Old Henry Takes the Top Spot on Netflix

In a surprising turn of events, Netflix’s Top 10 Movies list is now led by an indie Western film from five years ago—Old Henry.

This resurgence in popularity is the sort of thing indie filmmakers dream of for their lesser-known works. Most Netflix subscribers probably haven’t even heard of this film, let alone watched it. But here it is, climbing the ranks on Netflix’s list after its addition to the platform.

If you’re curious about Old Henry, stick around to learn more about this film that unexpectedly grabbed the number one spot on Netflix’s Top 10 Movies in the U.S.

What Is Old Henry About?

Old Henry, featuring Tim Blake Nelson, depicts a gritty tale set in 1906 Oklahoma. Nelson plays Henry, a farmer who, when an injured stranger arrives at his doorstep, finds himself embroiled in escalating complications. As events unfold, Henry’s son, Wyatt, played by Gavin Lewis, begins to question his father’s past. I won’t drop any spoilers here, but if you want to avoid them, perhaps steer clear of Wikipedia.

This film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2021 and reportedly only garnered about $50,000 at the domestic box office after its October release—a low figure, especially considering the pandemic’s impact on theaters. Critics praised Nelson’s performance, although many viewers were the real fans, saying they enjoyed it immensely.

Who Stars in Old Henry?

The film stars Tim Blake Nelson, who has a long and varied career. If you’re a millennial, you might remember him as Del Mar from O Brother, Where Art Thou? or as Dr. Pendanski from Holes. He was also featured in the Coen brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

Nelson’s son in the movie, Wyatt, is portrayed by Gavin Lewis, who has appeared in productions like Little Fires Everywhere. Other cast members include Trace Adkins, Stephen Dorff, Richard Speight Jr., Max Arciega, and Brad Carter.

Where to Watch Old Henry

If you have a Netflix subscription, you can currently stream Old Henry there. The film was added to the platform on July 4, 2026.

Netflix offers various subscription plans, starting as low as $7.99 per month with ads, and going up to $24.99 for ad-free streaming in stunning 4K UHD quality.

If you’re looking for alternatives, Old Henry is also available for free on Kanopy, although purchasing it will set you back $2.99.