Hit Man Rockets to HBO Max’s Top 5 in January 2026

After making waves on Netflix in 2024, the provocative comedy thriller Hit Man is now enjoying a second life on HBO Max, where it ’s quickly climbed to the number four spot among the platform’s most-watched films worldwide. The movie, directed by Oscar- nominated filmmaker Richard Linklater and featuring standout performances from Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, has captured the attention of audiences with its unique blend of dark humor and steamy suspense.

Powell, fresh off his roles in Anyone But You, and Arjona, known for Andor, join forces under Linklater’s direction to deliver a film that’s both edgy and entertaining. The script, co-written by Linklater, Powell, and Skip Hollandsworth, draws loose inspiration from the real-life story of Gary Johnson. In the film, Powell plays Johnson, a straight-laced college professor who secretly works with the New Orleans Police Department, posing as a contract killer to catch would-be criminals. Arjona’s character, Madison, is a fictional addition—a woman desperate to escape her abusive boyfriend, who seeks out Johnson’s services, only to find herself entangled in a web of deception and unexpected romance.

Streaming Success and Critical Acclaim

Since its arrival on HBO Max, Hit Man has surged in popularity, trailing only behind major titles like Leonardo DiCaprio ’s One Battle After Another, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, and the horror flick Clown in a Cornfield. The film’s success is a testament to its broad appeal, balancing the tension of a neo- noir thriller with the irreverence of an R-rated comedy.

The official synopsis describes the film as follows:

Oscar-nominated director Richard Linklater's sunlit neo-noir stars Glen Powell as strait-laced professor Gary Johnson, who moonlights as a fake hit man for the New Orleans Police Department. Preternaturally gifted at inhabiting different guises and personalities to catch hapless people hoping to bump off their enemies, Gary descends into morally dubious territory when he finds himself attracted to one of those potential criminals, a beautiful young woman named Madison (Adria Arjona). As Madison falls for one of Gary's hit man personas — the mysteriously sexy Ron — their steamy affair sets off a chain reaction of play acting, deception, and escalating stakes.

Characters, Chemistry, and Audience Response

What sets Hit Man apart is its ability to walk the line between genres. The film’s mix of erotic tension and sharp comedy keeps viewers guessing, while the chemistry between Powell and Arjona adds an extra spark. As Gary’s double life grows more complicated, the story weaves together elements of romance, danger, and dark humor, making for a fast-paced and unpredictable ride.

Critics have been quick to praise the film, with a near-perfect 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 89% audience score. The consensus calls it a "deceptively dark thriller that's also loaded with laughs, Hit Man is an outstanding showcase for leading man Glen Powell." Viewers have echoed this sentiment, highlighting Powell’s performance and the sizzling dynamic between the leads. One fan described it as an "excellent, fast-moving movie with an outstanding performance by Glen Powell, who is quickly becoming a superstar," while another noted, "Slick, nifty and benefitting from a sexy chemistry between Glen Powell and Adria Arjona."