A major new police thriller starring Hollywood icons Ben Affleck and Matt Damon is poised to dominate Netflix this week. The Rip is forecast to become the streaming giant's most-watched film of 2026 so far upon its release this Friday.
Star-Studded Cast and Plot Details
The film sees Affleck and Damon reunite on screen, this time portraying Miami detectives. Affleck plays Detective Sergeant JD Byrne, with Damon as Lieutenant Dane Dumars. The plot centres on a team of officers whose discovery of millions in cash inside a dilapidated stash house causes trust to disintegrate rapidly, throwing everything into doubt.
They are joined by a formidable supporting cast including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Kyle Chandler. This project marks the latest in a long line of collaborations for the two leads, following acclaimed works like Good Will Hunting and Air.
Release Time for UK Viewers
Subscribers won't have to wait long to see the action unfold. The Rip launches globally on Netflix on Friday, 16 January 2026. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the film is expected to become available at 8am GMT that morning, following the platform's typical rollout pattern based on Pacific Standard Time.
This release follows Netflix's other early-year hit, the romantic comedy People We Meet on Vacation, signalling a strong start for the streamer. The Rip is also one of two Affleck-led Netflix films scheduled for this year, with Animals also in the pipeline.
Anticipation Builds for Major Release
With official reviews still under embargo until the release day, the full critical reception remains to be seen. However, the combination of a gripping police thriller narrative, high-stakes plot twists, and the proven star power of its leading duo has positioned the film as a likely chart-topper for Netflix in the early months of 2026.
The platform is betting big on the movie to capture a global audience, continuing its strategy of banking on A-list talent and tense, binge-worthy dramas to keep subscribers engaged.
