John Cena may be known for his invisible man schtick, but his addition to the Fast & Furious franchise was anything but unseen. Five years after its theatrical debut, F9 is making a thunderous return on Netflix, climbing the streamer's international Top 10 charts in July 2026. The film has already secured a sixth-place slot in Colombia and another Top 10 appearance in Peru—a globe-trotting resurgence that feels perfectly in line with the saga's high-octane spirit.
Released in 2021, F9 brought Cena into the fold as Jakob Toretto, Dom's long-lost younger brother. The plot twist—that Dom had a sibling he never mentioned across eight previous films—was a bold narrative leap, but it paid off. Jakob teams up with cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron) to unleash a device that can control every digital weapon system on Earth, forcing Dom to confront painful family memories while reassembling his crew for another adrenaline-fueled mission.
A Box Office Triumph Amid Pandemic Challenges
Despite releasing when many theaters were still operating under pandemic restrictions, F9 proved to be one of 2021's biggest theatrical successes. The sequel grossed approximately $726.2 million worldwide, with over $553 million coming from international markets. While its North American total of around $173 million was lower than previous entries, overseas audiences once again embraced the power of family—and the franchise's signature over-the-top action.
Who Stars in 'F9'?
- Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto
- Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz
- Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce
- Ludacris as Tej Parker
- Nathalie Emmanuel as Ramsey
- Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto
- Sung Kang as Han Lue
The cast also includes Charlize Theron, Helen Mirren, and Kurt Russell, adding star power to Cena's debut. For fans of Cena's action chops, his role in F9 is a must-watch, and if you're craving more gritty thrills, check out Bob Odenkirk's 'Nobody' for a similar dose of brutal, clever mayhem.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag
Critics were less enthusiastic about F9 than earlier entries. The film holds a 59% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, narrowly missing a “Fresh” rating. Many reviewers praised its outrageous action sequences but argued the franchise had finally pushed suspension of disbelief beyond its limits. Audiences, however, were far more forgiving, awarding the film an 82% audience score. This divide is typical for a series that has evolved from street racing to globe-trotting espionage with increasingly absurd stunts.
For those who enjoy psychological depth in their action movies, we've ranked the best psychological action films of all time—a list that offers a different kind of intensity.
Why 'F9' Is Still Winning on Streaming
The film's resurgence on Netflix isn't just nostalgia. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the Fast & Furious franchise, which continues to attract new viewers through streaming. With its mix of family drama, globe-trotting locations, and jaw-dropping set pieces, F9 is perfect for a binge-watch session. If you're looking for more action-packed streaming options this month, check out three must-watch Netflix shows to binge this week.
As the franchise gears up for its next installment, F9 remains a pivotal chapter—one that introduced a new Toretto and proved that even after five years, the family's pull is as strong as ever. Catch it now on Netflix in selected markets before it shifts gears again.
