Ben Affleck’s The Accountant 2 outshines Air streaming success, solidifying its status as a box office hit and now poised to surpass viewership numbers on streaming platforms. Released in May 2025, The Accountant 2 not only topped Affleck and Matt Damon’s Air at theaters, but early indicators show it may continue this streak online, particularly on Amazon Prime Video.
The Accountant 2 Surpasses Air’s Box Office Performance
Directed by Gavin O’Connor, The Accountant 2 saw Ben Affleck reprising his role as Christian Wolff, teaming up with Jon Bernthal as onscreen brothers. This collaboration picked up after their dynamic in the 2016 original, shifting from Affleck’s previous work with Matt Damon on Air. The Accountant 2 opened strong, despite its higher $80 million budget, and accumulated $101 million globally, a solid margin considering its cost and the competition.
While the first film in the series earned $152 million, the sequel’s numbers stand out when compared to Affleck’s other recent work. Affleck’s collaboration with Matt Damon on Air, a 2023 drama inspired by the origin of Nike’s Air Jordan line, did well with critics but matched its reported $90 million production budget in global receipts. This left Air short of the commercial triumph achieved by The Accountant 2, despite the former garnering critical praise and the latter focusing on action-thriller elements and the appeal of Affleck’s and Bernthal’s onscreen partnership.
The Accountant 2’s solid financial performance appears tied to its returning cast, fresh storyline, and the ongoing interest in Ben Affleck’s action roles. The decision to pair Affleck with Jon Bernthal, known for his performance as The Punisher in Marvel projects, resulted in a compelling sibling dynamic, setting it apart from the sentimental chemistry audiences saw between Affleck and his best friend Matt Damon in Air.
Streaming Debut Puts The Accountant 2 Ahead of its Competition
Following its box office success, The Accountant 2 arrived on Amazon Prime Video’s streaming library on June 5, 2025. The film’s digital release has garnered considerable attention, with the first installment’s popularity suggesting the sequel may quickly outpace similar films. For context, Air launched on streaming shortly after its theatrical run and drew an estimated 1.1 million viewers in its first week on Amazon Prime Video.
The build-up to The Accountant 2’s streaming debut further highlights its momentum. In the week leading up to its digital release, the original film maintained a strong position, ranking 7th among Amazon Prime Video’s top 10 most-watched movies globally according to Flixpatrol. This robust showing indicates a high level of anticipation, which bodes well for the sequel’s chances of exceeding Air’s initial streaming numbers.
Critical Response Provides a Mixed Picture
Despite these commercial achievements, a contrast remains between critical and audience reactions. Air, supported by strong reviews from critics, holds a 93% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, a notable benchmark that outshines The Accountant 2’s 77% rating. This suggests that while Air is more acclaimed in professional circles, The Accountant 2 excels with general audiences, especially those seeking action-packed stories anchored by established franchise characters.
The distinction signals a divide in how these projects are received: Air’s cultural and historical focus appeals to critics and niche viewers, whereas The Accountant 2 leverages its familiarity, engaging action, and returning stars to draw broader interest via both ticket sales and streaming engagement.
Broader Impact and Expectations Moving Forward
The back-to-back successes of Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal highlight the market’s appetite for continuity and action-driven plots, especially when linked to a recognizable name like Christian Wolff. The Accountant 2 not only outshined Air in box office results but now has the potential to do so in the streaming arena, reflecting evolving trends in audience consumption and the shifting weight of digital releases in film profitability.
Both The Accountant 2 and Air are currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the USA, giving viewers a chance to experience Affleck’s diverse range—from his acclaimed portrayal of Christian Wolff to his partnership with Matt Damon revisiting the Nike Air Jordan legacy. As streaming numbers come in, the spotlight remains on Ben Affleck’s latest project to see if it can cement its lead over Air and set the tone for future sequels or collaborations.
