Priyanka Chopra & John Cena’s action-comedy Heads of State smashes records with over 75M views on Prime Video! Discover why this global hit is dominating charts and winning fans worldwide.
Amazon Prime Video’s action-comedy Hands of State, featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, John Cena, and Idris Elba, is making huge waves in the world of streaming with 75+ million views and rapidly becoming one of the most watched Amazon MGM Studios films in history.
If you think this is just another popcorn movie, you are wrong. Let’s take a closer look at the meteoric rise of Hands of State, what is making it a crowd favourite, and how this feature is defining the future of streaming blockbusters.
75 Million Views and Counting: A Streaming Sensation
Within weeks of release, Hands of State has grossed over 75 million views and is officially the fourth most watched feature ever produced by Amazon MGM Studios on Prime Video.
By the Numbers:
75M+ views globally
#1 on Nielsen’s Movie Chart in its first week
1.098 billion minutes streamed in the first week
#1 most watched feature on Prime Video for four weeks
That is not just impressive, that is historical.
What Is the Heads of State All About?
Direction by Ilya Naishuller (the man behind the action thriller Nobody) perfectly combines political satire, over-the-top action, and comedically absurd moments in lifestyle fashion and all within a stylish international spy structured narrative.
Main Cast:
John Cena as the President of the United States
Idris Elba as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Priyanka Chopra Jonas as a tough MI6 agent
This trio’s chemistry leads to endless entertainment, from secret spy missions to embassies going awry.
Why It Works:
Because it has global appeal with an international cast
Because it has multiple language options to reach non-English speakers
Because it has the perfect amount of action, comedy, and drama
Global Streaming Strategy — a success
Amazon didn’t just launch a movie — they created a global success.
The multi-language releases made it easy to find on every continent.
An aggressive social media campaign featuring John Cena and Priyanka Chopra kept fans actively engaged before and after release.
The film is currently marketed in conjunction with Prime Video’s line of blockbuster action series, even featuring The G20 and The Accountant 2.
Social Media Tags:
John Cena and Priyanka posted on their socials to thank the fans:
“This one’s for the fans – thank you for the 75M views, love!” – John Cena via Instagram
“I am so grateful for the overwhelming response. Streaming power is real!” – Priyanka Chopra on X (formerly Twitter)
The Bigger Picture: Why Heads of State Matter
Streaming is no longer just convenient — it is about mass cultural impact. Heads of State are living proof.
Key takeaways from the Industry:
A recent Nielsen study (2025) showed streaming viewership in 13 markets had surpassed traditional television.
Films like Heads of State are leading the way for global-first releases.
The film’s success also shows the audience’s desire for stories with non-Western protagonists on par with Western-driven genres.
Priyanka Chopra portrayed an elite MI6 agent, demonstrating the effectiveness of a powerful South Asian female lead within a traditional mainstream action genre — about time!
Real-World Takeaways for the Entertainment Industry
1. Diversity Wins
The multicultural nature of the cast demonstrated both the audiences’ desire for inclusive stories and global representation.
2. Streaming is the new theatre
Heads of State confirmed that streaming premieres are equally if not more effective that theatrical premieres with 1 billion viewing minutes in week one.
3. Star Power + Strong Script=Gold
Celebrity names are sure to attract eyeballs; however, strong writing, quick pacing and memorable action sequences make heads of state a repeatable success.
What the Critics and Fans Are Saying
While the critics were split exciting audience scores told a different story.
“A wild ride! Cena and Chopra are hilariously great together.” – Fan review on Rotten Tomatoes
“If a witty action movie wasn’t enough for you to sit down and enjoy some classic action-movie fun and absurdity, you won’t be hard-pressed to find Meridian to laugh and enjoy with family and friends.” –
Amazon Prime user
While any critic worried whether or not it would be too “campy” in tone for viewers, millions upon millions of viewers couldn’t stop watching.
Here is Amazon Prime’s Action Programming Strategy
Amazon Prime has been amping up the live-action comedies, and Heads of State is a major component.
Success Recipe
Strategic casting (name on the bottom + the name on the top + global relevance)
International stories but American heart
Sustained early teaser campaign and regular content release (movie trailer, behind the scenes/look, b-roll of blooper material)
Last Call – Why Do You Want to Stream Heads of State Right Now
If you enjoy:
High-octane action
These shorter one-liners that come back every few seconds, relatable comedy
Political spoof
John Cena being… John Cena
Seeing Priyanka Chopra kick some bad-guy butt
A Royal New Crown Jewels of Streaming Revolution
Heads of State is not just a win for Prime Video but rather a showcase what 21st-century cinema is – global, inclusive, and downright entertaining.
With well-over 75 million fans and counting, the film demonstrates how a “triple-” threat of star power, strong brand strategy and fun techniques, combined with a little absurdity can still go beyond expectations.
FAQs
1. Where Can You Watch Heads of State
It opened on May 26, 2023, on Prime Video as a Prime Original and it can be viewed in multiple languages, including but not limited to: English, Hindi, Spanish, and
2. Is Heads of State worth a watch?
Definitely. It’s a fun, fast-paced action-comedy with an exceptional cast and huge audience appeal. If you’re a fan of Red Notice and The Hitman’s Bodyguard, you will like this film.
3. How many views is Heads of State at?
Currently the film has, and continues to accumulate, over 75 million views on Prime Video.
4. Who directed the movie?
The film is directed by Ilya Naishuller, who directed Hardcore Henry and Nobody.
5. What is the length of the movie?
The movie is a little less than 2 hours long, and great for a Friday night binge.
6. What makes Heads of State unique from other action films?
There is an unusual blend of political and comedy, the diversity of the international cast and mix of humor and action.
7. Is there a sequel?
Amazon not yet confirming anything, but with these numbers- it’s looking highly probable!