Emily Blunt has proven time and again that she can slip into any genre with ease—whether it's the high-stakes drama of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, the nerve-wracking silence of John Krasinski's A Quiet Place, or the glossy fun of The Devil Wears Prada 2, which reunited her with Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep. But for many fans, her most electrifying role remains the one where she traded designer heels for combat boots and a steely glare.
That role is FBI Special Agent Kate Macer in Sicario, Denis Villeneuve's 2015 crime thriller written by Taylor Sheridan. And in August 2026, the film is enjoying a massive resurgence, topping the streaming charts on HBO Max, Lionsgate+, and the Apple TV Store, according to FlixPatrol. The renewed interest is a testament to the film's enduring power and Blunt's commanding performance.
Set against the brutal backdrop of the U.S.-Mexico drug war, Sicario follows Kate, a principled agent who is recruited into a shadowy government task force tasked with taking down a powerful cartel leader. What unfolds is a tense, morally murky journey that showcases the early hallmarks of Sheridan's storytelling—complex characters, gritty realism, and a willingness to explore the gray areas of justice.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble, including Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jon Bernthal, and Daniel Kaluuya, all delivering standout performances. With a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score, Sicario was both a critical and commercial success, grossing $84.9 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. It earned multiple Oscar and BAFTA nominations, cementing its place as a modern classic.
For those who haven't seen it, Sicario is a masterclass in tension-building, with Villeneuve's direction and Sheridan's script working in perfect harmony. It's no surprise that the film's streaming success comes as audiences seek out thrillers that never miss a beat. The movie's influence can also be seen in the wave of crime dramas that followed, including Barry, which shares a similar moral complexity.
Blunt's portrayal of Kate is a highlight, as she navigates a world where the lines between right and wrong blur. Her performance is a reminder of why she's one of Hollywood's most versatile actors, equally at home in action roles like Edge of Tomorrow or Looper as she is in dramatic fare.
The success of Sicario led to a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, which continued the story without Blunt's character but retained the gritty tone. A third installment is reportedly in development, and fans are eagerly awaiting any news. In the meantime, Sicario remains a must-watch for fans of the best thrillers since 2010.
If you're in the mood for a gripping, thought-provoking crime thriller, Sicario is currently streaming on HBO Max and available on Apple TV. And for more recommendations, check out our list of heist thrillers with jaw-dropping twists.
