A Record-Breaking Netflix Launch
The Rip (the meaning of the title still invites speculation) made a thunderous arrival on Netflix in January 2026. In just five days, it was watched more than 41.5 million times. To date, viewership has jumped past 100 million streams. Unsurprisingly, movie fans on Allociné—a major French movie community akin to IMDb—have declared it the best film of the year so far, giving it an average rating of 3.6 out of 5. Not bad for a crime thriller packed with tension and intrigue.
Damon and Affleck: On-Screen Partners Again
In The Rip, Matt Damon plays Lieutenant Dane Dumars, and Ben Affleck stars as Sergeant JD Byrne. The plot centers on the two getting trapped after discovering $20 million in drug money in a dealer’s safehouse. The film’s story is now the subject of a lawsuit filed by two American police officers, who claim the screenplay was inspired by their experiences and that they were not credited. The dispute is currently in the hands of the US justice system. As this offscreen drama unfolds, Damon and Affleck continue to draw acclaim for their dynamic on-screen partnership.
Much of The Rip’s appeal comes from the sheer chemistry between Damon and Affleck. The two have a long history of collaborations, from Good Will Hunting (1997), to Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel (2021), to Ben Affleck’s own Air (2023). These childhood friends have now worked together fifteen times—The Rip is the latest testament to their enduring screen presence.
Viewers Applaud the Thrills
Critics and audiences alike have heaped praise on The Rip, much of it focused on its suspense, performances, and style. According to Noah N. on Allociné, “The story is intriguing, surprising, and tight, the cast is fully committed, and the direction is intense throughout, especially thanks to its rapid-fire pacing and score. Joe Carnahan has delivered a suspense gem, with Damon and Affleck at their best.” Another viewer, 24titouille, noted, “This thriller sets a high bar and is one of the year’s big surprises. It truly deserved a theatrical release.” Ady A commented, “A dark, edgy, and well-executed crime story—the plot twists guide us through ambiguous characters. This is Damon and Affleck showing exactly how good they are with meaty roles.”
According to Le D., “The story is interesting, the plot gripping, and characters are genuinely engaging. Direction is excellent, action scenes entertaining, and suspense is maintained throughout.” Cendyleon wrote, “The Rip hooked us in with a very Michael Mann style: modern, elegant, noir mood where every shot feels loaded with tension.” Rocky6 added, “An excellent, tense thriller. The cast is impeccable, and the movie plunges us into a crooked cop story set in Miami. The script’s smarter than it first appears. Damon and Affleck are both at the top of their game, with strong, immersive direction. A real surprise for a streaming release. Well done, Netflix!”
Why ‘The Rip’ Became 2026’s Thriller Sensation
With standout performances by Damon and Affleck, a riveting storyline, and a moody visual edge reminiscent of Hollywood’s best crime directors, The Rip hasn’t just grabbed viewers’ attention—it’s held it with a vise grip. Whether you’re watching for the suspense, the star power, or just to keep pace with one of this year’s biggest hits, there’s no doubt The Rip wears the 2026 thriller crown.
