Taylor Sheridan’s $75M Thriller Sequel Is Now A Top 10 Streaming Hit on Netflix, 8 Years Later

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Taylor Sheridan is famous for TV shows like Yellowstone and Landman, but he’s also had a significant impact on film. He’s written several successful and critically acclaimed movies, including Wind River (which he also directed) and the Academy Award-nominated Hell or High Water. Many consider Sicario, a gripping crime thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve, to be his best work. The film was a hit with both critics (earning a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences, grossing nearly $85 million worldwide. Its success led to a sequel, which is now proving popular with viewers on streaming services, almost ten years after the original’s release.

The movie Sicario: Day of the Soldado is currently popular on Netflix. From January 5th to 11th, it ranked as the ninth most-watched film worldwide, racking up 3.4 million views and a total of 7 million hours of watch time. This marked the first time the film appeared in Netflix’s top 10.

Why Sicario: Day of the Soldado Is a Hit on Netflix

While Day of the Soldado performed decently, earning $75.8 million globally and receiving mostly positive reviews (a 62% score on Rotten Tomatoes), it didn’t reach the same heights as the first Sicario film. Though Taylor Sheridan wrote the sequel, many felt it lacked the distinctive direction of Denis Villeneuve, who was busy with Blade Runner 2049 at the time. Villeneuve’s unique style had really set the original Sicario apart, but director Stefano Sollima did a good job taking over and delivering another gripping story about the drug cartels.

A notable absence in Day of the Soldado is Emily Blunt, who doesn’t return as Kate Macer. Blunt’s performance in the first Sicario was excellent; her character served as the audience’s eyes, introducing us to a dark and dangerous world. Though she’s missed, the sequel still benefits from strong performances by returning cast members Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro, both of whom are fantastic. A key to the success of Sicario was the actors’ ability to create believable and engaging characters, and it’s a pleasure to see Brolin and del Toro reprise their roles and deliver another compelling performance. While fans would have welcomed Blunt’s return, Brolin and del Toro truly shine in this sequel.

With a gripping mood, strong acting, and a compelling story, Day of the Soldado is definitely worth watching. While it doesn’t quite reach the same peaks as the first Sicario film, it’s a good choice for anyone who enjoys intense, realistic crime dramas. Especially as viewers finish season two of Landman, they might be looking for more work by Taylor Sheridan, and this film is a great option. It’s perhaps one of his most underrated projects, making it a perfect time to discover it. You don’t even need to have seen the original Sicario to follow the story – though prior knowledge will add extra depth to certain characters. Day of the Soldado works perfectly well as a standalone spinoff.

Talk of a third Sicario movie has been circulating, but it hasn’t been officially confirmed yet. Development seemed to be progressing well until the 2023 Hollywood strikes caused delays, and there haven’t been any new announcements since. Whether Sicario 3 will actually happen remains to be seen. While the films aren’t huge box office successes, they’ve gained a dedicated following and have performed well on streaming platforms after their theatrical release. With Taylor Sheridan continuing to be a sought-after writer and director, and Benicio del Toro still incredibly popular thanks to his recent work in One Battle After Another, many are hoping they’ll collaborate on another thrilling story.

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2026-01-18 20:40