The Big Lebowski Joins Netflix on June 1: A Cult Classic You Can't Miss
When June arrives, Netflix will be adding dozens of movies to its catalog, including several beloved titles. One of the flicks on the way is The Big Lebowski, the Coen brothers' outrageous 1998 crime comedy, which has gained a fervent following since its release.
According to What's on Netflix's Kasey Moore, "The Dude" will arrive soon. The Big Lebowski is coming to Netflix on June 1.
A comedy unlike any other
After debuting at Sundance in January 1998, The Big Lebowski was released in theaters across America on March 6. The film stars Jeff Bridges as Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski, a stoner and bowler attacked in his home by two enforcers for porn magnate Jackie Treehorn (Ben Gazzara). The men have mistaken "The Dude" for Jeffrey "The Big" Lebowski, who owes Treehorn money.
What follows is pure absurdity, with Lebowski and his bowling buddies Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi) having to work through a kidnapping scheme that can't be properly explained here. Julianne Moore, John Turturro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, Sam Elliott and even Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers are all part of a zany cast of characters in the convoluted affair.
"It's an absurdist plot that at the end of the day is almost inconsequential; what matters is how the film's raunchy, ridiculous, and completely committed comedy helped it grow from critical shrug-off to cult favorite," said Consequence of Sound, which ranked The Big Lebowski the No. 1 stoner film of all time earlier this year.
"Complete with musical dream sequences, endlessly quotable dialogue, and a fantastically stoned lead, it's no wonder why this lucid comedy has become a defining moment for both the Coens and Bridges," Consequence of Sound added. "It's also pretty clear why it tops this list, but that's just, like, our opinion, man."
Seriously, adequately summarizing this roughly two-hour long film is impossible. Just go watch it when you can.
A verified cult classic
The Big Lebowski experienced modest box office success, grossing over $48 million worldwide. However, its popularity has skyrocketed in the nearly three decades since its debut.
Legions of fans have flocked to the movie because of its humor, soundtrack and plethora of quotable lines. The Big Lebowski currently holds a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, along with an 8.1/10 grade on IMDB.
If you're looking to watch the film before Netflix adds it, The Big Lebowski is currently available with subscription on Amazon Prime Video and for purchase on YouTube, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 8:15 AM.