The 2011 Robert De Niro action thriller streaming title, Killer Elite, starring Jason Statham and De Niro, has gained new momentum by entering Amazon Prime’s Top 10 most-watched films in the U.S. Despite underwhelming reviews and box office performance at its release, the film now ranks No. 9, captivating viewers with its intense action sequences and high stakes.
On August 8, Killer Elite climbed to No. 8 on Amazon Prime’s daily list of top movies and maintained a strong presence in the chart for several days, landing at No. 9 as of August 11. Directed by Gary McKendry, the movie follows retired special ops agent Danny (Statham), who must reenter the dangerous world of covert operations when his mentor Hunter (De Niro) is kidnapped by a ruthless team of assassins. The film’s supporting cast includes Clive Owen, Yvonne Strahovski, Lachy Hulme, and Dominic Purcell, adding depth to this action-driven story.
The Film’s Initial Struggles and Mixed Reception
Killer Elite was not a major success during its original theatrical run, earning just $57 million worldwide against a $70 million budget. Critical and audience responses were tepid, as reflected by its 27% critics’ score and 48% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating divided opinions about the film’s quality and execution.
Robert De Niro’s Upcoming Action Thriller Project with Jamie Foxx and Scott Eastwood
Robert De Niro is gearing up for another entry into the action thriller genre with the upcoming film Tin Soldier, co-starring Jamie Foxx and Scott Eastwood. Scheduled for theatrical release on September 12 and digital release on September 30, Tin Soldier is directed by Brad Furman of The Lincoln Lawyer fame. Foxx portrays a cult leader assembling an army of trained veterans, while De Niro assumes the role of a government operative who enlists Nash Cavanaugh (Eastwood) to infiltrate the dangerous cult.
The film’s ensemble cast also features John Leguizamo, Shamier Anderson, Rita Ora, Nora Arnezeder, and Saïd Taghmaoui. Production began in Thessaloniki, Greece, in May 2022, and after some delays, Samuel Goldwyn Films acquired North American distribution rights in May 2025. The official release date was confirmed following the trailer’s debut on July 31.
De Niro’s Plans for a New Production Studio in New York City
Around the same time, De Niro announced his partnership with his son Raphael De Niro and real estate expert Adam Gordon to open a large production studio in Queens. The 775,000-square-foot facility will focus on filming exclusively within New York State, underscoring De Niro’s connection to his hometown.
“I have always loved shooting in New York. There’s no place like New York,”
De Niro shared in an interview, expressing his commitment to bringing more film projects to the city and leveraging local resources for future productions.
Availability of Killer Elite on Amazon Prime
Killer Elite is currently accessible for streaming on Amazon Prime, where it continues to attract action enthusiasts and expand its viewer base in the U.S. market. The film’s resurgence could prompt renewed interest in similar Robert De Niro action thriller streaming titles, as audiences seek intense, suspense-driven entertainment.
