Kevin Costner's career has seen its fair share of ups and downs, from the heights of Dances with Wolves to the lows of Horizon: An American Saga. But now, one of his most infamous projects is enjoying an unexpected renaissance on streaming.
Three decades after its initial release, Waterworld has become a surprise hit on Tubi, landing in the platform's top ten most-watched movies in the U.S. The film, which was one of the most expensive productions of its time, is now finding a new audience among streaming viewers who are curious about its legendary status as a box office bomb.
From Box Office Disaster to Streaming Darling
Released in 1995, Waterworld was a massive gamble for Universal Pictures. With a budget that ballooned to over $200 million, it was one of the most costly films ever made. Despite earning more than $250 million worldwide, the film was considered a financial failure due to its astronomical production costs and mixed critical reception.
Critics were harsh, with Roger Ebert famously writing, "It's one of those marginal pictures you're not unhappy to have seen, but can't quite recommend." The film's elaborate water sets, production delays, and Costner's reported clashes with the director only added to its troubled reputation.
Yet, in the age of streaming, Waterworld has found a new lease on life. Its inclusion on Tubi's most-watched list is a testament to the enduring appeal of so-called "so-bad-they're-good" movies, as well as a nostalgic trip for viewers who remember the hype surrounding its release.
Costner's Recent Struggles and Future Projects
Costner's recent departure from Yellowstone and the disappointing performance of his passion project Horizon: An American Saga have kept him in the headlines. The first installment of the planned four-part Western epic earned less than $40 million against a $50 million budget, leaving the future of the franchise in doubt.
But Costner isn't slowing down. He's set to star in Honeymoon With Harry, a comedy-drama directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, with a script by Dan Fogelman. The film, based on a Bart Barker novel, has been in development for 25 years and will see Costner play a father-in-law who embarks on a honeymoon with his son-in-law, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, after a tragic twist.
While Waterworld may have been a critical and commercial disappointment in its day, its current streaming success is a reminder that sometimes, time is the ultimate judge. For fans of Costner, his Western Open Range is also available on Tubi, offering a different kind of frontier adventure.
As streaming platforms continue to resurrect older titles, Waterworld's popularity on Tubi is part of a larger trend. Classic shows like The Sopranos still dominate charts, and Stephen King's The Stand has also seen a resurgence. It seems audiences are eager to revisit the past, whether for nostalgia or to see what all the fuss was about.
For now, Waterworld is riding a wave of renewed interest, proving that even the most notorious flops can become cult classics in the streaming era.
