Sicario: Day of the Soldado Surges on Netflix’s Global Top 10

When Taylor Sheridan’s follow-up to the acclaimed action thriller Sicario landed on streaming in January, it didn’t make much noise at first. But now, the sequel is quickly gaining momentum, climbing the ranks among the most-watched movies worldwide. Sheridan, who’s also behind hit series like Yellowstone and Landman, has a reputation for crafting intense, character-driven stories. His work in film includes writing Hell or High Water and Wind River, as well as the original Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve. This time, the spotlight is on Sicario: Day of the Soldado, which has found new life on streaming platforms.

Currently, the film sits at number seven on Netflix ’s global weekly chart, drawing in viewers with its high-stakes narrative and gripping performances. While Sheridan returned to write the script, directing duties shifted from Villeneuve to Stefano Sollima. The cast reunites Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, and Jeffrey Donovan, with new faces like Isabela Merced, Catherine Keener, and Matthew Modine joining the ensemble. Brolin’s character, Matt Graver, takes center stage as the story unfolds along the volatile US-Mexico border.

Escalating Tensions at the Border

Unlike the first film, which followed Emily Blunt’s character as she navigated the murky world of the drug war, the sequel puts Graver in the driver’s seat. The plot kicks off when Mexican cartels begin smuggling terrorists into the United States, prompting Graver to team up once again with the enigmatic Alejandro. Their mission: kidnap the daughter of a powerful cartel boss to stir up chaos among rival factions. The official synopsis sets the stage:

"FBI agent Matt Graver calls on mysterious operative Alejandro Gillick when Mexican drug cartels start to smuggle terrorists across the U.S. border. The war escalates even further when Alejandro kidnaps a top kingpin's daughter to deliberately increase the tensions. When the young girl is seen as collateral damage, the two men will determine her fate as they question everything that they are fighting for."

This new chapter raises the stakes, pushing its characters to confront their own motives and the consequences of their actions as violence spirals out of control.

Critical Response and Audience Reactions

With the original Sicario widely regarded as one of Denis Villeneuve’s standout films, expectations for the sequel were sky-high. Sicario: Day of the Soldado delivers a gritty crime thriller, though it hasn’t quite matched the critical acclaim of its predecessor. The movie holds a 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences giving it a slightly higher 66%. That’s a notable drop from the original’s 91% critic score and 85% audience rating.

Despite the mixed reviews, the sequel has its share of devoted fans. One viewer on Rotten Tomatoes praised it, writing,

"A masterpiece, just like the first film... Some folks didn't have the patience to embrace this 2nd piece to the story. But it is beautiful, start to finish."

Still, many agree that the sequel lacks the tight focus and visual storytelling that made the first film so memorable. The narrative feels broader, and some of the subtle tension and cinematic power of the original are missing this time around.