Gal Gadot has once again proven her star power with the resounding success of Heart of Stone, which soared to the number two position on Netflix’s list of most-watched films in the second half of 2023. According to Netflix’s latest engagement report, the high-octane action thriller racked up an impressive 109.6 million views globally between July 1 and December 31.
Released on August 11, Heart of Stone marked another major milestone in Gadot’s already glittering career. In the film, she takes on the role of Rachel Stone, an elite international intelligence agent tasked with protecting a powerful artificial intelligence tool—known as "The Heart"—from those who would use it for destructive purposes. The story’s tension, combined with the film’s global appeal, has helped propel it to the top tiers of Netflix’s streaming charts.
Although it finished second overall, Heart of Stone trailed only slightly behind the psychological drama Leave the World Behind, which captured the top spot with 121 million views. That film featured an all-star cast including Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke, showcasing the level of competition Heart of Stone faced in its climb to success.
Directed by Tom Harper, Heart of Stone is not just another action flick—it’s a globetrotting espionage saga laced with high-stakes drama, pulse-pounding sequences, and a compelling tech-based storyline. Starring alongside Gadot are Jamie Dornan and Bollywood sensation Alia Bhatt, both of whom add depth and dynamism to the ensemble cast. The international cast and diverse narrative elements have undoubtedly broadened the movie’s reach across different audiences and regions.
What sets Heart of Stone apart is not only its engaging storyline and star-studded cast but also its production roots. The film was produced by Pilot Wave, a production company co-founded by Gal Gadot and her husband Jaron Varsano. This behind-the-scenes involvement gives Gadot a more substantial creative stake in the film’s vision and execution, highlighting her evolution from global star to influential producer.
This isn’t Gadot’s first rodeo when it comes to dominating Netflix’s viewership charts. She also played a leading role in Red Notice, the platform’s most-watched film of all time. In that blockbuster hit, she starred alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, forming a trio that captured the imagination of viewers worldwide. With both Red Notice and Heart of Stone under her belt, Gadot has carved out a commanding presence in the world of streaming entertainment.
The film’s success also reflects Netflix’s ongoing investment in original action content—particularly those fronted by global superstars. In a saturated streaming market, films like Heart of Stone offer a blend of cinematic spectacle and character-driven narratives that resonate with audiences looking for more than just traditional popcorn flicks.
In addition, the inclusion of Indian actress Alia Bhatt marks a strategic move toward greater inclusivity and global appeal. Bhatt’s presence likely contributed to the film’s popularity in South Asian markets, further expanding its international footprint. Jamie Dornan’s performance adds a darker, more complex layer to the narrative, helping to balance the film’s blend of action and emotion.
As Netflix continues to share more viewership data, Heart of Stone stands out not only for its massive numbers but also for what it represents: a successful convergence of star power, international collaboration, and smart storytelling. It’s a testament to Gal Gadot’s versatility and ambition—not just as an actress, but as a producer shaping the kind of stories she wants to tell.
With the success of Heart of Stone, Gadot has solidified her role as one of the most bankable and dynamic figures in global entertainment. Whether she’s fronting blockbuster action or producing compelling content, she remains a driving force in a rapidly evolving industry.
For Netflix, the strong performance of Heart of Stone signals continued audience interest in high-concept, star-led action films. And for fans, it’s a clear sign that Gal Gadot’s reign as a streaming queen is far from over.
