Hit Man Climbs HBO Max Charts in 2026 Streaming Surge

Once a headline act for Netflix, the audacious comedy thriller Hit Man has found new life on HBO Max, where it’s currently enjoying a remarkable resurgence. The film, which first made waves in 2024, has now shot up to become the fourth most-watched title on the platform worldwide. Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, both riding high from recent successes, star under the direction of Richard Linklater, whose penchant for offbeat storytelling is on full display here.

Hit Man’s journey from Netflix darling to HBO Max favourite is a curious one. After its initial run, which did wonders for the profiles of its leading duo, the film seemed destined for cult status. Yet, two years on, it’s back in the limelight, outpaced only by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio’s One Battle After Another, a live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, and the horror flick Clown in a Cornfield. The script, a collaborative effort between Linklater, Powell, and Skip Hollandsworth, takes inspiration from the real-life exploits of Gary Johnson, though Arjona’s Madison is a wholly invented addition.

Plot Twists and Tangled Identities

Powell steps into the shoes of Gary Johnson, a university lecturer with a rather unconventional sideline: posing as a contract killer for the police, ensnaring those desperate enough to seek out such services. The plot thickens when Madison, played by Arjona, approaches him to arrange the demise of her violent partner. Instead of a straightforward sting, the pair become entangled in a web of deceit and attraction, with Gary’s fabricated personas complicating matters further.

The official synopsis sets the tone:

"Oscar-nominated director Richard Linklater's sunlit neo-noir stars Glen Powell as strait-laced professor Gary Johnson, who moonlights as a fake hit man for the New Orleans Police Department. Preternaturally gifted at inhabiting different guises and personalities to catch hapless people hoping to bump off their enemies, Gary descends into morally dubious territory when he finds himself attracted to one of those potential criminals, a beautiful young woman named Madison (Adria Arjona). As Madison falls for one of Gary's hit man personas — the mysteriously sexy Ron — their steamy affair sets off a chain reaction of play acting, deception, and escalating stakes."

Critical Acclaim and Audience Reaction

Straddling the line between risqué thriller and sharp-witted comedy, the film’s identity is anything but straightforward. Audiences, however, have responded with enthusiasm. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a near-flawless 95% from critics and an 89% approval from viewers. The consensus reads:

"A deceptively dark thriller that's also loaded with laughs, Hit Man is an outstanding showcase for leading man Glen Powell."

Fans have been quick to praise the chemistry between Powell and Arjona, with one remarking on the film’s pace and Powell’s standout performance:

"Excellent, fast-moving movie with an outstanding performance by Glen Powell, who is quickly becoming a superstar."

Another viewer noted,

"Slick, nifty and benefitting from a sexy chemistry between Glen Powell and Adria Arjona."

Behind the Scenes and Lasting Appeal

Linklater, never one to shy away from unconventional material, co-wrote the screenplay and steered the project with his trademark blend of wit and subtlety. The film’s success has only cemented Powell’s reputation as a leading man, while Arjona’s turn as Madison has drawn its own share of plaudits. The blend of genre elements—part noir, part farce, with a dash of steamy intrigue—has clearly struck a chord with viewers seeking something a bit different from the usual streaming fare.

With its renewed popularity, Hit Man stands as a testament to the unpredictable afterlife of streaming releases, proving that a clever premise and sharp performances can find fresh audiences long after the initial buzz has faded.