Minute Crime Thriller Debuts as the No. 1 Movie in the World

Key Points:

• Ben Affleck's latest crime thriller, "Animals," has quickly become Netflix's No. 1 movie worldwide, following the success of his 2026 hit, solidifying his status in the thriller genre.
• In "Animals," Affleck stars as a mayoral candidate whose son is mistakenly kidnapped, forcing him into a tense dilemma between paying ransom and risking his political career.
• Despite strong performances from Affleck, Kerry Washington, and others, the film has received poor critical reception, holding a 37% critics' score and 41% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
• Critics are divided, with some praising its modern take on classic thrillers and social commentary, while others criticize its inconsistent tone and genre shifts.
• Directed and co-written by Affleck, and produced by Matt Damon among others, "Animals" premiered on October 9 and became Netflix's top movie globally within two days, surpassing recent popular titles.