July 2026 is shaping up to be a big month for Michael Bay fans, but not because of a new release. Instead, one of his most underrated films, the 2022 heist thriller Ambulance, is quietly dominating Netflix's streaming charts. Directed by Bay and starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, this adrenaline-fueled ride is finally getting the attention it deserves.
Ambulance follows two robbers who, after a bank heist goes horribly wrong, hijack an ambulance to escape. What follows is a relentless chase through Los Angeles, with Bay's signature explosive style and dizzying drone shots. The film initially struggled at the box office, earning just $52 million globally against a $40 million budget, but it earned a solid 68% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 87% audience score. Now, streaming on Netflix, it's found a second life.
This isn't the only Michael Bay project making waves on Netflix. Earlier in 2026, the streaming giant added all episodes of The Last Ship, a dystopian sci-fi thriller Bay produced. The show, starring the late Eric Dane, follows a Navy battleship searching for a cure to a deadly virus. While Bay didn't direct any episodes, his action sensibilities are all over the series, which has quietly become one of the year's biggest streaming hits.
For fans of heart-pounding thrillers, Ambulance offers a perfect blend of chaos and character. Gyllenhaal and Abdul-Mateen II deliver some of the most intense performances of their careers, while Bay keeps the pedal to the metal. The film has also cracked the VOD top 10 on both Prime Video and Apple TV, proving its appeal extends beyond Netflix.
Looking ahead, Bay's next project is a Skibidi Toilet adaptation, currently in production but without a release date. He was briefly attached to Will Smith's Netflix action movie Fast and Loose but left due to creative differences. He's also set to direct OutRun, though details remain scarce. His last feature before Ambulance was the 2019 Ryan Reynolds-led 6 Underground, also on Netflix.
If you're craving more edge-of-your-seat action, check out our list of overlooked Netflix thrillers that are flawless from the first scene. For those who love a good heist, the best domestic thrillers offer plenty of twists. And if you're in the mood for something haunting, our ranking of the most haunting thrillers will stick with you.
Stream Ambulance now on Netflix and see why Michael Bay's high-octane style is still crushing the competition.
