Netflix has also unveiled a slate of new Mexican films, including plans to expand the ‘Counterattack’ universe and a collection of Cantinflas classics to mark Mexican Cinema Day and its 15th Anniversary in Mexico
Action sells. And it’s what has driven leading Mexican producer Francisco González Compean (“Amores Perros,” “Instructions Not Included”) and director Chava Cartas to launch action drama outfit Durango Films after the overwhelming success of their high-octane thriller “Counterattack” (“Contraataque”).
Right behind them is Netflix, which aims to expand the “Counterattack” universe. Directed by Cartas and produced by González Compean’s Draco Films, it reached record viewing numbers on the platform in early 2025, spending 12 weeks on its Global Top 10 for non-English-language films and ranking among its top eight most popular non-English language films of all time, with a total of 66.9 million views.
Said Carolina Leconte, VP of Content for Netflix in Mexico: “We want to take Mexican action movies to the next level with heroes who inspire us: characters with huge hearts, who are brave and very resourceful—characters whom the audience will root for and whose resilience will stay with us long after the credits roll. That’s the strength of Mexican cinema, and we want more and more people to discover it.”
Spearheading this resurgence in Mexican action cinema is Durango Films’ “Facing El Chapo” (“La captura”), which debuts worldwide Aug. 21 on Netflix.
It stars Alfonso Herrera (“Sense8,” “Ozark”) and Noé Hernández (“Narcos: Mexico” “Bardo”), with Héctor Kotsifakis (“Pedro Páramo,” “Gringo Hunters”) as “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Herrera plays a federal police officer and Hernández his volatile partner who make a routine stop that inadvertently puts them face to face with the notorious El Chapo himself. It chronicles the third and definitive capture of the drug lord.
“‘Counterattack’ opened up a new genre in Mexico because we didn’t really have action movies like it. The big difference with ‘Counterattack’ and now ‘Facing El Chapo’ is the narrative: instead of glorifying crime, we’re showing Mexican heroes. That’s really resonated with audiences, which makes us very happy and is why we’re so involved,” said González Compean, whose father is from Durango and who remembers visiting the sets of John Wayne movies, among other Westerns in Durango. “That’s where I got the bug to make movies and why we named our company Durango.”
“Francisco and I came together with ‘Mirreyes vs. Godínez’ around the idea of telling positive stories about Mexico and highlighting people who do good. We’ve seen so much crime and darkness glorified in Mexican cinema, so ‘Counterattack’ was our first step in a different direction—and the response was incredible, not just in Mexico but across Latin America and worldwide. That success made us realize this is the path we want to follow, and it’s what brought us together as partners: we share the same vision for what Mexican cinema can be,” Cartas concurred, who partly grew up in Durango and remembers visiting the sets of Sam Peckinpah with his mother, a production coordinator.
Based on an article by prominent writer-journalist Héctor de Mauleon, “Counterattack” follows an elite group of soldiers who are targeted by the El Enjambre cartel after they rescue two women who were kidnapped by the band of Narco villains. Luis Alberti, Hernández and Luis Curiel lead a cast that was trained by martial arts expert Fidel Cerda, who also choreographed and supervised the fight sequences.
“We’ve been fortunate to do project after project, and that continuity means we keep the same crew—my cinematographer, production designer, makeup, wardrobe—people I’ve worked with for years. I think that consistency shows on screen and has been a big part of our success. It’s a 100% Mexican crew, and that’s especially important in action because we’re trying to create our own identity. We don’t have Hollywood’s budgets or expertise, so we focus on the human side, then deliver action that’s direct and well done. And we’re realizing there’s a lot of great action talent in Mexico as this new era of the genre takes shape,” said Cartas.
“There’s been a lot of work to develop the whole ecosystem, especially stunt performers. The culture was pretty limited because there wasn’t much work, but as the genre grows, they’re training more and learning to do things better. Our actors also spend weeks doing physical training, and sometimes even go to military barracks to experience that life firsthand. It’s similar to what Hollywood does, but in Mexico, it’s still pretty new—and honestly, it’s fun,” González Compean added.
Meanwhile, Netflix has unveiled a new slate of Mexican films to celebrate Mexican Cinema Day on August 15, led by “Facing El Chapo” and a collection of films featuring beloved Mexican comedian, Cantinflas.
“We love being a creative partner to local talent and seeing the many faces of Mexico on screen. Our goal is to tell bold stories that entertain and offer an authentic perspective on Mexican life,” said Leconte.
“The film selection we’re announcing today ranges from explosive action stories to bold documentaries that connect us to real life and, of course, classic gems that remind us why we love cinema so much.”
Starting August 13, members can explore Netflix’s exclusive Celebrating Mexican Storytelling section, highlighting the wide range of content made in Mexico. The launch also marks Netflix’s 15th anniversary in the country and actually, in Latin America as it made its first show outside the U.S., “Club of Crows” (“Club de cuervos”), in Mexico. Last year, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed a $1 billion investment in the country over the next four years.
“Surviving Hurricane Otis”: At sea off Acapulco, Wirpul and his half-brother Candi fight for survival as a sudden storm becomes Hurricane Otis, a Category 5. A story of brotherhood, resilience and courage.
“Ashes”: Directed by Diego Luna and starring Anna Diaz and Adriana Paz, the film premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and went on to screen at San Sebastián, Toronto and Sarajevo. Following its theatrical release, it will stream on Netflix across Latin America, Spain and Portugal.
“35 días”: Julián is a loving father and travel journalist whose drinking has pushed him to the edge. During 35 days in rehab, without his phone and learning to ask for help, he begins finding his way back to himself and his family.
“El enemigo del pueblo”: Directed by Luis Estrada and starring Emiliano Lach, Alfonso Herrera, Cassandra Ciangherotti, José Ramón Soroiz, Rafaella López, Naian González Norvind and Tessa Ia. Set in Mexico in late 1993, it follows a young student who leaves his conservative upbringing behind to join the Zapatista revolution.
“Liliana’s Invincible Summer”: Thirty years after her sister Liliana was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, writer Cristina Rivera Garza revisits her diaries, letters and memories to reconstruct her life and confront the silence surrounding her death. Based on the eponymous book “Liliana’s Invincible Summer,” it is directed by Inna Payán and Samuel Kishi.
“Marcos. Another World Is Possible”: In 1994, a masked man became the face of the Zapatista rebellion. This documentary explores the movement’s struggle and the communities in Chiapas that, more than 30 years later, continue to resist and forge their own path. Directed by Diego Enrique Osorno.
“Documentary about the orca Keiko”: Keiko, the orca made famous by the movie “Free Willy,” became a symbol of a generation and a global animal-rights movement. Her journey from a Mexico City amusement park to the ocean became one of history’s most ambitious and controversial animal-release efforts. Directed by Santiago Fábregas.