Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, widely known for blockbuster roles such as Marvel’s Thor and Netflix’s Extraction, is receiving notable critical acclaim for his latest film, Crime 101. Set for release on February 13, 2026, this crime thriller is earning praise for marking a career-best score on Rotten Tomatoes, distinguishing itself from his usual action-heavy projects.
Crime 101 Outperforms Previous Hits in Rotten Tomatoes Ratings
Currently holding an 89% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, Crime 101 surpasses the 85% rating of Avengers: Infinity War and ties with titles like Rush (2013) and Transformers One (2024). While a few Hemsworth films such as Avengers: Endgame and Star Trek top the list with scores in the mid-90s, Crime 101 stands out for achieving this success without the backing of a major franchise or superhero context.
A Serious Turn: The Unique Nature of Crime 101
Directed by Bart Layton and based on Don Winslow’s novel, Crime 101 departs from Hemsworth’s usual roles, presenting a serious, 140-minute R-rated crime thriller produced on a moderate budget. Unlike his typical CGI-heavy action movies, this film offers a grounded, suspenseful narrative reminiscent of classic crime dramas, focusing on methodical storytelling and character tension.
Plot and Characters: A Cat-and-Mouse Thriller Along the 101 Freeway
The film’s story follows a meticulous jewel thief, played by Hemsworth, who orchestrates high-stakes heists along California’s 101 Freeway. While law enforcement initially ties the crimes to Colombian cartels, detective Lou Lubesnick, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, recognizes a distinctive pattern others overlook. Meanwhile, Halle Berry appears as an insurance broker whose involvement complicates the unfolding events, creating a web of suspense and moral ambiguity.
Critical Response Highlights Execution Over Familiar Storylines
Though the premise draws on familiar crime thriller tropes—such as the “one last job” trope and the determined detective—critics have emphasized the film’s execution. Hemsworth’s nuanced performance and Layton’s direction are credited with elevating the story, creating a tightly paced tension that sets Crime 101 apart and aligns it with comparisons to classics like Heat.
Upcoming Projects: Hemsworth’s Expanding Filmography
Following Crime 101, Hemsworth will return to his role as Thor in Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release on December 18, 2026, under the direction of the Russo Brothers. He will also appear as himself in the Kick-Ass universe film Stuntnuts: The Movie and star in Subversion, a submarine-themed action thriller helmed by Patrick Vollrath, which began production in 2025.
Crime 101 Marks a Turning Point in Hemsworth’s Career
This latest film reinforces Chris Hemsworth’s versatility, proving he can excel beyond superhero and action roles. Crime 101 provides a compelling showcase of his ability to deliver intense, character-driven performances in more serious, grounded narratives. With the film’s theatrical release on February 12, 2026, audiences will soon have the opportunity to see this new dimension of Hemsworth’s work on the big screen.
“He’s about to break every rule he’s ever lived by. Watch the trailer for Crime 101 now, starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry. See the movie only in theaters February 13.” ?Amazon MGM Studios
He’s about to break every rule he’s ever lived by. Watch the trailer for Crime 101 now, starring Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry. See the movie only in theaters February 13. pic.twitter.com/TEEExFj9KG
— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) October 23, 2025
