The action thriller has quickly claimed one of the top spots in Netflix’s charts

Netflix subscribers simply cannot stop watching an action-packed film that has been hailed as a ‘cheesy masterpiece’.

The movie has swiftly secured one of the top positions in the streaming giant’s charts. At the time of writing, Meg 2: The Trench currently sits at the number two most watched film among subscribers.

That means it is presently being streamed more than both Barbie and Peaky Blinders The Immortal Man. Coincidentally, it sits just below the newly released Thrash, which also happens to be a creature feature set predominantly on water.

Meg 2: The Trench was originally released in 2023 and serves as a sequel to the 2018 original, with Jason Statham reprising his role as Jonas Taylor. Taylor leads a research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean.

Their expedition descends into mayhem when a sinister mining operation endangers their mission, thrusting them into a desperate battle for survival. Faced with colossal, prehistoric sharks and ruthless environmental plunderers, they must outrun, outsmart and outswim their merciless foes, reports the Mirror.

While it may not have been a significant critical triumph, scoring just 27% on the review website Rotten Tomatoes, film enthusiasts regarded it far more favourably, with an audience score of 72%.

Critics may have taken umbrage with some of the film’s special effects and seemingly simplified dialogue, but the average viewer appreciated it for precisely what it is – an ‘action packed popcorn movie’ that delivers exactly what you’d hope for.

One viewer sharing their opinion wrote online: “I liked this sequel much more than the first film. More action and suspense, and an improvement in every way. The last third of the film was very well done.”

Another drew comparisons to classic monster films, saying: “The Jurassic Park on water is here and it’s a splash of terror. Great movie for shark fans and nostalgic to Tremors fans as I am one I noted quite a few scenes. Better story than the first, more suspense than the first too. Best Shark sequel movie since Sharknado 2 and Jaws 4.”

One viewer concurred: “It is Mission Impossible underwater and then progresses to Jurassic Park/Jaws on steroids so if that’s what you like go for it.” While another remarked: “We loved it for what it was! A lot of action and some unbelievable stunts.”

Numerous other viewers were impressed by the action sequences and the film’s willingness to embrace its own absurdity. One person commented: “A feel-good exciting cheesy masterpiece of silly and over the top action adventure served with subtle parody satire and surgical wit. A thrilling parade of reptiles, bad guys and good guys. So much action nonsense goes on but it lands on its feet as a score of 10.”

One viewer was delighted purely on account of the film’s action star lead. They commented: “I am a huge Jason Statham fan and will go to just about anything he is in. As such, I saw the first Meg movie and was very excited for this one. After the first one though, I wasn’t sure how exactly they were going to surpass it in action.”

They continued: “This movie…this is how they did it…and, in my opinion, as a sequel, it passed with flying colours. If you too either: like action movies, are a Jason Statham fan, and/or loved the first Meg movie, then you will love this one.”

Another responded candidly: “They delivered exactly what’s expected and it ain’t Shakespeare. It’s unapologetic for what entertainment it provides: great action, stupid dialog, a fragmented story line, amazing stunts and sharks, sharks and more sharks. Good mindless entertainment.”

Meg 2: The Trench is streaming on Netflix.