World War II movies have long been a staple of cinema, from the gritty realism of Saving Private Ryan to the explosive drama of Oppenheimer. But in 2025, a different kind of WWII film took the world by storm: Sisu: Road to Revenge, a sequel that swaps historical accuracy for over-the-top, John Wick-style action. Now, in July 2026, this Finnish revenge thriller is quietly becoming one of the biggest streaming hits on HBO Max, proving that audiences can't get enough of its relentless, blood-soaked carnage.
The original Sisu (2022) introduced audiences to Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), a grizzled ex-soldier who single-handedly takes on Nazi forces in the Lapland wilderness. Its blend of brutal combat and dark humor earned it a cult following, and the sequel, Sisu: Road to Revenge, raises the stakes even higher. This time, Korpi faces off against a Red Army officer who murdered his family, leading to a cross-country chase involving tanks, warplanes, and enough explosive vengeance to satisfy any action fan.
While Sisu: Road to Revenge had a modest theatrical run—grossing $9 million worldwide compared to the first film's $13 million—it has found a second life on streaming. After spending weeks atop Netflix's most-watched lists in the U.S., the film is now climbing the charts on HBO Max globally, where it ranks among the top 10 most-watched titles. This dual-platform success highlights the growing appetite for high-octane, genre-bending WWII stories.
Director Jalmari Helander, who wrote and directed both films, has crafted a sequel that critics adore. Sisu: Road to Revenge holds a 93% critics' score and an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its crowd-pleasing blend of action and heart. The film also stars Stephen Lang (Avatar), adding a familiar face to the mayhem.
For fans of John Wick or Nobody, Sisu: Road to Revenge offers a similar brand of stylish, visceral combat set against a WWII backdrop. It's a refreshing departure from more traditional war epics like Pressure (starring Brendan Fraser) or Lucky Strike (with Scott Eastwood), which focus on historical events like D-Day or the Battle of the Bulge. Instead, Sisu leans into pure, unapologetic action—a formula that's clearly resonating with streaming audiences.
If you're looking for more WWII thrills, don't miss Tom Hanks' WWII thriller 'Greyhound', which became an Apple TV+ streaming sensation ahead of its 2026 sequel. And for those who prefer their action with a side of drama, Prime Video's 'It's Not Like That' is quietly becoming 2026's most surprising drama.
Whether you're a WWII buff or just love a good revenge story, Sisu: Road to Revenge is the streaming hit you didn't know you needed. Catch it on Netflix in the U.S. or HBO Max worldwide, and prepare for a wild ride.
