Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Expose Netflix’s Surprising Action Movie Rules

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, the stars of Netflix ’s latest action thriller The Rip, recently pulled back the curtain on how the streaming giant shapes the way action movies are made today. Appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience, the longtime collaborators reflected on their journey in Hollywood and how the industry has shifted since their early days, when their first major project together even landed them an Oscar for writing.

Damon explained that the experience of watching movies at home has fundamentally changed not just how audiences engage with films, but also how filmmakers approach their craft. He pointed to his time working on The Rip as a clear example of how Netflix’s expectations differ from traditional studios. According to Damon, the streamer had some very specific—and sometimes controversial—requests for the film ’s structure.

Netflix’s Formula for Action: Fast Starts and Repetition

Describing the classic approach to action movies, Damon said,

“The standard way to make an action movie that we learned was, you usually have three set pieces. One in the first act, one in the second, one in the third. And they kinda ramp up to the big one with all the explosions. You spend most of your money on that one in the third act. That's your kind of finale. ”

But Netflix, he revealed, wanted something different.

“And now they're like, 'Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay tuned in. And it wouldn't be terrible if you reiterated the plot three or four times in the dialogue because people are on their phones while they're watching.'”

Anyone familiar with Netflix originals might recognize this pattern. The platform’s content often shares a certain rhythm and style—not just visually, but in the way stories are told and characters are developed. The focus, Damon suggested, is on making content that’s easy to follow, even if viewers are distracted or multitasking.

Content Over Complexity: The New Streaming Reality

Damon’s comments highlight a broader trend in streaming: movies and shows are increasingly designed to be “content” that’s simple to consume. This approach can sometimes lead to stories and characters that feel less developed or nuanced. While this strategy is divisive, it’s become the norm for many productions under the Netflix banner.

Still, Damon and Affleck were quick to point out that not every project follows these rules. There are rare exceptions that break away from the formula, offering something deeper and more challenging for viewers who want it.

Breaking the Mold: ‘Adolescence ’ as a Standout

During the podcast, Affleck singled out the show Adolescence as a prime example of a Netflix project that goes against the grain.

“But then you look at Adolescence, and it didn't do any of that sh-t. And it's f-ing great. And it's dark too. It's tragic and intense. [It's about] this guy who finds out his kid is accused of murder, and there are long shots of the back of their heads. They get in the car, nobody says anything.”

Damon agreed, adding that the show feels like a rare exception and is “masterfully made.” Affleck summed it up:

“It demonstrates that you don't need to do any of that sh-t.”

For Damon and Affleck, these outliers prove that there’s still room for bold storytelling —even in a landscape dominated by algorithms and audience data.