In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, it's not uncommon for a movie that flopped in theaters or got dumped on a streaming service to find a second life. That's exactly what's happening with Infinite, the 2021 sci-fi thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, which is currently experiencing a surprising resurgence on the free ad-supported platform Tubi. As of August 2026, the film has climbed the Tubi charts, capturing the attention of viewers who may have missed it the first time around.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Infinite was a high-concept project that promised a blend of reincarnation, secret societies, and high-octane action. Wahlberg plays Evan McCauley, a man who discovers he is part of a group of individuals known as "Infinites" — people who remember their past lives and have been quietly shaping human history for centuries. The premise had potential, but the execution left critics cold. The film currently holds a dismal 17% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site's consensus calling it "an initially intriguing sci-fi thriller that quickly veers into incoherence."
Originally intended for a theatrical release, Infinite was instead sent straight to Paramount+ in 2021, a year when many studios opted for streaming debuts due to the ongoing pandemic. That decision, combined with the poor reviews, seemed to seal the film's fate as a footnote in the careers of its talented cast, which also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dylan O'Brien, and Rupert Friend. But now, thanks to the growing popularity of free streaming services, Infinite is getting a second chance with audiences who are perhaps more forgiving or simply curious about the buzz.
The film's resurgence is part of a broader trend. With the success of recent blockbusters like The Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, and Antoine Fuqua's own Michael, which has become the biggest hit of his career, viewers are revisiting older works from these filmmakers. Similarly, stars like Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson have seen their back catalogs get a boost thanks to their recent successes. For Fuqua, however, the renewed attention on Infinite is a double-edged sword — it's not exactly the film he'd want to be remembered for, but it's proof that even his missteps can find an audience.
For Mark Wahlberg, Infinite stands out as his only Paramount+ release, a notable outlier in a career that has seen him headline multiple Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV+ projects. While the film may not have been a critical darling, its performance on Tubi suggests that there's an appetite for big-budget sci-fi, even if it's flawed. The free streaming model has become a haven for movies that might otherwise be forgotten, offering viewers a chance to judge for themselves without the barrier of a subscription fee.
If you're curious about the film that's making waves on Tubi, you might also want to check out some other action-packed thrillers that have found new life on streaming. For instance, Mark Wahlberg's Mile 22 is another of his action outings that's worth a look if you're in the mood for high-octane chaos. And if you're a fan of the genre, our list of adventure movies that redefined real thrills might be right up your alley.
While Infinite may not be the best example of Fuqua's work — that honor likely goes to Training Day or Southpaw — its current popularity is a testament to the unpredictable nature of streaming. As we've seen with other films that were initially panned, sometimes all it takes is the right platform and a bit of time for audiences to give a movie a second chance. Whether Infinite will be remembered as a cult classic or simply a curiosity remains to be seen, but for now, it's enjoying a moment in the spotlight.
For those who want to dive deeper into the world of visually stunning sci-fi, our ranking of the most visually stunning movies ever made offers plenty of alternatives that might better satisfy your craving for spectacle. And if you're looking for more recent releases, our guide to 2026 Prime Video movies can help you separate the hits from the misses.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that free platforms like Tubi are becoming an increasingly important part of the ecosystem. They offer a home for movies that might otherwise be lost in the shuffle, and they give audiences the chance to discover hidden gems — or at least, to see what all the fuss was about. Infinite may not be a masterpiece, but its success on Tubi is a reminder that sometimes, a movie just needs the right audience to find it.
