‘Let Him Go’: the Kevin Costner neo-Western thriller climbing the Netflix charts
Netflix’s top 10 movies global chart is packed with fascinating titles, but the one that caught our eye the most this week is the Kevin Costner neo-Western thriller, Let Him Go.
In the week from March 30th to April 5th, the 2020 movie garnered 3.7million views out of 7million hours of viewing, ranking tenth on the most popular movies chart, simultaneously becoming the number one movie in four countries – Belgium, Croatia, Malta, and New Caledonia.
While Netflix previously added Let Him Go to its library in several other regions, in late March 2026, it also made its way to a few other places, including the UK, possibly triggering an algorithmic push for visibility to subscribers.
But what seems to have primarily contributed to Let Him Go’s boost is the Costner-effect. The film was originally released in theatres in November 2020, a time when COVID-19 restrictions kept viewers away and permitted limited accommodation. Despite that, it performed respectably, grossing $11.5million against a $21million budget.
Although that might still feel modest to hardened critics, if it helps the case, the neo-Western thriller currently boasts 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. So, it’s no wonder that fans who missed it during the original theatrical run are now flocking to Netflix to witness the gem.
Likewise, another factor that may have influenced the rise is watching Costner in a role which feels eerily similar to fans of Yellowstone. Let Him Go stars the actor as George Blackledge, a retired sheriff in 1960s Montana.
Since Yellowstone concluded its five-season run in 2024, existing fans as well as new admirers of his work have been actively seeking Costner-Westerns to fill the void. Lucky for them, Netflix’s algorithm is not failing its fan base.
Directed by Thomas Bezucha, based on Larry Watson’s 2013 novel, Let Him Go follows retired Montana sheriff George Blackledge and his wife, Margaret, who leave their ranch to save their grandson from a dangerous, off-the-grid family, the Weboys in the Dakotas, after their daughter-in-law remarries an abusive man.
Often described as a slow-burning thriller, Let Him Go explores how far one would go to protect their family, albeit from a violent perspective. Therefore, if you have an appetite for tension, do not miss the neo-Western thriller currently streaming on Netflix.