Ryan Gosling is having a monumental year. After stealing hearts as Ken in Barbie and wowing audiences in the sci-fi blockbuster Project Hail Mary, the actor is now bringing one of his most beloved—and criminally overlooked—performances to free streaming. Starting July 1, 2026, Lars and the Real Girl will be available to watch on Plex, giving fans a chance to rediscover a true gem.
Released in 2007, Lars and the Real Girl is a low-budget indie comedy that defies easy categorization. Gosling plays Lars Lindstrom, a painfully shy and socially awkward man who orders a life-sized doll from the internet and treats her as his girlfriend. What could have been a crude joke instead becomes a tender, heartfelt exploration of loneliness, love, and the power of community. The film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2008, but Gosling's performance was shockingly overlooked by the Oscars.
In the years since, Lars and the Real Girl has gained a cult following, with many critics and fans calling it Gosling's finest work. The actor himself has spoken fondly of the film, noting how its quiet sincerity resonated with audiences. Now, with its arrival on Plex, a whole new generation of viewers can experience this understated masterpiece.
Gosling's career has been on an incredible trajectory. From his early days on The Mickey Mouse Club to his Oscar-nominated turn in Half Nelson, he has consistently chosen challenging roles. This year alone, he starred in The Fall Guy and the sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary, which has already become a streaming hit on iTunes. But for many, Lars and the Real Girl remains the pinnacle of his talent.
Looking ahead, Gosling is set to headline Star Wars: Starfighter, a new film set five years after The Rise of Skywalker. The star-studded cast includes Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams. While details are scarce, Gosling has teased an epic journey with memorable characters.
If you're in the mood for more underrated gems, check out our list of 5 Underrated Steven Spielberg Blockbusters That Deserve More Love or explore Top 8 Underrated Action Shows That Get Better With Every Rewatch. For streaming fans, Independence Day: Resurgence Finally Lands on Hulu This July 2026 is also worth noting.
Lars and the Real Girl streams for free on Plex starting July 1, 2026. Don't miss your chance to see Ryan Gosling at his absolute best.
