While Taylor Sheridan's empire of hit shows continues to dominate Paramount+, another success story is emerging from within the streaming service's library. This time, it's not a sprawling Western or crime saga, but a gritty 2024 action thriller starring a familiar face from Sheridan's own Tulsa King.
Frank Grillo, who plays tough guy Tyson on the Sylvester Stallone-led series, is finding renewed popularity with the film Long Gone Heroes. Directed by his frequent collaborator John Swab, the movie has surged into Paramount+'s top ten most-streamed films in the U.S. this April, becoming what industry watchers call a 'sleeper hit'—a title that finds its audience well after its initial release.
From 'Tulsa King' to Tactical Thrills
Grillo's rising profile, bolstered by his role in the hit Paramount+ series and appearances in projects like Peacemaker, seems to be driving viewers to his back catalog. Long Gone Heroes casts him as Gunner, a special forces veteran pulled back into a dangerous mission to rescue his niece from a corrupt private operation in South America. The film, which also features Andy Garcia and Josh Hutcherson, blends mystery with relentless action, a formula that's clearly resonating with subscribers.
The movie's path to streaming success mirrors other library titles that find a second life, much like how Prime Video's 'Holland' thriller found new life on HBO Max after a quiet debut. It demonstrates the unpredictable nature of streaming algorithms and audience discovery.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
Upon its original release, Long Gone Heroes received a mixed response. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes shows a 51% audience score. Some critics praised its no-nonsense approach; The New York Times' Robert Daniels labeled it "a tactical and efficient film" reminiscent of classic 80s actioners. Others, like James Mottram of Radio Times, felt it prioritized spectacle over substance, citing "murky, night-vision-tinged visuals" and a focus on action at the expense of character depth.
This divide is common in the genre, where lean, mean storytelling often wins over audiences even when it doesn't impress all critics. It shares a certain gritty, relentless DNA with films like Jodie Foster's 'The Brave One', which also remains a compelling watch for its raw intensity.
Why Is It Finding an Audience Now?
Several factors are likely contributing to the film's 2026 resurgence. The continued popularity of Tulsa King keeps Grillo in the public eye, and anticipation for the show's fourth season and a planned Samuel L. Jackson-led spin-off has created a halo effect. Furthermore, Paramount+ has been aggressively promoting its film library, with Long Gone Heroes now sitting alongside major titles like Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning on its trending lists.
The film's success also highlights a growing trend of viewers seeking out compact, satisfying genre films amidst a sea of sprawling series. It's a similar phenomenon to why sleeper hit mystery shows often build passionate fanbases over time—they deliver a specific, engrossing experience.
For fans of tense, well-constructed thrillers, Long Gone Heroes offers a direct hit. Its rise up the charts proves that in the streaming era, a movie's journey is never truly over. A hidden gem can be rediscovered at any time, especially when it features a compelling star like Frank Grillo in his element.
Long Gone Heroes is available to stream exclusively on Paramount+.
