In a streaming landscape where older titles often get a second chance, Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence's 2016 sci-fi drama Passengers has quietly become one of Netflix's most-watched movies in June 2026. The film, written by Jon Spaihts—who later co-wrote Dune—is enjoying a resurgence that few predicted when it first hit theaters a decade ago.
Directed by Morten Tyldum, Passengers follows two passengers aboard a starship bound for a distant colony who are awakened 90 years too early due to a malfunction. With only each other for company, they must grapple with isolation, moral dilemmas, and the creeping dread of spending their lives alone in deep space. The film earned over $300 million worldwide against a $110 million budget, but critics were harsh, citing tonal inconsistencies and problematic plot choices.
Now, in June 2026, the movie has cracked Netflix's top 10 in the U.S., proving that audiences are willing to give it a fresh look. This streaming success comes as Pratt's other sci-fi venture, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, crosses the billion-dollar mark at the global box office, cementing his status as a bankable star in both animation and live-action.
Spaihts, who also wrote for Marvel's Doctor Strange, has become a key figure in modern sci-fi. His work on Dune: Part Three—set for release on December 18, 2026, alongside Avengers: Doomsday—has only heightened interest in his earlier projects. Fans eager for more of his storytelling are now discovering or revisiting Passengers on Netflix.
For those who missed it the first time, Passengers offers a visually stunning, thought-provoking premise that raises questions about fate, consent, and survival. While it may not have the epic scale of Dune, it shares Spaihts' knack for blending human drama with high-concept sci-fi.
If you're in the mood for more space-themed streaming, check out why Netflix's 'Starship Troopers' is a sci-fi war classic that nails the book. And for those who prefer their sci-fi with a side of heist action, Pedro Pascal's 'Triple Frontier' still dominates Netflix in June 2026.
Passengers is currently streaming on Netflix. Whether you're a first-time viewer or a returning fan, it's worth a watch to see why this divisive film has found its audience at last.
