Hollywood stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are set to reunite on screen in the upcoming crime thriller The Rip, which will premiere globally on Netflix on January 16, 2026. The film marks another major collaboration between the Oscar-winning duo and is among the platform’s most anticipated releases of the year.
Blending themes of corruption, loyalty, greed, and moral compromise, The Rip positions itself as a dark, character-driven crime drama aimed at fans of gritty, high-stakes storytelling.
What Happened?
Netflix has confirmed the global streaming release of The Rip, bringing Affleck and Damon back together in a hard-edged thriller that explores the psychological and ethical costs of crime. The film stars Affleck as JD Byrne and Damon as Dane Dumars, two men entangled in a morally complex world where trust is fragile and consequences are unavoidable.
With its January 16 release date locked, the film is expected to anchor Netflix’s early 2026 slate of prestige thrillers.
Official Confirmation or Sources
The release details have been officially announced by Netflix, with the film set to debut exclusively on the platform. The Rip is written and directed by Joe Carnahan, known for stylised, intense action and crime narratives.
The project is produced under Artists Equity, the production company founded by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, alongside producers Dani Bernfeld and Luciana Barroso. The film’s music is composed by Clinton Shorter, whose work is known for enhancing atmospheric tension.
Jay-Ho! Insight
The Rip continues a significant creative phase for Affleck and Damon, who have increasingly focused on filmmaker-driven projects through Artists Equity. Their on-screen reunions have historically drawn strong interest, from Good Will Hunting to later collaborations that balance star power with grounded storytelling.
Crime dramas remain a strong genre for streaming platforms, offering global appeal and repeat-viewing value. Netflix’s acquisition and promotion of The Rip reflects its strategy of pairing established stars with filmmaker-led narratives to attract both mainstream viewers and cinephiles.
The film’s ensemble cast further strengthens its appeal, featuring Lina Esco, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Kyle Chandler, and Néstor Carbonell—a mix of critically acclaimed performers and audience favourites.
Public or Fan Reaction
Since the announcement of its OTT release, The Rip has generated significant buzz online, particularly among fans eager to see Affleck and Damon share the screen again. Social media reactions highlight excitement around the film’s dark tone, Carnahan’s direction, and the promise of layered performances rather than spectacle-driven action.
Industry watchers have also noted the film as one of Netflix’s more serious, adult-oriented releases for early 2026.
What’s Next?
With its Netflix debut set for January 16, 2026, The Rip is expected to receive a full promotional push, including trailers, interviews, and digital campaigns in the weeks leading up to release. Early critical reactions and viewership numbers will determine whether the film emerges as a breakout streaming success or a cult favourite among crime-drama enthusiasts.
