A meteoric start for Apex
The numbers speak for themselves. Released on April 24, 2026, Apex reached 38.2 million views within three days, according to French outlet PureBreak. This places it as the third-best Netflix film launch of the year—just behind The Rip (41.6 million views) and War Machine (39.3 million views). In a further sign of its popularity, Apex climbed to the No. 1 spot in 82 countries. It's a remarkable debut that likely comes as a relief for stars Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, who, reports say, faced a grueling shoot.
Survival, suspense, and the wilds of Australia
Directed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur—famous for Everest and The Beast—Apex is a tense survival thriller filmed in Australia. The plot centers on Sasha, an experienced climber seeking solitude in nature after a personal tragedy. Her retreat takes a terrifying turn when she becomes the target of a mysterious hunter in the bush. Alone and fighting the elements, Sasha must rely on her resourcefulness and resolve to make it out alive.
Mixed reception: critics and audiences split
The film’s reception has been divided. Critics have given Apex an average score of 65% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Netflix viewers have been less generous, with an average user score of just 52%. The lukewarm response extends beyond the US; on the French film platform AlloCiné, viewers rated the film 2.7 out of 5.
Can Apex reach Netflix’s all-time Top 10?
The big question remains: will Apex's fast start be enough to secure it a place among Netflix’s most-watched films ever? If history is any guide, it won’t be easy. Neither The Rip nor War Machine—both with higher opening numbers—managed to break into the streamer’s all-time Top 10. For now, Apex’s future in Netflix’s record books is uncertain.
