Angelina Jolie's dark fantasy reimagining of Sleeping Beauty is casting a powerful spell on streaming audiences. Maleficent, the 2014 blockbuster that earned an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design, has surged into the top five most-watched movies on Disney+ in the United States, proving that Jolie's horned villainess still has plenty of box-office magic more than a decade after its theatrical release.
The film, which grossed over $758 million worldwide and became the fourth-highest-grossing movie of 2014, is currently ranked No. 5 on the platform. This streaming resurgence comes as fans eagerly await news of a third installment in the franchise, which has been in development for years and is now rumored to target an April 2026 release on Disney+.
Directed by Robert Stromberg and written by Linda Woolverton, Maleficent offers a fresh perspective on the classic fairy tale, telling the origin story of the iconic villain from the 1959 animated classic. Jolie stars as the titular fairy, whose heart hardens after a betrayal by a childhood friend, leading her to curse the newborn Princess Aurora. The film also features a stellar supporting cast including Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville.
While initial reviews were mixed, audiences embraced the film's visually stunning world and Jolie's commanding performance. The movie's success spawned a 2019 sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, which also earned an Oscar nomination—this time for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the follow-up explores the evolving relationship between Maleficent and Aurora, now a young queen, as they face a new threat from a neighboring kingdom and the discovery of Maleficent's own kind, the Dark Fey.
Jolie, who has built a reputation as one of Hollywood's highest-paid and most bankable stars through action hits like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Salt, has often cited Maleficent as a passion project. Her portrayal of the misunderstood anti-heroine remains a fan favorite, and the film's streaming revival is reigniting interest in the franchise's future.
For fans of action-packed fantasy, Maleficent joins a growing list of titles dominating streaming platforms. Meanwhile, other streaming sensations like Mark Wahlberg's 'Shooter' hitting Netflix bullseye show how older films can find new life in the streaming era.
With a third Maleficent movie reportedly in the works, the timing of this streaming surge couldn't be better. Disney has yet to officially confirm a release date, but industry insiders suggest the studio is eyeing an April 2026 debut on Disney+, potentially as a major exclusive event. If the current streaming numbers are any indication, audiences are more than ready to return to the moors.
Until then, fans can revisit the original Maleficent and its sequel, both streaming now on Disney+. For those craving more top-tier action, check out our list of 21st-century action movies that are flawless from first frame to last.
