Gary Oldman may be busy commanding the screen as the irascible Jackson Lamb in Apple TV+'s Slow Horses, but one of his most beloved film roles is enjoying a resurgence on a completely different platform. The Fifth Element, the 1997 sci-fi spectacle directed by Luc Besson, has landed on Tubi and is currently one of the ten most-watched movies in the U.S. on the free streaming service this November 2026.
For those who missed it the first time around—or simply want to revisit its gloriously weird universe—The Fifth Element is a wild ride. Starring Bruce Willis as a down-on-his-luck cab driver, Milla Jovovich as the enigmatic Leeloo, and Oldman as the villainous Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg, the film blends action, comedy, and existential questions into a visually stunning package. Upon its initial release, critics and audiences weren't quite sure what to make of it. It wasn't your typical Hollywood blockbuster, and that's precisely why it has aged so well.
Despite a mixed reception, the movie opened at No. 1 in North America and went on to earn $264 million worldwide against a reported $95 million budget. It finished as the ninth highest-grossing film of 1997. In the years since, it has been reevaluated as a forward-thinking, inventive gem—a film that took risks and created a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow.
That fanbase is clearly driving its success on Tubi. The free, ad-supported platform has become a haven for cult classics and overlooked treasures, and The Fifth Element fits right in. Its popularity on Tubi also comes at a perfect time for Oldman fans, who are eagerly awaiting the next season of Slow Horses. The spy thriller recently wrapped its sixth season, which topped the Apple TV charts in the U.S. after its finale, "Judgment Day." Two more seasons have already been confirmed, ensuring plenty more cynical nihilism from Lamb and his team of MI5 misfits.
While waiting for new episodes, viewers can also catch up on Slow Horses' impressive streaming streak, which shows no signs of slowing down. And if you're in the mood for more survival-themed entertainment, check out our ultimate survival movie countdown for some classic picks.
Meanwhile, the Slow Horses universe continues to generate buzz beyond the show itself. Jack Lowden, who plays River Cartwright, is among the top contenders to become the next James Bond. Oldman has publicly endorsed his co-star, saying, "My fingers are crossed for Jack." However, Callum Turner is currently considered the frontrunner. For a look back at the franchise, don't miss our ranking of every Daniel Craig Bond movie.
As for The Fifth Element, its presence on Tubi is a reminder that great sci-fi never truly dies—it just finds new audiences. Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, now is the perfect time to stream this unconventional masterpiece. And if you're looking for more free streaming gems, keep an eye on Tubi's rotating library, which often includes other cult favorites.
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