Video game adaptations have had a rollercoaster of a year in 2026. While some have soared to unprecedented heights, others have stumbled at the box office only to find a second life on streaming. The latest example is Mortal Kombat II, which, despite its theatrical struggles, has now officially become the most-watched movie on HBO Max worldwide.
Starring Karl Urban as the iconic Johnny Cage, the sequel to the 2021 reboot of the classic fighting game franchise hit theaters in early May. It opened strong, pulling in nearly $40 million domestically and landing at number two in the box office rankings. However, the momentum didn't last. The film experienced steep weekend-to-weekend drops, ultimately finishing its theatrical run with just $129 million globally against a reported $80 million budget—a disappointing outcome for a property with such a dedicated fanbase.
But the story doesn't end there. In a classic streaming resurrection, Mortal Kombat II has bounced back in a big way. As of this writing, it holds the top spot as the most-watched movie on HBO Max across the globe, proving that audiences are eager to see Karl Urban's take on the wisecracking Hollywood action star, especially after his acclaimed run in The Boys.
The film also features a talented cast including Adeline Rudolph (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Jessica McNamee (The Meg), and Josh Lawson (Anchorman 2), with Simon McQuoid returning to direct. While the box office numbers may have been disappointing, the streaming success suggests that the franchise still has plenty of fight left in it.
This resurgence is part of a broader trend in 2026, where streaming platforms are giving underperforming theatrical releases a second chance to find their audience. For fans of fantasy and action, it's a win-win: they get to enjoy the film from the comfort of home, and studios see the value in these properties beyond the big screen.
If you're in the mood for more fantasy action, check out our list of must-play fantasy games or revisit some hidden fantasy gems that deserve a second look.
Meanwhile, the video game adaptation wave continues with Sonic the Hedgehog 4 on the horizon, set to hit theaters on March 19, 2027. Keanu Reeves returns as Shadow, and the voice cast expands with Kristen Bell as Amy Rose, alongside Ben Kingsley, Matt Berry, Nick Offerman, and Richard Ayoade in undisclosed roles.
For now, Mortal Kombat II is proving that even a theatrical disappointment can become a streaming champion. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on your favorite movies and shows.
