Netflix's May 2026 lineup is packed with fresh hits, from the crime saga Man on Fire to the return of Devil May Cry. But the streaming giant's most unexpected success story is a 33-year-old Bruce Willis vehicle that's suddenly drawing comparisons to the John Wick franchise. Striking Distance, a gritty serial killer thriller from 1993, has clawed its way into the platform's top 10 most-watched movies in the U.S., and it's also climbing charts internationally, including top 15 spots on Apple TV in Ireland and the UK.
Why Striking Distance Feels Like a John Wick Replacement
Directed by Rowdy Herrington, Striking Distance stars Willis as Tom Hardy—no, not that Tom Hardy—a homicide detective haunted by a family tragedy. When a copycat killer resurfaces, Hardy goes rogue, taking justice into his own hands with a relentless, almost balletic intensity that modern audiences are comparing to Keanu Reeves' iconic assassin. The film's gritty Pittsburgh setting, high-octane car chases, and Willis' no-nonsense physicality make it a perfect fit for fans craving that John Wick energy. In fact, 7 Action Thrillers That Outgun John Wick includes several Willis classics, and this one is earning its place in the conversation.
A Cast That Delivers
Willis isn't alone in this ride. The film boasts a stellar supporting cast: Sarah Jessica Parker as a tough-as-nails reporter, Dennis Farina as a grizzled captain, and Tom Sizemore as a fellow detective. Their chemistry elevates the material, giving the action a grounded, human edge. While critics were harsh at the time—Striking Distance holds a mere 20% on Rotten Tomatoes, with Roger Ebert calling it "an exhausted reassembly of bits and pieces"—audiences today are rediscovering its raw charm through a '90s nostalgia lens.
Streaming Success in May 2026
The film's resurgence comes as Netflix's Man on Fire series, which debuted all seven episodes in late April, has already been binged by millions. With that show wrapped, subscribers are turning to Willis' back catalog for a similar fix of brooding vengeance. Striking Distance isn't the only throwback actioner finding new life on streaming—Liam Neeson's 'Retribution' Finds Streaming Redemption on Netflix in July 2026—but Willis' film is leading the charge right now.
What's Next for Willis Fans?
If Striking Distance leaves you wanting more, Netflix's library is full of Willis gems. For those who prefer a different flavor of action, Netflix's 'Counterattack' Becomes Its Biggest Non-English Hit, Replacing 'John Wick' as July 2026's Action King offers a fresh alternative. But for now, the buzz is all about Willis' underrated 1993 thriller proving that sometimes, the best action heroes never really fade away.
Striking Distance is streaming now on Netflix. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more streaming updates.
