Extraction 1 and 2 just made Netflix movie history – but it might not last for long

Extracting all the success it can

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Chris Hemsworth’sExtractionfilm series has made Netflix movie history – but it’s a record that might not stand the test of time.

Revealed in the latest update of itsTop 10 charts, Netflix confirmed that the action movie franchise is the first of its kind to have two entries appear in its most popular English-language movies list.

The firstExtractionmovie, which arrived in April 2020, has held ninth spot on that particular chart since, well,Netflixbegan releasing its in-house viewing figures data to the public. Extraction has been viewed 135.7 million times since it launched more than three years ago.

Now,Extraction 2, which debuted on the world’sbest streaming serviceon June 16, has helped to cement the Hemsworth-fronted film series' place in the Netflix record books.Extraction 2squeezed its way into 10th place on the streamer’s most-watched English language films list – at the time of writing, it’s been viewed 129.3 million times – on August 23. That means theExtractionmovie franchise is the first-ever movie series to feature two flicks simultaneously on the same Netflix chart.

Extraction 2 has broken onto the Most Popular English Films list at #10 with 129.3 million views since launch. The first film sits at #9 on the list, making Extraction the first film franchise to simultaneously chart two films on the Most Popular list! pic.twitter.com/TGHdiCGoVbAugust 22, 2023

Realistically, we shouldn’t have expected anything less fromExtraction1and2. With an extremely popular actor in Hemsworth fronting the films, as well as their suspense-filled, high-octane action, includingincredibly ambitious one-shot sequences, theExtractionseries are some of the betternew Netflix movieswe’ve seen from the streaming giant’s in-house film department.

As ourExtraction 2reviewsuggests, neither the franchise’s latest entry nor its predecessor are perfect, but as enjoyable, easy-to-watch thrill rides, they’re certainly worth sitting through. In fact, we’d go as far as to say they’re some of thebest Netflix movies(first- and third-party) around right now. That’s if you’re not in the market for a film of a more cerebral nature, anyway.

Making a mark while it can

TheExtractionmovie series' record-breaking achievement is no mean feat. If it was a relatively easy task then other Netflix film franchises – there aren’t many, admittedly – would have have beaten it to the punch.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

Its never-before-seen success, though, might not last. WithExtraction 1and2sitting at ninth and 10th spot on Netflix’s most-streamed English language films list, their positions are precarious at best. Essentially, it’ll only take one new Netflix flick to knockExtraction 2off the chart – and there are plenty of other Netflix-developed film franchises preparing to do so. Of that contingent, theExtractionseries has three big-name players to worry about:Red Notice,The Gray Man, andKnives Out.

Right now,Red Noticeis far and away the most-watched English language Netflix Original film of all-time. Its 230.9 million viewership haul is light years ahead of nearest rivalDon’t Look Up(171.4 million). And, with twoRed Noticesequels on the way, you can safely bet onRed Notice 2usurpingExtraction 2once it sees the light of day.

Even ifRed Notice 2isn’t massively successful,The Gray Man’s sequel and/or its spin-off filmmight threatenExtraction 2’s place on the list. That’s before we even mentionKnives Out 3, which may prove even more popular than 2022’sGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery(basically,Knives Out 2) when the next Daniel Craig-led murder mystery comedy flick arrives.

So yes,Extraction 1and2may have made history for Netflix, but I’d be surprised if they can hold off the advances of some of the streamer’s other heavy hitting film franchises. For now, however, the series can bask in the glow of setting a new Netflix record.

You might also like

As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.

Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

Arcane season 2 act 1 ending explained: who is [SPOILER], when is episode 4 coming out, and your biggest questions answered

Arcane season 2 confirms the hit series isn’t just one of the best Netflix shows ever made – it’s an animated legend that’ll stand the test of time

NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Sunday, November 10 (game #252)