While Cillian Murphy has been dominating headlines with his Oscar win and the return of Tommy Shelby in The Immortal Man, a different project from his filmography is quietly taking the world by storm. The 2019 action film Anna, featuring Murphy in a supporting role, has exploded in popularity on streaming services, becoming an international sleeper hit and drawing inevitable comparisons to the John Wick franchise.
From Under-the-Radar to Global Charts
Directed by Luc Besson, Anna stars Sasha Luss as a stunning model who leads a double life as a lethal assassin for the KGB. With a supporting cast including Helen Mirren and Luke Evans, the film delivers the high-octane, stylized action that fans of the genre crave. While it flew somewhat under the radar upon its initial theatrical release, its arrival on digital platforms has sparked a major reappraisal.
In the United States, the film is primarily available on Prime Video and can be streamed for free on The Roku Channel. However, its true breakout moment is happening internationally, where it has landed on Starz. There, Anna has rocketed into the top 10 most-watched movies in multiple countries, proving its cross-border appeal. It's also performing strongly as a video-on-demand purchase on Apple TV, cementing its status as a multifaceted streaming success.
A Different Breed of Assassin
While the crisp, relentless action sequences invite direct parallels to Keanu Reeves's iconic John Wick, critics and fans note that Anna's narrative DNA shares more with Charlize Theron's Atomic Blonde. The film weaves a complex web of Cold War espionage, double-crosses, and a protagonist using her perceived innocence as her greatest weapon. Murphy's performance adds a layer of compelling intrigue to the gritty plot.
This resurgence highlights how streaming platforms can breathe new life into films that didn't find their full audience in cinemas. For viewers seeking a sophisticated, action-packed thriller after bingeing shows like Prime Video's 'The Night Manager', Anna has become the perfect discovery. Its success mirrors other unexpected streaming hits, such as Jason Statham's recent spy comedy finding an audience on Starz.
Murphy's Packed Pipeline
This streaming triumph comes as Murphy's career is at an all-time high. Fresh off his Academy Award victory for Oppenheimer, the actor is deeply immersed in several high-profile projects. He is currently filming a new prison drama directed by Damien Chazelle, which also stars Daniel Craig. First-look images from the set have already generated significant buzz online.
Furthermore, Murphy is set to reprise his role as Emmett in A Quiet Place Part III. Director John Krasinski recently shared a behind-the-scenes photo, confirming production is underway for the film's scheduled summer 2027 release. This busy slate ensures that Murphy will remain in the spotlight, likely driving even more viewers to explore his back catalog, including hits like '28 Days Later' on HBO Max.
The story of Anna is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the streaming era. A film can find its moment years later, connecting with a global audience ready for a slick, intelligent action ride. For fans missing the specific thrill of the John Wick universe or simply seeking a standout performance from one of Hollywood's most acclaimed actors, Cillian Murphy's Anna is now just a click away.
