In the streaming world, budgets don't always dictate success. Netflix's latest viewership report for the week of July 6 to July 12 delivered a surprising David-versus-Goliath story: a tiny indie Western called Old Henry went head-to-head with the massive action franchise F9: The Fast Saga. Both films pulled in exactly 3.9 million views, proving that on Netflix, a small gem can stand tall against a blockbuster.
Old Henry, directed by Potsy Ponciroli and starring Tim Blake Nelson, was made for just $1.5 million. In contrast, F9—the ninth installment of the Fast & Furious saga—cost a staggering $225 million to produce. Yet on Netflix's streaming chart, they were neck and neck. The only difference came down to runtime: F9 is 143 minutes long, racking up 9.4 million hours viewed, while the 99-minute Old Henry earned 6.4 million hours. That gave the franchise flick a higher ranking, but the viewership tie was the real headline.
This isn't just a fluke. Netflix's transparent viewership data often reveals surprising matchups. The top spot that week went to Enola Holmes 3, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill, with 12 million views and 21 million hours viewed in its second week—though that was a steep drop from its 20-million-view debut. But the real buzz was around the clash between the high-octane F9 and the critically acclaimed Old Henry.
Critics have long favored the indie Western. Old Henry holds a Certified Fresh 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while F9 sits at a mediocre 59%. The Fast & Furious franchise continued with Fast X in 2023, which earned similar reviews and box office returns. An 11th and final film is still in development, with Vin Diesel promising it's coming, but production hasn't started yet.
For fans of the genre, Old Henry is a must-watch. It's a taut, character-driven Western that proves you don't need a $200 million budget to tell a gripping story. If you're looking for more flawless Westerns, check out our list of 10 TV shows that got it perfectly right. And for more on Tim Blake Nelson's overlooked gem, read how 'Old Henry' finally gets its due on Netflix.
Netflix's level playing field is a win for indie films. While F9 grossed over $700 million worldwide, Old Henry barely scraped $1 million in theaters. But on streaming, both movies had the same chance to captivate audiences. That's the beauty of the platform: a $1.5 million passion project can stand toe-to-toe with a $225 million spectacle.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more streaming showdowns and entertainment news.
