Netflix’s survival thriller Apex has become one of the platform’s biggest recent hits, reaching 105 million views in just 24 days. The 90-minute film, starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, is set in the harsh Australian outback and has quickly climbed Netflix’s most-watched charts thanks to its compact runtime, star power, and tense, fast-moving story.
Directed by Baltasar Kormákur and written by Jeremy Robbins, Apex follows two characters forced into a dangerous struggle for survival in an unforgiving desert landscape. The film relies on a stripped-down premise rather than elaborate world-building, which has helped it connect with viewers looking for a straightforward, high-pressure thriller. Its short length has also likely boosted its appeal among streaming audiences who prefer movies they can finish in one sitting.
The film’s performance has been especially notable because it arrived with modest critical reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, Apex holds a 66 percent score, reflecting a split response from reviewers. Some praised its tight first half and atmosphere, while others felt the momentum weakened later in the film. Even so, audience interest has remained strong, suggesting that viewers have responded more to the film’s pace and cast than to its critical standing.
The breakout success of Apex has also raised questions about whether it can enter Netflix’s all-time Top 10 films by views. To do so, it would need to surpass Damsel, which reached 138 million views in its first 91 days. While Apex has made an impressive early run, its long-term ranking will depend on whether it can maintain enough momentum after its strong opening weeks.
The film’s rapid rise highlights a broader trend in streaming: lean, high-stakes thrillers with recognizable stars can become major hits when they match viewer demand for quick, engaging entertainment. In that sense, Apex reflects the kind of content that performs well on major platforms, where convenience, pacing, and immediate suspense can matter as much as scale.
With competition from other upcoming star-driven projects such as The Rip, Apex will need to continue attracting viewers to keep its chart position rising. Still, its early numbers already mark it as a major success for Netflix and a reminder that compact survival dramas can deliver outsized results in the streaming era.
