Trending on Netflix: Two Distinct Chris Hemsworth Films

As 2024 comes to a close, Netflix is enhancing its streaming library with several high-profile movie additions. Among the most highlighted titles are two starring Chris Hemsworth, both of which have quickly gained traction among viewers. The platform recently showcased exciting releases such as Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and Dune: Part Two. Notably, Netflix has also secured the streaming rights to Barbie, which was the highest-grossing film of 2023. Those who are eager for fresh content will find Netflix capitalizing on blockbuster successes, together with classic films featuring celebrated actors that may have flown under the radar upon their original release.

Chris Hemsworth is certainly no stranger to the streaming scene. While his appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) undoubtedly capture the public’s attention, he has also been quite active with recent projects across various platforms. In addition to the highly anticipated sequel Extraction released on Netflix in 2023, Hemsworth reprised his iconic Thor character in the animated series What If…?, voicing the superhero for its second season and continuing to do so into the third season in 2024. This year, he also lent his voice to Optimus Prime in Transformers One and took on the antagonist role of Dementus in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which is currently trending on Netflix.

The Films Debuted Nearly a Decade Apart

Chris Hemsworth as Dementus in Furiosa
Chris Hemsworth in In the Heart of the Sea

Hemsworth’s 2015 film In the Heart of the Sea has also found its way back into the public’s eye on Netflix. Currently, this film ranks #2 among the most-watched titles in the U.S., slightly above Furiosa, which has secured the #7 position. Furiosa, a prequel to the acclaimed Mad Max franchise, made its Netflix debut on December 31, 2024, alongside several Warner Bros. titles shifting from the Max platform. The following day, on January 1, 2025, In the Heart of the Sea was added to Netflix’s lineup, joining other classics such as Interstellar, Apollo 13, and Inception.

One of the Trending Films Was Based on a True Story

Dr. Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) with his motorcycle in the desert in Furiosa
Image via Warner Bros.

Furiosa, directed by George Miller and released in theaters just seven months prior, chronicles the origins of the titular character before linking to the timeline of Mad Max: Fury Road. In this film, Hemsworth embodies Dementus, a cruel leader from Gastown known for having abducted Furiosa in her youth. Despite the film’s lackluster box office performance, it has garnered favorable critical acclaim, especially for Hemsworth’s engaging portrayal of the villain. For viewers seeking a departure from the familiar themes of the Mad Max universe, Hemsworth’s other trending title offers a vastly different narrative.

In In the Heart of the Sea, Chris Hemsworth steps away from villainy to play Owen Chase, the first mate of the whaling ship Essex. Set in 1820, Chase leads a perilous whaling expedition that escalates into a dire struggle for survival following a violent encounter with a sperm whale that ultimately sinks their vessel. Directed by Ron Howard, the film draws inspiration from the true events that influenced Herman Melville’s iconic novel Moby-Dick. While it may not deliver the same thrills as Furiosa or a typical MCU adventure, this captivating tale featuring Chris Hemsworth is undoubtedly worth a watch on Netflix.

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