The Tom Cruise action classic topping the Netflix US charts

This week the true-story-inspired American Made, starring Tom Cruise, has claimed the top spot as the most streamed movie on Netflix in the United States.

The action-packed biographical comedy-drama has remained in the US top ten list for two consecutive weeks, and its popularity has skyrocketed to a global level, entering the English-language top ten list this week with a staggering 9,300,000 hours viewed and 4,900,000 total views.

Directed by Doug Liman based on a script penned by Gary Spinelli, American Made is a high-flying tale of real-life events that brings to life the astonishing story of Barry Seal, a former TWA pilot who unexpectedly finds himself working as a covert courier for the CIA, while simultaneously running drugs for the notorious Medellin Cartel. 

Despite being a biopic, this is no faithful documentary of the real events. American Made fuses elements of comedy and action and works as a star vehicle for Cruise, who is in his element doing his own stunts, flying high and having fun playing Seal as a charismatic antihero.

In addition to Tom Cruise’s effortless superhero avatar, the film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Sarah Wright, Domhnall Gleeson, and Jesse Plemons. Wright plays Barry Seal’s wife, Lucy, who finds herself increasingly entangled in her husband’s dangerous dealings. Gleeson portrays Monty Schafer, a mysterious CIA agent who recruits Seal for his covert missions, and Plemons plays a local sheriff who becomes suspicious of Seal’s activities.

While American Made may not be a historical documentary, it does offer a unique perspective on the covert operations of the US government during the late 20th century, blending fact and fiction in an exciting manner. The film currently holds an 85 per cent certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes to boot.

The film’s success on Netflix is a testament to the enduring popularity of Tom Cruise and the universal appeal of a story filled with espionage, action, and humour.

Watch the trailer for American Made below.