Ben Affleck action crime thriller The Town climbs Netflix charts again, as the 2010 heist film surges to Number Seven on the streaming service’s Top 10 nearly a month after joining its library. Drawing both new viewers and longtime fans, The Town is enjoying renewed attention, fueled by its acclaimed reputation and a strong 92% Rotten Tomatoes score.
The Town’s Revival in the Streaming World
The Town, directed by and starring Ben Affleck, first captivated audiences in 2010 with its gripping story of crime, loyalty, and love set against a Boston backdrop. In the film, Affleck plays Doug MacRay, the leader of a notorious group of bank robbers. Even after joining Netflix almost four weeks ago, The Town is experiencing a rapid climb up the platform’s movie rankings thanks to both nostalgia-driven rewatches and first-time discoveries by newer subscribers.
This surge has pushed The Town into the spotlight once again, rivaling Affleck’s own new release The Accountant 2, which is making waves on Prime Video. As more users notice the title in Netflix’s trending category and press play, the likelihood increases that The Town will continue to move up before eventually giving way to other blockbusters.
Plot and Characters That Resonate
The core appeal of The Town lies in its intense narrative and well-developed cast of characters. The synopsis captures the heart of the story:
“Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) leads a band of ruthless bank robbers and has no real attachments except for James (Jeremy Renner), who — despite his dangerous temper — is like a brother. Everything changes for Doug when James briefly takes a hostage, bank employee Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall). Learning that she lives in the gang’s neighborhood, Doug seeks her out to discover what she knows, and he falls in love. As the romance deepens, he wants out of his criminal life, but that could threaten Claire.”
—Official Synopsis
Alongside Affleck, the film stars Jeremy Renner as James “Jem” Coughlin, whose volatility raises the stakes for everyone involved, Rebecca Hall as Claire Keesey, who becomes intertwined with the crew’s criminal world, and Jon Hamm as FBI Special Agent Adam Frawley, tasked with tracking the outlaws. The relationships at the heart of the film—between Doug and his surrogate brother James, and between Doug and Claire—are what deliver the movie’s emotional complexity and keep viewers invested.
Ben Affleck’s Growing Action Legacy
Beyond The Town, Ben Affleck has built a formidable resume in genres ranging from drama to superhero epics, notably Batman, and more recently, acclaimed action thrillers. After years in development, Affleck returned as Christian Wolff in The Accountant 2, which critics and audiences embraced, sending it to the top spot on Prime Video and cementing Affleck’s strengths as both actor and director.
Looking ahead, Affleck continues to expand his footprint in the action realm. He is set to star in and direct the kidnapping thriller Animals, featuring Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, and Steven Yeun. Another collaboration with Matt Damon, The Rip, is also in the works, with both projects slated for Netflix release. There is considerable excitement around a potential third installment in The Accountant series, with longtime director Gavin O’Connor affirming:
“The third movie, which is what the plan has always been, is for [Christian’s] quest for love and connection to be consummated. I don’t know what that’s going to be yet, but that’s the intention.”
—Gavin O’Connor, Director
With projects like these ahead, Affleck’s reputation as a reliable action star only stands to grow.
What Makes The Town Stand Out?
The Town is one of four original endeavors Affleck has undertaken for Netflix, standing out for its authentic Boston setting and nuanced performances. The cast’s chemistry and the direction allow emotionally intricate stories—especially Doug’s desire for redemption and connection—to emerge from a crime-laden context. The movie balances tense heist sequences with moments of vulnerability, especially in scenes featuring Claire and her struggle to trust Doug, knowing his past.
Actors such as Rebecca Hall, Jeremy Renner, and Jon Hamm reinforce the film’s reputation for strong ensemble work. Renner’s portrayal of James “Jem” Coughlin even earned him an Academy Award nomination, underscoring the impact of the supporting roles.
The Road Ahead for Affleck, His Films, and Netflix
As The Town continues to interest both critics and streaming audiences, its resurgence highlights how older films can find fresh relevance in today’s digital landscape. This success not only reflects well on Ben Affleck’s directorial talents, but also signals enduring viewer appetite for well-crafted action crime dramas. With more titles featuring Affleck and familiar partners such as Jon Bernthal, Matt Damon, Steven Yeun, Kerry Washington, and Gillian Anderson lined up, Netflix and rival platforms are poised to benefit from tapping Hollywood’s proven actors and filmmakers for original and legacy hits alike.
Fans can look forward to more high-stakes stories and rich characters as Affleck develops new projects, while The Town’s ongoing popularity proves that compelling storytelling can always find new audiences, even years after a film’s original release.
