Russell Crowe Netflix 2026 thriller ‘Unabomber’ hits 40 million views despite mixed reviews

Russell Crowe's thriller "Unabomber" has become one of Netflix's biggest hits of 2026, garnering approximately 40 million views in its first two weeks following its release on September 25th. Despite receiving predominantly negative reviews from critics, the film has managed to attract a sizeable audience. This performance underscores the enduring popularity of true-crime stories, especially those that delve into notorious criminal cases and the circumstances surrounding them.

Directed by Janus Metz Pedersen, the film stars Crowe alongside Jacob Tremblay, Shailene Woodley, and Annabelle Wallis. It reportedly accumulated around 16 million views in its initial week before reaching the impressive milestone of 40 million views across its first two weeks. This places it among Netflix's notable original releases for the year.

However, the film's critical reception contrasts sharply with its streaming numbers. It holds a 25% score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting dissatisfaction with its central argument despite recognizing the performances. While critical reviews may influence a film's reputation, they do not always deter audiences from engaging with a story built around a widely recognized real-life criminal case, as demonstrated by "Unabomber."

Released on Netflix on September 25th, 2026, "Unabomber" is based on the life of Ted Kaczynski, a Harvard-educated mathematician who carried out a series of mail bombings across the United States over nearly two decades. These attacks resulted in three deaths and 23 injuries, leading to an extensive FBI investigation that ultimately resulted in his capture.

The film explores the life of Kaczynski through two interconnected timelines, examining his formative years and the subsequent investigation that brought an end to his bombing campaign.

The film highlights how Kaczynski's experiences as a young academic intersect with the events that preceded his crimes, without absolving him of the consequences of his actions. The performances are noteworthy, with Tremblay portraying Kaczynski, Crowe taking on the role of Harvard psychologist Henry Murray, and Woodley and Wallis playing key roles in the investigation and the personal life of Kaczynski, respectively.

Written by Sam Chalsen and Nelson Greaves, "Unabomber" draws inspiration from real events, blending psychological drama with the investigative elements of a crime thriller. The film's success adds to Netflix's track record of successful mid-budget genre films, alongside other releases such as "The Rip," "Thrash," and "Apex," which have also surpassed 100 million views.

Trisha Bhattacharya, a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, notes these developments, emphasizing the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest in entertainment stories.