New Ben Affleck Thriller Reaches No. 1 on Netflix — It's Considered a 'Super-Hit'
By Rachel Schneider
Mon, October 12, 2026
2 min read
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Ben Affleck has established himself as a versatile artist, excelling both in front of and behind the camera. His latest cinematic venture, Animals, a Netflix original, has proven to be a success, reaching the top spot on the streaming platform's U.S. movie chart.
Released on October 9th, Animals ascended to the number one position on Netflix's U.S. Top 10 movies chart by October 11th, according to FlixPatrol. This early streaming triumph earned it the title of a "super-hit" from Collider, solidifying Affleck's partnership with Netflix.
Ben Affleck's 'Animals' Is No. 1 on Netflix
Affleck directs and stars in this crime thriller as Mark Kimball, a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose carefully crafted public image crumbles after a child is kidnapped. Alongside Kerry Washington as his wife, Abigail, Affleck navigates the treacherous waters of saving his family and preserving his political ambitions.
The film's cast also includes Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, Luis Gerardo Méndez, and Adriana Paz. Co-written by Affleck with Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray, Animals brings together a star-studded ensemble for a thriller that blends family drama, crime, and political intrigue.
Why 'Animals' Is Being Called a 'Super-Hit'
Collider's characterization of Animals as a "super-hit" contrasts with some critical responses. While the film has gained traction on Netflix, its initial reception has been mixed. Critics have raised questions about the execution of its ambitious premise, with some arguing that the movie struggles to seamlessly integrate its various elements.
The Guardian, for instance, described the storytelling as dull, while others have questioned the effectiveness of its political commentary and suspense.
Despite this, Animals has become a popular choice on Netflix in the U.S., highlighting that a film can be a success with viewers even if it doesn't receive universal acclaim from critics.
This article originally appeared on Men's Journal on October 12, 2026.