Russell Crowe's Unabomber may have been panned by critics, but it's proving to be a streaming juggernaut. The latest Nielsen data reveals the psychological drama is closing in on a staggering 500 million minutes watched, cementing its status as a major Netflix hit in October 2026.
The film, which chronicles the life and crimes of Ted Kaczynski, has drawn a massive audience despite a lukewarm critical reception. It debuted with 16 million views in its first week, then surged to 23 million in its second. While it saw a significant drop in week three—adding just 7 million views—the cumulative numbers are impressive. The movie is now poised to cross the 50 million views milestone, a feat that places it among the platform's most-watched thrillers of the year.
A Tale of Two Timelines
Directed by Janus Metz, Unabomber weaves together two parallel narratives: one following Kaczynski as a brilliant but troubled Harvard student, and the other tracking the FBI's decades-long manhunt. Russell Crowe stars as the professor whose experiments on the young Kaczynski, played by Jacob Tremblay, may have shaped his path to infamy. Shailene Woodley also delivers a compelling performance as the determined FBI agent who becomes obsessed with capturing him.
Despite the star power, the film holds a dismal 25% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have called it "armchair psychology" that fails to convincingly explain Kaczynski's transformation. This stands in stark contrast to David Fincher's acclaimed series Mindhunter, which earned a 97% score and remains a fan favorite. For those still mourning the unfinished Netflix crime saga, Unabomber offers a different, albeit less celebrated, take on criminal psychology.
Streaming Success Amidst Competition
On Nielsen's weekly streaming chart, Unabomber finished third, trailing only Toy Story 5 and The Breadwinner, while outperforming hits like Backrooms and Coraline. Its 481 million minutes watched is a testament to its staying power, even as new releases like Ben Affleck's Animals dominate the charts with 23 million views in just three days. The competition is fierce, but Unabomber has proven it can hold its own.
This isn't the first time Crowe has found streaming success. His earlier thriller dominated streaming for 30 days straight, showing his appeal to audiences who may not always align with critics. And while Unabomber may not be his best-reviewed work, it's clearly resonating with viewers.
What's Next for Unabomber?
As October 2026 rolls on, Unabomber remains a fixture in Netflix's top 10, even as it faces stiff competition from Ben Affleck's Animals. Whether it can sustain its momentum remains to be seen, but its current trajectory suggests it will be remembered as one of the year's most-watched—if not most-loved—thrillers.
For fans of true crime and psychological dramas, Unabomber offers a gripping, if flawed, exploration of a dark chapter in American history. And with its streaming numbers climbing, it's clear that audiences are hungry for stories that delve into the minds of history's most notorious figures.
Stay tuned for more updates on Unabomber and other streaming hits as the year comes to a close.
