Netflix's 'The Rip' Surpasses 108 Million Views in Major Streaming Milestone
Los Gatos, Saturday, 21 February 2026.
Netflix’s strategy of leveraging A-list talent has delivered a resounding success as the Ben Affleck and Matt Damon thriller ‘The Rip’ exceeds 108 million views in just five weeks. This performance highlights the critical role of star power in sustaining subscriber engagement within a competitive media landscape.
Dominating the Digital Box Office
As of February 19, 2026, The Rip has officially surpassed the 108 million view mark, cementing its status as a massive hit for the streaming platform [1]. Released on January 16, 2026, the film wasted no time capturing audience attention, debuting with 41.6 million views in its first three days alone [1][2]. This initial surge accounted for approximately 38.519% of its total viewership to date, demonstrating the immense front-loaded demand for star-driven content. The film maintained its momentum by holding the number one spot on Netflix for three consecutive weeks before eventually being overtaken by The Investigation of Lucy Letby [1][2]. Even in its fifth week of release, spanning February 9 through February 16, 2026, the thriller remained a significant draw, securing the sixth spot on the charts with an additional 4.7 million views [1][2].
A Gritty Throwback with Modern Appeal
Directed by Joe Carnahan, The Rip is characterized as a gritty action thriller that harkens back to the genre pictures of the 1990s [5][1]. The narrative follows a specialized Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) in Miami, led by characters played by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, who investigate a tip regarding a $20 million stash [1][3]. The discovery of the illicit funds triggers a spiral of internal conflict, FBI suspicion, and betrayal among the unit [3]. Alongside the leading duo, the ensemble cast features Steven Yeun, Sasha Calle, Teyana Taylor, and Scott Adkins [2][3]. While the film has been praised for the chemistry between its leads and its authentic camaraderie, it has also drawn attention for its mature content [5]. Reviews note the film contains substantial violence and excessive strong language, with one analysis counting at least 280 obscenities [3].
The Economics of A-List Partnerships
The commercial success of The Rip validates Netflix’s investment in the enduring partnership of Affleck and Damon. After a 15-year hiatus from on-screen collaboration, the pair reunited for 2021’s The Last Duel and 2023’s Air, which focused on Michael Jordan’s deal with Nike [1][2]. Their latest venture has garnered a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics describing it as a “serviceable but forgettable popcorn movie elevated by its central performances” [1][5]. This critical reception suggests that while the film may not be viewed as a cinematic masterpiece, it effectively serves the streaming model by delivering high-engagement entertainment. Looking ahead, the duo plans to continue their production collaboration with an upcoming project titled Animals, ensuring their creative footprint on the platform remains active [1][2].