Netflix has found its next big action-thriller sensation in the Spanish-language film Facing El Chapo, which has dominated the streamer's global charts for two consecutive weeks. The movie, which dramatizes the real-life capture of notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, has proven to be a massive hit with audiences worldwide, even outpacing the debut of the star-studded The Whisper Man.
In its first week, Facing El Chapo debuted as the number-one movie on Netflix across the globe, beating out heavyweights like Don't Say Good Luck and The Last House. The film repeated this feat in its second week, showing an impressive increase in viewership despite facing direct competition from a new release featuring Robert De Niro, Adam Scott, and Michelle Monaghan.
Impressive Viewership Numbers
According to Netflix's latest weekly viewership report, Facing El Chapo drew 20 million views in its second week, up from the 18 million it attracted during its debut. This surge in popularity allowed the film to top the non-English language chart for the second week in a row, while also outperforming several English-language hits like The Heat, Shrek, and 2012.
The film's success is particularly notable given the stiff competition it faced. The Whisper Man, which premiered with 23 million views, finished second on the English-language chart, trailing only the record-breaking GTA 6 extended look that drew 31 million views. Despite mixed reviews for The Whisper Man, which currently holds a 46% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Facing El Chapo has managed to capture the audience's attention.
A True Story That Resonates
Facing El Chapo is based on true events from a decade ago, following two Mexican police officers who discover that the man they've pulled over at a random traffic stop is none other than the infamous drug lord himself. The film's gripping narrative and authentic portrayal have resonated with viewers, earning a 76% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with all six critic reviews currently listed being positive.
The movie's success can also be attributed to its timing, as audiences continue to show a strong appetite for true-crime and drug-cartel stories. This trend is evident in the popularity of other Netflix titles like The Altruists, which explores the FTX collapse, and the enduring appeal of shows like Outer Banks.
A Global Phenomenon
Facing El Chapo has not only topped charts in Spanish-speaking countries but has also made a significant impact in markets like India, where it beat out the Hindi-language film Alpha. The movie's universal themes of justice and bravery have helped it transcend language barriers, making it a true global hit.
As Netflix continues to invest in international content, Facing El Chapo serves as a prime example of how non-English productions can achieve mainstream success. With its strong performance, the film is likely to remain a topic of conversation among subscribers and could potentially pave the way for more Spanish-language originals in the future.
For those who haven't yet watched Facing El Chapo, it's currently streaming on Netflix, and with its growing popularity, it's a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers and true stories. The film's success also highlights the platform's ability to deliver compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide, solidifying Netflix's position as a leader in the streaming industry.
