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Taylor Sheridan's Sicario Sequel Climbs Netflix Charts Years After Release
about 1 year agoUS
Taylor Sheridan's 2018 action thriller, *Sicario: Day of the Soldado*, is experiencing a significant resurgence, climbing into the Top 10 movies on Netflix in the U.S. seven years after its theatrical release. This follows a similar trend where the original *Sicario* (2015) also found renewed popularity on the platform earlier this year.
Key Insights
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*Sicario: Day of the Soldado*, the sequel to the critically acclaimed *Sicario*, landed on Netflix on April 1st, 2025, and quickly entered the streaming service's Top 10 list, reaching as high as #3 according to recent reports.
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The film reunites actors Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin, reprising their roles for another intense operation on the U.S.-Mexico border, focusing on cartels smuggling terrorists.
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While penned by *Yellowstone* creator Taylor Sheridan (who also wrote the original), the sequel was directed by Stefano Sollima, taking over from Denis Villeneuve.
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Why this matters:: The film's streaming success highlights how platforms like Netflix can give older or more divisive films a second life, and underscores the continued audience interest in Taylor Sheridan's gritty storytelling style. It also makes both *Sicario* films conveniently available on one platform.
In-Depth Analysis
*Sicario: Day of the Soldado* continues the dark, morally ambiguous themes of the first film, exploring the brutal realities of the drug war and government intervention. The plot involves federal agent Matt Graver (Brolin) re-teaming with the enigmatic Alejandro Gillick (del Toro) to intentionally escalate a cartel war by kidnapping a kingpin's daughter.
Compared to its predecessor, *Day of the Soldado* received a more mixed reception. While *Sicario* boasts a 92% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, the sequel sits at 62%. Critics acknowledged its stylish action and tension but often found it less nuanced and impactful than Villeneuve's original.
Financially, the sequel also performed slightly below the original, earning roughly $75.8 million worldwide on a $35 million budget, compared to the first film's $84.8 million on a $30 million budget.
Despite the comparisons, its current popularity on Netflix demonstrates a strong audience appetite for action thrillers and the specific brand associated with Taylor Sheridan, now widely known for the *Yellowstone* universe. This renewed interest also fuels speculation about the long-discussed third film, tentatively titled *Sicario: Capos*, though producers state they are still seeking the right storyline.
FAQs
Is *Sicario: Day of the Soldado* a direct sequel to *Sicario*?
Yes, it follows the characters Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) and Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro) from the first film but features a new, separate storyline written by Taylor Sheridan. Emily Blunt's character does not return.
Do I need to watch *Sicario* before *Day of the Soldado*?
While *Day of the Soldado* can be understood on its own, watching the original *Sicario* first provides valuable context for the characters and the grim tone of the world. Both are currently available on Netflix in the US.
Key Takeaways
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If you enjoy intense action thrillers with complex characters and morally grey scenarios, *Sicario: Day of the Soldado* is worth checking out, especially now that it's easily accessible on Netflix.
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Fans of Taylor Sheridan's work (*Yellowstone*, *1883*, *Mayor of Kingstown*) will likely appreciate the film's gritty tone and themes.
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Streaming platforms continue to be a major driver for film discovery and rediscovery, giving movies a second chance to find an audience years later.
Discussion
Did you prefer the original *Sicario* or *Day of the Soldado*? Do you think this trend will lead to *Sicario 3* finally getting made? Let us know your thoughts!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources & References
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Source 1: CBR - Taylor Sheridan's Polarizing Action Sequel Is Dominating Netflix 7 Years Later{target="_blank"}
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Source 2: Screen Rant - Just Weeks After Taylor Sheridan's Crime Thriller... Found New Life On Netflix, The Sequel Is Now Available{target="_blank"}
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Source 3: MovieWeb - Taylor Sheridan’s 'Sicario: Day of the Soldado' Is a Hit on Netflix{target="_blank"}
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