Netflix’s 91-Minute Crime Thriller Based on a True Story Breaks Major Streaming Milestone With 58 Million Views

Netflix has another major international success on its hands, as the Mexican crime thriller Facing El Chapo continues to attract millions of viewers and climb the platform’s all-time rankings.

The 91-minute film, which draws inspiration from a remarkable real-life encounter involving notorious drug trafficker Joaquín Guzmán, has now accumulated 58 million views across nine consecutive weeks on Netflix’s global charts.

Its success has made it the second most-watched Mexican title in the streaming service’s history, placing it within reach of the current record holder.

With its tense storyline and difficult moral choices, the film has also drawn comparisons to Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed crime thriller Sicario.

Facing El Chapo Reaches 58 Million Netflix Views

According to Netflix’s Tudum streaming figures, Facing El Chapo recorded another 1.3 million views during the week of October 12–18, 2026.

The film also generated more than two million viewing hours, securing sixth place on the platform’s global Top 10 chart for non-English-language movies.

Even more impressive is its longevity.

Facing El Chapo has remained among Netflix’s most-watched films for nine consecutive weeks, bringing its cumulative total to 58 million views.

That achievement places it second among Mexican titles on the platform, behind the 2025 action thriller Counterstrike, which has accumulated 69 million views.

With an 11-million-view gap separating the two films, Facing El Chapo could potentially challenge the record if its popularity continues.

A Routine Traffic Stop Turns Into a Dangerous Encounter

The film follows two Mexican police officers whose ordinary patrol takes an extraordinary turn.

During a routine traffic stop, the officers discover that the passenger sitting in the back of the vehicle is Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán, one of the world’s most notorious drug traffickers.

He has reportedly just escaped a Mexican Navy operation targeting his compound by using a secret tunnel.

The unexpected encounter leaves the officers facing an extraordinary dilemma.

They can attempt to arrest the powerful crime boss or accept a bribe in exchange for allowing him to escape.

With the threat of retaliation hanging over their decision, the situation quickly becomes a tense confrontation involving fear, corruption and personal survival.

The film draws its suspense from the enormous consequences of a seemingly simple choice.

Netflix Thriller Draws Comparisons to Sicario and Training Day

The film’s portrayal of organized crime and the moral uncertainty surrounding law enforcement has prompted comparisons to Sicario.

Written by Taylor Sheridan and directed by Denis Villeneuve, the 2015 thriller starred Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin.

It became known for its intense action sequences and unsettling depiction of the conflict between law enforcement agencies and Mexican drug cartels.

Facing El Chapo approaches similar territory on a smaller scale, concentrating on the decisions of two officers rather than a large international operation.

Its ethical dilemmas also recall Training Day, the acclaimed police thriller starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke.

Rather than relying on elaborate action sequences, Facing El Chapo builds tension through the danger of its central encounter.

Facing El Chapo Finds Success Without a Major Marketing Campaign

One of the most surprising aspects of the film’s performance is its apparent success without an extensive promotional campaign.

According to the report, Facing El Chapo received relatively limited marketing, while few critics were provided with advance review copies.

The movie also does not currently have a Rotten Tomatoes score cited in the report.

Despite that limited critical exposure, it has continued to perform strongly on Netflix’s global rankings.

Its sustained popularity demonstrates how international crime thrillers can attract substantial audiences through streaming discovery and word of mouth.

Sicario Franchise Prepares for a Major Creative Change

The renewed attention surrounding Facing El Chapo comes as the Sicario franchise prepares for another installment.

Although neither the original film nor its sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, became an enormous box-office hit, a third movie remains in development.

However, the next installment is expected to proceed without two of the franchise’s most influential creative figures.

Villeneuve, who directed the original film, is occupied with other major projects, while Sheridan is no longer attached as its screenwriter.

Instead, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is set to write the screenplay.

For viewers looking for another tense crime thriller while awaiting the franchise’s return, Facing El Chapo offers a compact alternative inspired by real events.

With 58 million views already recorded and its Netflix chart run continuing, the Mexican thriller has established itself as one of the platform’s standout international successes.