Chris Hemsworth may not have an Oscar on his mantel, but the Australian star has cemented himself as one of Hollywood's most bankable action heroes. While his decade-plus run as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains his career-defining role, Hemsworth has proven he can draw crowds beyond Asgard. This year, he returns as the God of Thunder in Avengers: Doomsday (hitting theaters December 18), but right now, it's his latest heist thriller that's dominating the streaming charts.
Crime 101, a 139-minute crime epic starring Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, and Barry Keoghan, has become Prime Video's breakout hit of May 2026. Despite a modest theatrical run—the film grossed $73 million globally against a $90 million budget—it has found a massive second life on streaming. Over a month after its digital premiere, the film remains in the platform's global top 10, earning rave reviews with an 88% critics' score and 84% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
What Is 'Crime 101' About?
Based on Don Winslow's crime novella, the film follows an elusive thief (Hemsworth) planning one last heist. His path collides with a disillusioned insurance broker (Berry) at a personal crossroads, while a relentless detective (Ruffalo) closes in. The official synopsis teases a "multi-million dollar heist" that could change all their lives. Directed by Bart Layton, the film has drawn comparisons to Michael Mann's 1995 classic Heat, though it carves its own identity with a modern, twist-heavy narrative.
For fans of taut crime dramas, Crime 101 delivers the tension and star power that made Ridley Scott's 'Dope Thief' a must-binge on Apple TV+ earlier this year. But where that series leaned into gritty realism, Crime 101 balances sleek heist sequences with emotional stakes.
Why It's a Streaming Success
The film's journey from box office underperformer to streaming sensation mirrors the trajectory of other cult favorites. Hemsworth's star power, combined with Berry and Ruffalo's dramatic chops, has turned Crime 101 into a word-of-mouth hit. Viewers are praising its tight pacing, stylish direction, and a standout performance from Keoghan as a wild-card accomplice.
If you're looking for more crime thrillers to stream, check out 'One Battle After Another', also on Prime Video, which has been called the decade's best suspense thriller. For those who prefer HBO Max's offerings, 'When No One Sees Us' is a gripping crime noir that rivals True Detective.
How to Watch 'Crime 101'
Crime 101 is streaming exclusively on Prime Video. Subscribers can watch it now with no additional rental fee. The film is available in 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos audio for an immersive experience. If you're not yet a Prime member, you can sign up for a free trial to catch the film and explore the platform's extensive library of movies and shows.
With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, Hemsworth's star is only rising. But for now, Crime 101 proves that even a modest box office can't stop a great thriller from finding its audience. Don't miss what could become the next cult classic in the crime genre.
