Taylor Sheridan's 102-Minute Neo-Western Predating 'Yellowstone' Climbs Streaming Charts

The acclaimed writer's 2016 film "Hell or High Water" starring Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges is finding new success on Netflix and Apple TV.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Taylor Sheridan's 2016 neo-Western film "Hell or High Water", starring Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges, is experiencing a sudden surge in streaming popularity. The 102-minute film, which Sheridan wrote but did not direct, earned critical acclaim and modest box office success upon its initial release. Now, the film is one of the most popular purchases on Apple TV globally and is streaming exclusively on Netflix in the US, indicating a renewed interest in Sheridan's work predating his hit TV series "Yellowstone".

Why it matters

Sheridan has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary Westerns, both on the big screen and small. The renewed interest in "Hell or High Water" highlights the enduring appeal of his gritty, character-driven storytelling style, which has resonated with audiences worldwide. As Sheridan departs his long-standing partnership with Paramount for a new deal with NBCUniversal, this streaming success could signal a broader comeback for his earlier work.

The details

Released in 2016, "Hell or High Water" follows a divorced father, played by Chris Pine, who teams up with his ex-con brother, played by Ben Foster, to plan a series of bank heists. The film also stars Jeff Bridges as a local lawman determined to take them down. Despite a modest $12 million budget, the film grossed $37 million at the box office and received widespread critical acclaim, earning a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While Sheridan wrote the script, the film was directed by David Mackenzie.

  • "Hell or High Water" was released in theaters in August 2016.
  • The film is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix in the United States.
  • Globally, "Hell or High Water" has become one of the most popular purchases on Apple TV in several countries.

The players

Taylor Sheridan

An acclaimed screenwriter who has written several contemporary Western films and TV shows, including "Sicario", "Yellowstone", and the upcoming "Hell or High Water" spin-off.

Chris Pine

The lead actor in "Hell or High Water", playing a divorced father who plans a series of bank heists with his ex-con brother.

Jeff Bridges

The veteran actor who plays a local lawman determined to take down the bank robbers in "Hell or High Water".

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What’s next

As Taylor Sheridan departs his long-standing partnership with Paramount for a new deal with NBCUniversal, fans can expect more of his Western-themed content to migrate to the Peacock streaming platform in the coming years.

The takeaway

The renewed popularity of "Hell or High Water" on streaming services demonstrates the enduring appeal of Taylor Sheridan's gritty, character-driven storytelling style, which has resonated with audiences worldwide. As the writer moves to a new production deal, this success could signal a broader comeback for his earlier work and continued dominance in the neo-Western genre.