Cameron Diaz’s return to the screen with the film Back in Action has quickly become Netflix’s most-watched movie of 2025, surpassing Taraji P. Henson’s psychological drama Straw. The biannual Netflix Engagement Report released in July revealed that Diaz’s film amassed 164.7 million views during the first half of the year, highlighting a strong comeback for the actress after her hiatus from Hollywood.
According to the same report, Straw, directed by Tyler Perry and starring Taraji P. Henson as a single mother facing dire circumstances, earned 102.9 million views, placing it second behind Back in Action. The report measures viewership based on total hours watched divided by the movies’ runtimes, representing approximately 99% of Netflix’s global streaming activity. Alongside these movies, Netflix’s overall viewing time rose slightly to 95 billion hours for the period.
The Plot and Reception of Back in Action
Released in January, Back in Action stars Cameron Diaz alongside Jamie Foxx as former CIA operatives forced back into undercover work after their secret identities are compromised. While the film’s viewership indicates a major success, its critical reception remains mixed. It holds a 30% score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting lukewarm reviews, while audience ratings average around 60%. This film marks Diaz’s first role on screen since her 2014 retirement after the movie Annie, making it a highly anticipated return for her fans.
Despite this comeback, Diaz has been clear about her future choices in Hollywood. In an interview with Empire, she stated,
If I say it, then it becomes this thing. I reserve the right to say no to doing a movie ever again, and I reserve the right to say yes if I decide to. I’m not defining anything. I’m just open to whatever makes sense for me and my family at any given moment.
—Cameron Diaz, Actress
Diaz, well-known for her roles in romantic comedies like The Holiday and My Best Friend’s Wedding, remarked that she has moved away from rom-coms, opting instead for what she describes as “mom-coms.”
Her reentry into the industry comes with a commitment to action-comedies, as she is already set to star in her next Netflix project, Bad Day, directed by Jake Szymanski. The film will depict a single mother navigating a series of calamities while trying to keep a promise to her daughter. Production is slated to begin this fall in New York and New Jersey.
Taraji P. Henson’s Role in Straw and Response to Controversy
Although Straw did not top the Netflix charts, the film earned critical praise for Taraji P. Henson’s powerful portrayal of Janiyah, a single mother pressured by systemic hardships who turns to robbing a bank after life’s setbacks. The movie has sparked debate about Tyler Perry’s portrayal of Black trauma, a subject that Henson addressed openly in an interview with Decider:
I hear a lot of people giving [Perry] flack. It’s more Black trauma! Well, we have a lot of it. The only way to heal is to talk about it.
—Taraji P. Henson, Actress
This collaboration marks Henson’s fourth film with Perry, and she has highlighted how working with him pushes her as an actor. Critics have noted Straw’s unflinching depiction of poverty and systemic pressures, though the film also generated heated online discussions regarding its themes.
Netflix’s Star-Driven Strategy and Viewer Trends in 2025
The strong streaming numbers for both Back in Action and Straw illustrate Netflix’s ongoing investment in star-led original content across different genres. Alongside the domination of these films, other notable trends from the report include the British drama Adolescence claiming the top spot in the TV category, with Korean sensation Squid Game 2 and Squid Game 3 following closely behind.
The success of Diaz’s comeback and Henson’s intense dramatic performance highlights audiences‘ desire for diverse storytelling, while the platform’s expanding catalog continues to emphasize both high-profile stars and unique narratives.
What Lies Ahead for Cameron Diaz and Taraji P. Henson on Netflix
Cameron Diaz’s return to acting with an action-packed film has impressed viewers, even as critics remain divided, signaling potential for further projects in a genre she now embraces. Meanwhile, Taraji P. Henson sustains her reputation for powerful roles that challenge social issues, reinforcing her standing as a leading figure in critically charged dramas.
With Diaz already confirmed for Bad Day and Henson’s continued collaboration with Tyler Perry, Netflix is set to deliver more content driven by these two actresses’ distinct talents. Their contrasting film choices reflect the variety of stories resonating with today’s audiences.
Both Back in Action and Straw are currently available to stream on Netflix in the U.S., inviting viewers to engage with two very different but equally compelling 2025 releases.
