Even though Netflix released its full lineup for December 2025, there are plenty of instances where the streamer quietly adds extra flicks throughout the month that you might not have otherwise spotted. In this case, viewers have certainly noticed the recent addition of “Honest Thief,” an action-thriller starring Liam Neeson that’s already broken into the top 10.
Neeson’s movies are practically baked for instant success on Netflix. Not only because the streaming service tends to add almost every one of his movies at some point, but also because they’re usually thrillers packed with explosive action and Neeson’s deeply commanding (but intimidating) voice. “Honest Thief” clearly hits those marks, which explains its spot on the trending list.
However, I wouldn’t be surprised if you missed this one back in 2020, given that the movie’s release during the COVID‑19 pandemic was a major reason it performed poorly at the box office. As a result, “Honest Thief” had one of the weakest domestic opening weekends in recent years. Now that it’s streaming on Netflix though, it could be worth adding to your watchlist. Here’s everything you need to know before fully committing.
What is ‘Honest Thief’ about?
“Honest Thief” follows Tom (Liam Neeson), a highly skilled and elusive bank robber known to authorities as the “In-and-Out Bandit” for the speed and precision of his heists. Over several years he has stolen millions from small-town banks without ever being caught.
After meeting and falling for a woman named Annie (Kate Walsh), Tom decides he wants to leave his criminal life behind and makes arrangements to turn himself in to the FBI, offering to give up all the stolen money in exchange for a lighter sentence.
When two junior agents, John Nivens (Jai Courtney) and Ramon Hall (Anthony Ramos), are sent to handle the case, they seize the cash for themselves and frame Tom for murder. With his freedom and his relationship at stake, Tom must rely on his experience and ingenuity to expose the corrupt agents, clear his name, and try to regain control of the situation he initiated.
Should you stream ‘Honest Thief’ on Netflix?
This is a question I can’t immediately answer, because whether you have a huge appetite for action-thrillers and love anything Neeson is in will determine if you enjoy “Honest Thief.” Go in with the right expectations, though, and you could have a blast. In simple terms, this is a very standard action movie, packed with action, fueled by even more action. Did I mention it has action?
Of course, most of Neeson’s flicks see him playing the same type of character: a skilled protagonist who uses his wits and combat skills to outsmart villains, with explosive sequences punctuating the story. Pair that with his deep voice delivering dramatic bursts of speeches about doing the right thing (with some heavy exposition in there), and you have the most basic of basic action-thriller movies. The kind you’ll forget almost immediately, but that’s still fun to watch.
“Honest Thief” is aware of its simplicity and thankfully doesn’t try to be anything more complex. The story itself is bland, and without the shootouts and fighting to give it some juice, sitting through the plot would be a struggle.
Anyone looking for an action-packed adrenaline rush probably won’t regret adding “Honest Thief” to their watchlist. But if you’re after a truly impactful experience, you’ll likely be disappointed. Even with some thrilling set pieces and chase scenes, and Neeson showing rage after being wronged, the movie feels like a mash-up of random action edits stitched together on YouTube. On top of that, it takes its title very seriously, hammering home at every turn that Neeson is a good guy (sometimes painfully and obviously so).
Over on Rotten Tomatoes, “Honest Thief” has a 41% rating from critics, with audiences rating it much higher at 87%. The site’s critics consensus reads: “Guilty of first-degree squandering, Honest Thief returns Liam Neeson to late-period action thriller mode but neglects to supply much of a story.”
It might not sound convincing, but “Honest Thief” is truly for hardcore action fans and anyone who enjoys watching another one of Neeson's characters get payback. For me, it comes off as just another entry in the long line of Neeson-on-a-mission flicks, with its predictable routine as its biggest weakness. Still, if firepower, car chases, and brawls are your thing for getting into the festive spirit, “Honest Thief” could do the trick.
Stream "Honest Thief" on Netflix.
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