Netflix’s Top Two Movies just sparked an unlikely showdown on February 1, 2026. The Rip claims the number one spot with $24 million dollars and a heist gone wrong, while Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart surged to third place, holding strong with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. These two releases are defining streaming right now.
🔥 Quick Facts
- The Rip: Claimed No. 1 with 20.2 million views in its debut week on January 16, 2026
- Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart: Premiered January 21, 2026 and achieved 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with 15.9 million views
- Release Pattern: Both films launched within 5 days of each other, creating unprecedented competition
- February 1 Ranking: The Rip held position No. 1, Kidnapped climbed to No. 3, M3GAN 2.0 at No. 2
The Rip Dominates With Crime Thriller Intensity
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The Rip exploded onto Netflix on January 16, forcing viewers into a Miami heist that blurs every line of trust. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite as Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Detective J.D. Byrne, two cops who discover $24 million stashed in a run-down safehouse. What follows is a crime thriller where the team must count the money before leaving, but outside forces close in and paranoia explodes from within.
Director Joe Carnahan (known for Narc and Smokin’ Aces) crafted the film inspired by a real 2012 Miami incident when officers found over $20 million hidden in buckets within walls. The script trades creative license with authentic police procedural tension, giving the 1 hour 52 minute feature relentless momentum that keeps viewers pinned to screens.
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Rotten Tomatoes scores hovered at 79% from critics who praised the chemistry between leads. IMDB ranked it 6.8 out of 10 from over 83,000 user ratings, with reviewers calling it a gripping blend of fact and fiction. Roger Ebert noted the constant suspicion and questioning gave the film remarkable momentum throughout. Forbes called Carnahan’s direction brilliant for mixing true crime with creative storytelling.
The ensemble cast brings Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Kyle Chandler, and Catalina Sandino Moreno to the tactical narcotics team. Artists Equity, the studio founded by Damon and Affleck in 2022, produced the feature, marking their boldest investment in original Netflix cinema.
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart Captures Hearts With Perfect Scores
Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart tells the harrowing true story of a 14-year-old girl abducted from her Salt Lake City home in June 2002. Directed by Benedict Sanderson, the 91-minute documentary feature premiered January 21 and immediately achieved 100% critical approval on Rotten Tomatoes, a rare accomplishment for true crime documentaries. IMDB assigned it 6.7 out of 10 from over 3,000 ratings.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | January 21, 2026 |
| Platform | Netflix Streaming |
| Runtime | 91 minutes |
| Director | Benedict Sanderson |
“Elizabeth Smart recounts her kidnapping at age 14 from her Utah home through personal testimony and exclusive footage.”
— IMDB, Official Description
Streaming Wars Heat Up as Competition Intensifies
Netflix strategy of stacking releases intensified viewership battles throughout January 2026. With The Rip at No. 1 and Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart fighting to No. 3, only M3GAN 2.0 claimed the No. 2 spot. Other entries like Miracle: The Boys of ’80 and Secret Mall Apartment rounded out the top five. FlixPatrol data from February 1 showed the documentary climbing rapidly after critical acclaim centered on Elizabeth Smart’s own voice in the storytelling.
The platform’s gamble on documentary crime features alongside star-driven thrillers reshaped viewer behavior, with audiences splitting time between high-action capers and intimate true crime narratives. Both titles achieved the rare feat of sustaining top 5 positions beyond their launch week, signaling sustained interest through early February.
What Should You Stream Right Now on Netflix?
If you crave tension-filled heist drama with A-list Hollywood talent, The Rip demands your attention with Damon and Affleck’s first major co-lead since Air. The pair’s 30-year friendship crackles on screen as cops questioning each other’s loyalty. But if true crime stories with emotional weight draw you in, Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart provides a perfect Rotten Tomatoes verdict and Elizabeth’s authentic testimony that defines survivorship. Both deserve your time, but which one calls to you first?
Sources
- Netflix Tudum – Official Netflix top 10 rankings and film announcements
- FlixPatrol – Real-time streaming viewership data for February 1, 2026
- Rotten Tomatoes – Critical and audience scores for both titles
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.