Chris Hemsworth’s return to the big screen in the crime thriller Crime 101 generated plenty of buzz this year, but not always for the reasons its backers at Amazon MGM Studios might have hoped. Released in theaters on February 13, 2026, the film boasted a star-studded cast—Hemsworth reuniting with his Marvel co-star Mark Ruffalo, alongside Halle Berry and Barry Keoghan. Despite critical acclaim and a warm reception from audiences, Crime 101 struggled to find its financial footing at the box office. Now, in a move that could give the film a much-needed second wind, Amazon has confirmed that Crime 101 will be available to stream on Prime Video starting April 1, 2026.
Helmed by Bart Layton—who both directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Peter Straughan—the movie is a faithful adaptation of Don Winslow’s 2020 novella. The story follows Mike Davis (Hemsworth), an elusive jewel thief whose meticulously planned heists along Los Angeles’ iconic 101 freeway have left police baffled. Davis sets his sights on a final, life-changing diamond heist worth $3 million, joining forces with Sharon (Berry), a high society insurance broker at her own crossroads. Hot on their trail is Detective Lou Lubesnick (Ruffalo), a relentless cop convinced he’s cracked Davis’s pattern, and Ormon (Keoghan), a young and violent criminal who could upend everything.
For all its star power and sleek storytelling, Crime 101 faced stiff competition at the box office. According to Collider and CBR, the film opened to strong reviews but was overshadowed by the simultaneous releases of Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights and Sony’s animated feature GOAT. With a production budget of $90 million—excluding the additional costs of marketing and theater cuts—the film needed to gross at least $180 million worldwide to break even. Instead, it managed just $71.8 million globally, a figure that, while not insignificant, fell short of expectations and rendered the film a commercial disappointment.
Yet, the numbers only tell part of the story. Crime 101 was a hit with critics and audiences alike. The film debuted with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and settled at a still-impressive 89% Certified Fresh rating from 185 reviews. Audiences echoed this enthusiasm, granting the film an 85% approval rating and a 7 out of 10 on IMDb. Critics praised the film’s “sleek action set pieces and vivid characterizations,” while audiences described it as “a heist movie with heart,” singling out the performances of Hemsworth, Ruffalo, and Berry for particular acclaim.
Chris Hemsworth himself took to social media to thank fans for their support, stating, “I’m grateful for all the incredible support and feedback that’s come so far… It means the world to see it resonate with you all… Huge thanks to everyone who’s watched, shared, and shown love so far.” His words captured the sentiment of many who felt the film deserved more recognition than its box office returns suggested.
The decision to bring Crime 101 to streaming just 47 days after its theatrical debut is part of a growing trend in Hollywood, where studios seek to capitalize on early buzz and reach wider audiences at home. As noted by Deadline and TechRadar, this approach mirrors the release strategy of other recent blockbusters, such as Red One, which headed to Prime Video just 30 days after its theatrical launch. However, unlike Red One, which benefited from a holiday release window, Crime 101 is banking on its critical acclaim and word-of-mouth to drive streaming viewership—especially as it lands on Prime Video just in time for Easter weekend, potentially boosting its audience.
There is, however, some uncertainty about the film’s international streaming availability. While Amazon MGM Studios handled North American distribution, Sony Pictures managed international rights. As TechRadar points out, this could mean that in some countries, Crime 101 might debut on platforms other than Prime Video, such as Netflix. For now, viewers outside North America will have to wait and see where the film lands, but in the U.S., the April 1 Prime Video release is locked in.
The film’s plot, rooted in the traditions of L.A. noir, has been widely praised for its tension and style. As described by CBR, “the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, and all three [main characters] are faced with life-defining choices—and the realization that there can be no turning back.” The combination of a high-stakes heist, complex characters, and the sun-drenched sprawl of Los Angeles has led some reviewers to call it “one of 2026’s first great movies.”
Looking ahead, both Hemsworth and Ruffalo have busy years in store. Hemsworth is set to reprise his role as Thor in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. Ruffalo, meanwhile, will return as Bruce Banner in Spider-Man: Brand New Day and has several other projects lined up, including the rom-com Good Sex and the second season of Task. Hemsworth is also involved in the upcoming films Stuntnuts: The Movie and Subversion, both currently in post-production.
For Amazon MGM Studios, the streaming release of Crime 101 represents an opportunity to redeem the film’s financial fortunes and cement its place as a cult favorite. The studio has already found box office success with its latest release, Project Hail Mary, which has grossed over $300 million in less than two weeks. If Crime 101 can replicate even a fraction of that success on streaming, it could become another feather in Amazon’s cap.
Ultimately, Crime 101 stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where even a project with all the right ingredients—talent, critical acclaim, and a compelling story—can struggle to find its audience in theaters. But with its streaming debut, the film may finally get the recognition its creators and fans believe it deserves.