Get ready for a pulse-pounding ride with The Rip, an upcoming action thriller hitting Netflix on January 16, 2026. Directed and written by Joe Carnahan (Narc, The Grey), this film promises to deliver high-stakes drama, intense action, and a story inspired by true events. Starring Hollywood heavyweights Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, alongside a stellar ensemble cast including Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Néstor Carbonell, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler, The Rip is poised to be one of Netflix’s standout releases of 2026.
Set in the sun-soaked yet gritty streets of Miami, The Rip follows a team of cops from the Tactical Narcotics Team who stumble upon millions in cash during a raid on a derelict stash house. What begins as a routine operation quickly spirals into a dangerous game of distrust and betrayal as word of the massive seizure spreads, drawing the attention of outside forces. Loyalties are tested, and the lines between right and wrong blur as the team grapples with temptation and suspicion. The title, as Carnahan explains, comes from Miami cop slang for seizing illegal goods, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
The film marks another collaboration between lifelong friends Damon and Affleck, who also produce through their company, Artists Equity. Their onscreen chemistry as Lieutenant Dane Dumars (Damon) and Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne (Affleck) anchors the story, with their characters’ deep bond strained by the moral dilemmas they face. Carnahan, inspired by a friend’s real-life experiences as a Miami-Dade narcotics officer, infuses the film with a gritty realism reminiscent of classic ’70s cop thrillers like Serpico and The French Connection.
Filming wrapped in December 2024, with scenes shot in Los Angeles, Miami, and other locations, ensuring a visually striking backdrop. With a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes and an R rating, The Rip promises a tense, character-driven story that explores themes of trust, greed, and loyalty. The teaser trailer, released in September 2025, hints at a thrilling ride filled with sharp dialogue and morally complex characters.
Carnahan has praised the collaborative experience with Damon and Affleck, noting their support made the project one of his smoothest. Fans of crime thrillers and the duo’s past hits like Good Will Hunting and Air will find plenty to anticipate. Mark your calendars for January 16, 2026, when The Rip drops on Netflix, ready to tear through expectations with its explosive mix of action and drama.
