2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for cinema, with unexpected hits like Obsession and ambitious epics like Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey capturing audiences. But no film has defined the year quite like Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Tom Holland's return as the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man was always expected to perform well, but the scale of its success has been nothing short of historic.
From its record-shattering opening weekend—the biggest in domestic history—to its rapid climb past the $1 billion mark worldwide, Brand New Day has rewritten box office records. It eventually surpassed Star Wars: The Force Awakens to become the highest-grossing film of all time domestically, a feat that seemed impossible just months ago.
As the so-called "best Spidey adventure in 20 years," Brand New Day has reignited interest in the entire Spider-Man franchise. That renewed enthusiasm is now benefiting an earlier chapter in Holland's web-slinging saga. Spider-Man: Far From Home, the 2019 sequel directed by Jon Watts, has quietly become one of the most-streamed movies on the free ad-supported platform Tubi, currently sitting in the top ten in the U.S.
Far From Home was a massive hit in its own right, earning over $1.1 billion worldwide against a modest $160 million budget. It followed Holland's Peter Parker as he grappled with the legacy of Tony Stark while facing the mysterious Mysterio, and it remains a fan favorite for its blend of high-stakes action and teenage angst.
The film's resurgence on Tubi is a testament to the enduring popularity of Spider-Man, a character who continues to resonate across generations. It also highlights the growing importance of free streaming platforms, which are becoming go-to destinations for audiences looking to revisit beloved blockbusters without a subscription fee.
The MCU's Next Big Swing
While Brand New Day has dominated the box office, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up for what could be its biggest challenge yet. Avengers: Doomsday, directed by the Russo Brothers, is set to hit theaters on December 18 and is already generating massive buzz. With a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Tom Hiddleston, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, and Pedro Pascal, the film aims to surpass Endgame both critically and financially.
The MCU's return this December is poised to be a cultural event, and with the success of Brand New Day, the franchise is riding a wave of goodwill. Whether Doomsday can outdo Spidey's record remains to be seen, but the Russo Brothers are known for delivering spectacle.
For now, fans can enjoy Spider-Man: Far From Home on Tubi, a perfect way to revisit the web-slinger's earlier adventures while waiting for the next chapter. And if you're looking for more streaming gems, check out our coverage of Netflix's East of Eden sensation or the HBO series filling the Succession void.
As 2026 continues to surprise, one thing is clear: Spider-Man's legacy is far from over, whether on the big screen or the small one.
