Sydney Sweeney’s Steamy R-Rated Thriller Dethrones Jason Statham’s New 107-Minute Action Hit On Streaming

There’s no question that Jason Statham has an unprecedented level of popularity among fans of modern cinema, even if this is not immediately apparent. Though his action thrillers rarely become box-office giants or receive much critical acclaim, his enduring appeal on the streaming landscape is a whole other story. The Stath is a fixture nowadays, and it’s almost guaranteed that at least one of his films is among the top 10 titles on some of the most prominent platforms. Nevertheless, a challenger has risen, and it has managed to deliver a blow to everyone’s favorite action star.

It’s none other than Sydney Sweeney, the Hollywood sensation whose star power is proportional to her capacity to also generate controversy. While Statham has remained a dominant force on streaming after the release of the action thriller Shelter, Sweeney’s latest entry in the R-rated thriller arena has become a streaming hit, and has claimed the crown that Statham held for months.

‘The Housemaid’ Dethrones Iconic Action Star Jason Statham

Sweeney’s psychological thriller The Housemaid is one of the few films that has managed to beat the fan-favorite action icon that is Jason Statham. His latest release has sat close to the top spots on the streaming charts, and has claimed the top spot at some point. However, Sweeney’s staying power has proved to be a stronger contender this time. Per the most recent rankings, The Housemaid has made a solid streaming comeback, earning the No. 2 spot on the platform STARZ, with Statham’s Shelter dropping to third place. Crime comedy Queenpins has claimed the No. 1 spot on the streamer, which also features titles like 1992, Straight Outta Compton, and 21 Jump Street in its top list of most-watched movies.

Based on the thriller novel of the same name by Freida McFadden, The Housemaid arrived in theaters in December 2025, grossing a smashing $400 million against a budget of merely $35 million, and becoming one of Sweeney’s highest-grossing movies. The critical reception was also positive, with many noting the performances as one of the film’s strengths. Even though a few noted the film’s predictability as one of its weaknesses, The Housemaid earned a 74% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, while the audience score sits significantly higher, at 92%.

Naturally, a sequel was inevitable. Barely one month after its release, The Housemaid 2 (working title) was approved for production, with the book The Housemaid’s Secret serving as source material. The sequel is also set to star Sweeney, and will feature Paul Feig returning to the director’s chair. Paul Anthony Kelly, Brittany Snow, and Kirsten Dunst have also joined the cast of the movie, which is set for release later this year, on December 17.

‘Shelter’ Showcases Action Giant Jason Statham at His Best

Although The Housemaid has officially dethroned it from the top of the charts, Shelter is still undoubtedly another triumph for Statham. Directed by Ric Roman Waugh (Angel Has Fallen, Greenland), the film sees Statham playing his usual persona – a former operative living in isolation who becomes a target and is forced to defend himself. In Shelter, Michael Mason (Statham) is joined by a teenager named Jessie, who Mason swears to protect after the bad guys start hunting her as well.

The 107-minute action thriller landed in theaters in January 2026, and while it grossed almost $54 million, its substantial production budget came in at $50 million. It was considered a box office flop after its theatrical run, but the film has since found well-deserved success after hitting streaming. The critical reception was also positive, earning a 64% critics’ score and an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.