In a landscape where blockbusters like Mortal Kombat II and The Devil Wears Prada 2 are packing theaters, the sci-fi genre is having a moment—and it's not just about new releases. Ridley Scott's 2015 survival epic The Martian, starring Matt Damon, has quietly climbed the streaming ranks on Peacock, landing in the platform's top ten most-streamed movies in the U.S. as of May 2026.
The resurgence comes as Project Hail Mary, the latest adaptation of an Andy Weir novel, continues its own box office dominance. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, that film has grossed over $650 million globally and earned near-perfect critical scores. But The Martian—directed by the legendary Ridley Scott—proves that Weir's earlier work still captivates audiences, even 11 years after its debut.
A Sci-Fi Survival Classic
Based on Weir's 2011 novel, The Martian follows astronaut Mark Watney (Damon), who is stranded alone on Mars after a mission goes wrong. The film was a critical and commercial triumph, earning $653 million worldwide and receiving seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Its blend of scientific ingenuity, humor, and human resilience made it an instant classic.
Now, as Project Hail Mary prepares to hit streaming in May 2026, viewers are revisiting the film that started it all. Ryan Gosling's 'Project Hail Mary' Hits Streaming in May 2026 – A Sci-Fi Triumph is expected to draw even more attention to Weir's universe.
Ridley Scott's Sci-Fi Legacy
Scott, a master of the genre, has only directed one other sci-fi film since The Martian: 2017's Alien: Covenant. But he's returning to space with his upcoming project The Dog Stars, based on Peter Heller's 2012 novel. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley, and Guy Pearce. Originally slated for March 2026, its release has been pushed to August 28, 2026, positioning it for an awards season run.
For fans of Scott's earlier work, Ridley Scott's 'Raised by Wolves' Cancelled Too Soon: A Sci-Fi Epic That Outshines 'Blade Runner' remains a cult favorite, while The Martian continues to prove its staying power.
Streaming Success in May 2026
The Martian's streaming surge is part of a broader trend of disaster and survival films dominating charts this month. 20 Years Later, 'The Day After Tomorrow' Climbs Streaming Charts as Disaster Movies Dominate May 2026 shows that audiences crave high-stakes, human-driven stories. The Martian fits perfectly, offering a mix of tension, triumph, and Matt Damon's charisma.
Whether you're revisiting Watney's journey or discovering it for the first time, The Martian is a must-watch on Peacock. And with Project Hail Mary arriving soon, there's never been a better time to dive into Andy Weir's universe.
