For years, fantasy cinema has been measured against the towering epic of The Lord of the Rings. It's a fair comparison—Peter Jackson's trilogy set the bar for grandeur, emotional weight, and world-building. But it's also a bit limiting, because some of the genre's most memorable recent entries have taken a different path: smaller, funnier, and more grounded. That's exactly why Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves has quietly become the best fantasy movie of the past decade, and now it's heading to free streaming.
Starting June 1, 2026, the film will be available for free on Pluto TV. This is a second chance for a movie that, despite earning rave reviews and a devoted fan base, struggled at the box office when it debuted in 2023. With a budget of $150 million, it grossed $208.2 million worldwide—respectable, but not enough to be called a hit. The timing was tough, the market crowded, and lighthearted fantasy comedies have always been a hard sell in theaters.
Directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the film stars Chris Pine as a charming bard leading a ragtag crew on a heist through the Forgotten Realms. The cast also includes Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, and a delightfully villainous Hugh Grant. Critics and audiences alike fell for its blend of wit, heart, and practical stakes—earning a 91% critics' score and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Those numbers make its theatrical stumble even more puzzling.
Now, free streaming on Pluto TV offers the perfect opportunity for the film to find the audience it deserves. It's a chance to experience a fantasy adventure that prioritizes character chemistry and clever humor over endless CGI battles. For fans of the genre, this is a reminder that sometimes the best magic comes from a well-timed joke and a team that feels like real friends.
Looking ahead, the Dungeons & Dragons universe is expanding. Netflix is developing a live-action series titled The Forgotten Realms, executive produced by Shawn Levy (Stranger Things, Deadpool & Wolverine) with Drew Crevello as writer and showrunner. A series format will allow the franchise to explore its rich lore, factions, and side quests in ways a single film couldn't. No release window has been announced yet, but the buzz is building.
If you missed Honor Among Thieves in theaters, now's your chance to catch it for free. It's a film that proves fantasy doesn't need to be grim or sprawling to be unforgettable. For more on how the genre is evolving, check out our feature on 80 Years of Fantasy: The 10 Greatest Movie Masterpieces, Ranked and explore Forgotten Fantasy Gems: 7 Near-Perfect Shows That Deserve a Second Look.
Mark your calendars: June 1, 2026, on Pluto TV. And if you can't wait, the film is also streaming on Paramount+ for subscribers. This is one adventure you won't want to miss.
