Jon Bernthal has had a banner year in 2026, and his latest streaming triumph proves he's a force to be reckoned with. The actor, known for his intense roles, has seen his spy thriller The Amateur climb to the top of HBO Max's charts, becoming the No. 1 movie on the platform in November 2026. It's a remarkable feat for a film that initially flew under the radar at the box office.
The Amateur, which stars Rami Malek as a brilliant but introverted CIA decoder, has found its audience on streaming. The film, which also features Bernthal in a key role, has been praised for its tense, Jason Bourne-style action and its gripping revenge narrative. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 61% from critics and an impressive 87% from audiences, it's clear that viewers are connecting with the story.
The movie follows Charlie Heller (Malek), whose life is shattered when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack in London. When his superiors refuse to act, Heller takes matters into his own hands, using his intelligence to track down those responsible. Bernthal plays a supporting role, adding his signature intensity to the proceedings.
Bernthal's 2026 has been nothing short of spectacular. He starred in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which grossed over $2.5 billion worldwide, and appeared in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, which is now hitting VOD after a record-breaking theatrical run. He also reprised his role as The Punisher in The Punisher: One Last Kill and starred in His & Hers.
The actor's resurgence began in 2025 with The Accountant 2, alongside Ben Affleck, which became a streaming hit on Prime Video. Now, The Amateur is following a similar trajectory, finding new life on HBO Max and other VOD platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV.
Directed by James Hawes and based on Robert Littell's novel, The Amateur also features Rachel Brosnahan, Holt McCallany, and Julianne Nicholson. The film's success on streaming is a testament to its appeal, and it's a must-watch for fans of spy thrillers.
If you're looking for more action-packed recommendations, check out our list of action thrillers that have surged on streaming. And for those who can't get enough of Bernthal, his performance in The Punisher remains a fan favorite, as highlighted in our ranking of Spider-Man movies.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on Jon Bernthal's upcoming projects and the latest in entertainment news.
