Jon Bernthal is having a banner year in 2026, with his box office earnings soaring past $3 billion thanks to blockbuster roles. But while his recent big-screen triumphs have dominated headlines, one of his earlier, less-heralded projects is quietly making waves on streaming. Those Who Wish Me Dead, a 2021 Western thriller directed by Taylor Sheridan, has found a new audience on Netflix and is now sitting comfortably in the platform's U.S. top 10.
The film, which stars Angelina Jolie as a smoke jumper haunted by a past tragedy, features Bernthal in a key supporting role. It originally hit theaters in May 2021, but only managed to gross around $19 million worldwide—a modest figure for a star-studded production. Now, five years later, the movie is experiencing a streaming renaissance, proving that great stories often find their audience in the long run.
Bernthal's 2026 started with acclaimed TV work on His & Hers (Netflix) and The Bear (Hulu), but it was his July one-two punch that truly cemented his A-list status. He appeared in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and then, just two weeks later, swung into Spider-Man: Brand New Day alongside Tom Holland. The latter became one of only a handful of films to cross the $2 billion mark globally, and the combined success of these projects has sparked renewed interest in Bernthal's earlier filmography.
That renewed interest is exactly what's driving Those Who Wish Me Dead up the Netflix charts. The film's gripping narrative—about a young boy who witnesses a murder and must be protected by Jolie's character, Hannah—has resonated with subscribers. The cast also includes Nicholas Hoult, fresh off his turn as Lex Luthor in Superman, and Aidan Gillen, known for his role in Game of Thrones.
Critics gave the film a 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences were far more enthusiastic, awarding it an 86% approval rating. That gap suggests a movie that delivers exactly what viewers want, even if critics were less impressed. The film's streaming success is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Netflix hasn't announced a removal date for Those Who Wish Me Dead, so subscribers can expect it to remain available at least through the end of October. For those looking to explore more hidden gems on the platform, our list of overlooked Netflix treasures is a great starting point.
Taylor Sheridan, the film's writer and director, has since become a household name thanks to Yellowstone and its spin-offs. His gritty, character-driven storytelling is on full display in Those Who Wish Me Dead, making it a must-watch for fans of his TV work. If you're new to Sheridan's style, this film is an excellent entry point.
For those who prefer their Westerns with a classic twist, we've also ranked the greatest spaghetti westerns of all time. And if you're curious about what else is trending on Netflix this week, check out our weekend picks.
As Bernthal's star continues to rise, it's clear that his earlier work is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Those Who Wish Me Dead is a tense, emotional thriller that showcases his range and proves that even a modest box office can't diminish a film's lasting impact.
