Nearly three decades after Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan redefined the war movie genre, a new contender has captured the hearts of streaming audiences. Tom Hanks, who starred in that seminal film, now commands the screen in Apple TV+'s acclaimed World War II thriller, Greyhound. The film has surged back into popularity, securing a spot among the top ten most-watched movies on the platform in the United States this April, proving its lasting appeal.
The 1998 classic, celebrated for its raw intensity and emotional depth, set a towering standard, winning five Oscars and earning nearly half a billion dollars globally. It created a void that few projects have filled—until now. Greyhound, released in 2020, offers a distinct but equally gripping perspective, trading the infantry's muddy trenches for the claustrophobic, perilous confines of a naval destroyer.
Directed by Aaron Schneider, the film casts Hanks as Commander Ernest Krause, a rookie captain tasked with shepherding a vital Allied convoy across the treacherous Atlantic. The mission quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival against a relentless pack of German U-boats, thrusting Krause into the heart of the historic Battle of the Atlantic. The film masterfully builds tension, placing viewers directly on the bridge amidst the chaos of naval warfare.
Critics praised Greyhound for its lean, efficient storytelling and breathtaking action, awarding it a 'Certified Fresh' 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus highlights the film's 'fast-paced' and 'economical approach,' delivering a thrilling, immersive experience that prioritizes visceral combat and strategic tension. This focused narrative has resonated deeply with subscribers, cementing the movie as one of Apple TV+'s most successful original films to date. Its current chart success mirrors other surprise streaming revivals, like Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'The Last Stand' on Tubi or Tom Hardy's 'Venom' on HBO Max.
'Greyhound' Sequel Sets Sail for the Pacific
The wave of popularity has officially spawned a follow-up. A sequel entered principal photography in Sydney, Australia, in February 2026, with Aaron Schneider returning to direct and Gary Goetzman producing. Tom Hanks will reprise his role as Commander Krause, joined by co-star Stephen Graham, as the battleground shifts from the Atlantic to the vast Pacific theater. The production has expanded its crew with new cast members James Udom, Jonathan Von Mering, Johnathon Schaech, and Eric Lange.
This development signals Apple TV+'s commitment to building flagship franchises, a strategy also seen with the continued success of shows like Adam Scott's chart-dominating 'Severance'. The green light for a Greyhound sequel underscores the film's role as a cornerstone of the service's movie library, appealing to fans of historical drama and intense action alike.
Greyhound's triumph is a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted war stories and the star power of Tom Hanks. It demonstrates that streaming platforms can create event-level films that resonate years after their initial release, finding new audiences in a crowded digital landscape. This revival occurs in a bustling month for streaming, alongside major debuts like 'Avatar 3: Fire and Ash'.
For viewers who have revisited the harrowing beaches of Normandy one too many times, Greyhound offers a fresh, white-knuckle plunge into a different kind of WWII hellscape. It proves that compelling human drama set against the backdrop of history remains a potent formula for success, whether on the big screen or in the streaming era. Greyhound is available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+.
