Steven Spielberg's return to science fiction, Disclosure Day, may have divided critics upon its theatrical release, but it has found a second life on streaming. The film, which stars Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, and Colin Firth, has spent more than 100 days on Amazon's U.S. charts, proving that audiences are still eager for the legendary director's vision.
Set against the backdrop of a first-contact scenario, Disclosure Day follows a team of experts who must navigate the complexities of communicating with an alien species. Despite the star-studded cast and Spielberg's pedigree, the film received lukewarm reviews, with critics pointing to a weak narrative and structural issues. One critic noted, "The underlying narrative is remarkably weak and the nuts-and-bolts structure is poorly conceived," while another called it "a bit of a disappointment."
However, the film's streaming performance tells a different story. Since its arrival on Prime Video, Disclosure Day has consistently ranked among the platform's most-watched titles, currently trailing only the new arrival Verity, starring Anne Hathaway. This sustained popularity suggests that while critics may have been underwhelmed, general audiences are embracing Spielberg's latest offering.
The film's box office performance was less impressive, grossing $250 million worldwide against a reported budget of $115 million. Domestic earnings of $116 million and international earnings of $131 million placed it as the 20th highest-grossing film of 2026, though upcoming releases like Dune: Part Three and Avengers: Doomsday are expected to push it out of the top 20.
Spielberg's return to sci-fi was highly anticipated, especially after an eight-year hiatus from the genre. The film's mixed reception was a surprise to many, given the director's track record with classics like E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Yet, the streaming success of Disclosure Day demonstrates that Spielberg's name still carries significant weight with audiences.
As the year winds down, Disclosure Day stands as a testament to the shifting dynamics of film consumption. While theatrical releases remain important, streaming platforms have become a crucial avenue for films to find their audience. For Spielberg fans who missed it in theaters, Prime Video offers a chance to catch up on this polarizing entry in his filmography.
For those looking for more streaming recommendations, check out our picks for must-watch movies this weekend or explore shows you can't miss. And if you're in the mood for a different kind of sci-fi, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 might be up your alley.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Disclosure Day and other streaming hits.
