This Biblical Retelling Just Dominated the Streaming Charts

Published: October 16, 2025

dima-solomin-sOU09hnONrQ-unsplash — Photo from Dima Solomin via Unsplash

By Gavin Boyle

RUTH & BOAZ, a modern day retelling of the Biblical story, has taken over the streaming charts thanks to its family-friendly, uplifting story that speaks to deep truths.

“I liked that it felt fresh and new and, and it’s…a fresh perspective, if you will…” actress Serayah McNeill told Movieguide®. “I was like, oh my go**, Ruth and Boaz… but then like [was] like at the club performing and I’m like, wait a minute. Where are we going with this? I was definitely just along for the ride.”

The movie is a part of DeVon Franklin’s new deal with Netflix to bring faith-based content to the platform – similar to how Jon Erwin’s Wonder Project is working with Prime Video. Franklin was inspired to create the movie after preparing a sermon series about the story.

“Around this time I had been doing a sermon series and teaching from the Book of Ruth about what it means to be single,” Franklin told PEOPLE of how he got inspiration for the story. “When I was going through that as we were trying to figure out what the first movie would be, I was like, ‘Oh, wait a minute: There’s never been a modern version, to my knowledge, of this biblical love story, and there’s never been a modern version of this biblical love story that featured people of color.’ ”

The movie certainly stays true to it biblical roots, telling the story in a way that is recognizable to modern audiences while incorporating the deep meaning of the story. A portion of Movieguide®’s review reads:

RUTH & BOAZ puts an interesting, compelling twist on the biblical story, with excellent performances from the lead cast. The movie has a strong, uplifting Christian, moral worldview. Many scenes feature prayer and discussions of faith. Also, someone sings a Christian hymn. The movie also stresses the importance of love, family, friendship, church, community, and helping needy people. RUTH & BOAZ does have some foul language and is set at a winery, so there’s some light alcohol use. It also has a brief scene of violence. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger and older pre-teen children.

Releasing on Sept. 26, RUTH & BOAZ has found much of its popularity through word of mouth. Last week, it topped the charts with 434 million views, beating out second place by over 150 million.

While Netflix is not known for its faith-based content, perhaps the success of RUTH & BOAZ will cause the streamer to reconsider just how much it invests in biblical stories.

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