even the Oscar-winning ending, which many remember, doesn’t lose its impact with repetition.

The surge isn’t limited to casual viewers. Film communities online are revisiting it, with polls circulating on platforms like Mastodon and Reddit, placing it among classic contenders. One user noted: "It’s not just a great movie. It’s a template." That kind of reverence isn’t accidental. It’s earned.

As the 20th anniversary looms, expect more retrospectives, tributes, and possibly even a special edition release. Whether it’s a one-off revival or the start of a broader renaissance for early-2000s thrillers remains to be seen. But for now, The Departed isn’t just remembered, it’s being watched again, in full force.