In a recent development for the Taylor Sheridan crime movie streaming audience, “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” has gained significant traction on global streaming charts, three years after its theatrical release. The film, written by Sheridan and directed by Stefano Sollima, is now ranking among top-viewed movies on Netflix, marking an unexpected resurgence for the action-packed thriller.
Taylor Sheridan, known for his string of successful productions, wrote “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” as a follow-up to the acclaimed 2015 original helmed by Denis Villeneuve. While the first “Sicario” was widely praised as a modern crime masterpiece—with multiple Oscar nominations and a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—the sequel received a much cooler critical and commercial reception upon its 2018 release. Starring Benicio del Toro as Alejandro Gillick and Josh Brolin as Matt Graver, the film grossed about $75 million worldwide on a $45 million budget, not quite matching the first film’s financial or critical gains.
Despite its lukewarm debut, current data from FlixPatrol shows “Sicario 2” breaking into the upper ranks of Netflix’s global film leaderboard. This surge placed it ahead of popular titles such as “Legally Blonde” and “Kung Fu Panda 4” on January 7, even as the true crime documentary
“Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story”
took the top spot. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” holds a 62% rating, with the consensus stating,
Though less subversive than its predecessor, Sicario: Day of the Soldado succeeds as a stylish, dynamic thriller — even if its amoral machismo makes for grim viewing.
— Rotten Tomatoes Critics
Plans Underway for a Third Sicario Film
In another major update for fans, a third entry in the series is currently in development, suggesting the franchise’s appeal continues despite the initial mixed reception of “Soldado.” Benicio del Toro, who brought gravitas to the role of Alejandro Gillick, is now being considered for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work in Paul Thomas Anderson’s recent film “One Battle After Another.” Meanwhile, co-star Josh Brolin was recognized for his part in the successful horror film “Weapons.” Both actors’ recent projects have received strong reviews and crossed the $200 million mark at the box office.
Director Stefano Sollima, who took over for Denis Villeneuve for the sequel, recently completed work on Netflix’s limited series “The Monster of Florence.” Taylor Sheridan, meanwhile, has maintained his industry influence, with several high-performing shows streaming on Paramount+. However, Sheridan will end his relationship with Paramount and embark on a new creative deal with NBCUniversal in 2029, positioning his creative future beyond the current wave of streaming success.
Main Cast and Characters
“Sicario: Day of the Soldado” brought back several familiar faces, further grounding its narrative in the world established by Sheridan and Villeneuve. Benicio Del Toro reprised his role as Alejandro Gillick, a former prosecutor turned enigmatic operative, while Josh Brolin returned as Matt Graver, a senior CIA officer known for his uncompromising methods. Their complex, often conflicted partnership forms the backbone of the sequel’s layered storytelling.
With renewed attention thanks to streaming services like Netflix, the Taylor Sheridan crime movie streaming resurgence suggests a lasting audience interest in intense, morally ambivalent crime dramas. As anticipation builds for “Sicario 3,” viewers can revisit the labyrinthine world of drug cartels, federal agents, and moral uncertainties that has defined the franchise. Sheridan, along with stars like del Toro and Brolin, remains at the center of crime storytelling in today’s streaming era.
