While Taylor Sheridan's 2026 schedule is packed with high-profile series like The Madison and the Yellowstone spin-off Marshals, one of his earlier cinematic works is unexpectedly stealing the spotlight. The 2021 neo-Western thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead, which Sheridan both wrote and directed, has surged back into popularity, becoming a sleeper hit on global streaming charts this April.
Starring Angelina Jolie and Jon Bernthal, with a supporting turn from Game of Thrones alum Aidan Gillen, the film initially flew under the radar upon its theatrical release. Now, five years later, audiences are discovering this tense survival story, propelling it into the top 10 on major video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV in multiple countries.
What Is 'Those Who Wish Me Dead' About?
The film is a high-stakes chase set against the breathtaking yet brutal backdrop of the Montana wilderness. The plot follows a teenage boy who becomes a target for a pair of ruthless assassins after witnessing a murder. His only hope for survival is a reclusive wilderness expert, played by Jolie. Their desperate flight becomes a race against not only the killers but also an encroaching, catastrophic forest fire that threatens to consume everything in its path.
It's a classic Taylor Sheridan setup—ordinary people thrust into extraordinary, life-or-death circumstances where the landscape itself is a character. The film blends psychological tension with raw, physical survival, a hallmark of Sheridan's best work.
A Second Life for a Hidden Gem
Upon its debut, Those Who Wish Me Dead earned a respectable 63% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it was audiences who truly connected with it, granting an impressive 86% approval rating. Despite a modest box office return of around $19 million, the film's quality has ensured its longevity. Its current streaming renaissance is a perfect example of how titles can find their audience years later, especially when attached to a creator like Sheridan, whose fanbase has only grown exponentially since 2021.
This isn't the only thriller finding new success in 2026. The streaming landscape is full of surprises, from Chris Hemsworth's 'Crime 101' heist thriller topping Prime Video charts globally to Bruce Willis' forgotten '90s thriller 'Striking Distance' becoming a Netflix sensation. It seems viewers have an appetite for rediscovering tense, character-driven stories.
While Those Who Wish Me Dead is not currently available on a major subscription streaming service in the United States, its strong performance on rental platforms is a clear signal of demand. This often precedes a high-profile return to a service like Paramount+ or HBO Max, where Sheridan's other projects reside. For fans eager to dive into more edge-of-your-seat content, our list of the best thriller movie openings ever is a great place to start.
Sheridan's focus may be on his expanding television universe, but the renewed interest in Those Who Wish Me Dead is a potent reminder of his sharp, cinematic roots. The film showcases his ability to craft relentless suspense within a visually stunning, unforgiving environment. For fans of Yellowstone looking for a more condensed, fiery dose of Sheridan's storytelling, this movie is a must-watch rediscovery.
If you're in the mood for a taut, beautifully shot survival thriller, seek out Those Who Wish Me Dead on VOD. Its journey from overlooked release to streaming chart-topper proves that a great story, much like the protagonists within it, can endure against all odds.
