Netflix Released New Ben Affleck Film Animals
The R-rated political thriller is now streaming for viewers at home, starring Ben Affleck as a candidate.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Dogs
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Netflix has officially released the film Animals, a 106-minute R-rated thriller featuring Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, and Gillian Anderson. The plot follows a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife as they attempt to pay a kidnapping ransom while navigating complex political deception.
Why it matters
The release adds a new title to Netflix libraries for households looking for weekend entertainment options. This project marks a notable point in the director's career as critics evaluate his latest work alongside his previous directorial efforts.
The film currently holds a 42% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 26 reviews. This score sits between his lower-rated works, such as the 34% score for Live by Night, and his highly-rated projects like Argo, which holds a 96% score.
The players
Ben Affleck
An actor and filmmaker who has directed, co-written, and starred in several acclaimed and controversial projects since 2007.
Netflix
A global subscription-based streaming service that provides on-demand entertainment to households.
The details
In the film, Ben Affleck plays a mayoral candidate in Los Angeles who is forced to navigate a high-stakes kidnapping plot. The narrative focuses on the couple as they grapple with the pressure of a ransom payment amid intense political scrutiny and deception. The production runs for 106 minutes and is rated R for mature audiences.
Timeline
Ben Affleck made his directorial debut in 2007.
The film Live by Night was released in 2016.
Animals made its streaming debut on Netflix on October 9, 2026.
The Home Front
The reception of Animals highlights the ongoing use of aggregated critic scores to gauge the performance of streaming releases. These metrics serve as a common benchmark for audiences to compare new content against the broader portfolio of established directors.
If you are planning to watch the film, ensure your Netflix subscription and internet connection are active for a seamless 106-minute viewing experience. Parents should note that the film is rated R and contains mature themes suitable for adult viewers.
The takeaway
The performance of new releases often fluctuates as audience and critic feedback continues to roll in after the initial debut. For your own viewing, remember to check current platform maturity ratings to determine if a film is appropriate for your family's home environment.
Further reading
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