Why Netflix’s New #1 Movie Is Taking Over The World (Even Beating Alan Ritchson’s Sci-Fi Action Film)

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Netflix’s most popular movie has changed. After spending a good amount of time at the top, the action-packed sci-fi film War Machine, starring Alan Ritchson, has been knocked from the #1 spot. However, the new leader, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, was widely expected to take over.

The Immortal Man continues the story of Peaky Blinders, the popular British crime series known for its depiction of the early 1900s. Most significantly, it provides a final, feature-length film that concludes the story of Tommy Shelby, bringing his complex journey to a dramatic end.

While War Machine was a fantastic and compelling film that deserved its success, viewers have been eagerly awaiting this new release since Peaky Blinders ended in 2022. Now, almost five years later, The Immortal Man is finally here, and it’s become a massive hit, topping Netflix’s charts in countries all over the world.

The Return Of Peaky Blinders Has Been A Long Time Coming

Years Of Anticipation Turned The Film Into A Global Streaming Event

The final episode of Peaky Blinders’ sixth season, which aired in 2022, didn’t feel like a true ending. The story left many conflicts unfinished, old enemies still posing threats, and the main character still searching for meaning and control. Fans felt there was more to the story, even though a continuation hadn’t been announced.

That feeling turned out to be correct. As far back as 2021, the creator of Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, hinted the story wouldn’t end with season 6 and was even considering a movie to wrap things up (according to Variety). Although specifics were limited, it was clear Tommy Shelby’s story wasn’t over, and the Shelby family’s history still had more to tell.

Even after the final episode of Peaky Blinders aired, fans continued to talk about the show. They came up with countless theories, closely analyzed what the actors said, and eagerly followed any news about production. The breaks between seasons didn’t lessen the excitement—they actually made fans even more eager for the next installment.

Even before the official announcement of The Immortal Man, there was a huge amount of anticipation for Cillian Murphy’s return as Tommy Shelby. It was obvious this wasn’t just a weak effort to continue the Peaky Blinders series, but the continuation of a story that millions of viewers had followed for almost ten years.

After years of waiting, The Immortal Man was practically guaranteed to be a huge hit on Netflix as soon as it was released. The film, a continuation of Peaky Blinders, wasn’t just another new addition to the streaming service—its March 20th premiere felt like a major event. Years of building excitement turned the release into a global moment for the show’s dedicated fans.

The show already had a dedicated fanbase, and anticipation had been building for a long time, practically ensuring its success. When Peaky Blinders returned, viewers were eager to watch, leading to a record-breaking debut. This wasn’t just about the show’s popularity; it was the culmination of years of build-up, consistent interest, and people wanting to see how Tommy Shelby’s story would end.

What Critics And Fans Have Said About The Immortal Man

A Strong Crime Drama That Sparks Debate As A Series Finale

Let’s be real, when The Immortal Man first came out, everyone was tuning in because of Peaky Blinders. That show built up a huge, loyal fanbase, and Steven Knight, along with the cast and crew, have done a great job keeping people excited even after the last season aired. It’s clear that franchise recognition was a major driver for the initial buzz.

Despite having a dedicated audience and a well-known brand, a strong following doesn’t guarantee a good movie. Luckily, The Immortal Man succeeds as its own film. It’s a compelling historical crime drama with everything fans of the genre enjoy: powerful acting, a vivid and authentic period setting, and gripping conflicts. The film’s larger scale enhances the raw, gritty feel of the original series, making the story feel even more impactful.

The debate surrounding Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man isn’t about its quality as a film, but whether it lives up to the high standards set by the original Peaky Blinders TV series. It’s a much harder test to meet, and as critic Lacy Baugher noted in a piece for Roger Ebert, that’s where the real discussion lies.

“The Immortal Man” doesn’t quite deliver a satisfying answer to whether Tommy Shelby can ever truly find peace. It often feels like a retread of familiar emotional ground rather than a meaningful exploration of it. However, even when it’s overly dramatic, it’s still exciting to see Tommy Shelby back in action.

Most reviews of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man share a similar opinion: the film is enjoyable for fans wanting to return to that world, though it doesn’t necessarily break new ground or fully earn its existence. As both Baugher and Matt Blake from Esquire pointed out, this seems to be the general feeling about the film.

While ‘The Immortal Man’ doesn’t quite feel like a complete story on its own, it effectively connects us back to what made the original series so compelling: the gritty realism, the intense action, and the personal relationships that pull the main character back into a life he tried to escape. It serves its purpose, but it would have been better as a more substantial and polished transition, rather than something feeling a bit flimsy.

Many fans of Peaky Blinders are happy with just revisiting these beloved characters, and that’s understandable. The strong viewership of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man proves people are eager to continue the story.

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2026-03-25 20:32