Netflix’s Gritty New Gangster Thriller Inspired By A True Story Quickly Rises On Global Streaming Charts

by

Netflix’s new thriller, , is becoming popular around the world, quickly climbing the charts after its release. This Italian crime drama, based on a true story, is set in 1970s Rome and centers on an artist who gets involved with organized crime through the risky business of forging artwork.

Since it was released, The Big Fake has been getting attention for its evocative portrayal of Rome in a chaotic period and its exploration of how striving for success can lead people to make questionable choices. The film follows Toni’s journey as he goes from an aspiring artist to a skilled forger, a path that drags him into the dangerous world of Roman crime and political schemes.

As of January 25, 2026, FlixPatrol reports that The Big Fake is one of the most popular movies on Netflix globally. It’s currently at number 7 on the platform’s Top 10 list. The top spot is held by The Rip, followed by Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart at number 2 and People We Meet on Vacation at number 3. KPop Demon Hunters rounds out the Top 10. You can find the complete rankings below.

Rank Title
#1 The Rip (2026)
#2 Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart (2026)
#3 People We Meet on Vacation (2026)
#4 Max (2015)
#5 No Time to Die (2021)
#6 The Magnificent Seven (2016)
#7 The Big Fake (2026)
#8 Spectre (2015)
#9 Tere Ishk Mein (2025)
#10 KPop Demon Hunters (2025)

Knowing that The Big Fake is based on a true story makes the film even more captivating, connecting its criminal plot to actual historical events instead of simply being a work of fiction. While stories about forgery, corruption, and organized crime are always popular, this film is unique because it focuses on the artistic drive behind the crime. The film links the protagonist’s success and downfall to the turbulent political and social climate of 1970s Italy, showing how crime can thrive during times of upheaval and how easily the lines between simply getting by and losing one’s moral compass can become blurred.

Stefano Lodovichi directed “The Big Fake,” which features Pietro Castellitto, Giulia Michelini, Aurora Giovinazzo, Claudio Santamaria, Edoardo Pesce, Andrea Arcangeli, and Pierluigi Gigante. The film has received a range of reactions from critics and audiences. Some have praised its attention to historical detail, suspenseful atmosphere, and complex moral themes, while others feel the characters and emotional impact could have been more developed. Currently, the film does not have a Rotten Tomatoes score.

Even though critics have had varying opinions, the quick popularity of The Big Fake shows that viewers are becoming more interested in realistic, crime films made outside of the US. It’s impressive that this foreign film has reached the Top 10 most-streamed movies globally, particularly since it wasn’t heavily advertised. This success proves that audiences around the world are now more open to films not in English that offer intricate stories and unique filmmaking styles.

Netflix has been doing well with crime shows from around the world, and this has helped The Big Fake get off to a strong start. Shows like Lupin, Money Heist, and the Italian series Baby have become global hits, showing that a good story can appeal to viewers no matter the language. The Big Fake follows this same successful approach, offering a uniquely Italian take on the popular crime genre while still giving audiences the elements they enjoy.

The Big Fake is streaming on Netflix.

Read More

2026-01-26 01:12