When 2026 began, all eyes were on Steven Spielberg's grand return to science fiction. The legendary director, known for classics like E.T. and Close Encounters, was set to deliver Disclosure Day, a first-contact tale starring Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, and Colin Firth. Expectations were sky-high, but the film's theatrical release didn't quite live up to the hype, earning mixed reviews and a modest box office haul.
Now, however, the movie is experiencing a remarkable second act. Since arriving on Peacock on October 9, Disclosure Day has surged to become the platform's most-watched movie in the U.S., outperforming fan favorites like Coraline and The Grinch, as well as the poorly received 2025 adaptation of War of the Worlds. This streaming resurgence is a testament to the enduring appeal of Spielberg's storytelling, even when initial reactions are lukewarm.
The film's journey from theatrical underperformer to streaming champion is a familiar narrative in today's entertainment landscape. With a reported budget of $115 million, Disclosure Day grossed just under $250 million worldwide—a figure that would be impressive for many films but fell short of expectations for a Spielberg blockbuster. Yet, its strong performance on PVOD and now on Peacock suggests that audiences are giving it a second chance, perhaps drawn by curiosity or the star-studded cast.
While Disclosure Day may not have been the critical darling many hoped for, it's far from the only sci-fi spectacle making waves this year. The true standout of 2026 has been Project Hail Mary, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, which has captivated audiences and critics alike. Ryan Gosling's heartfelt performance as a lone astronaut on a mission to save humanity has earned widespread acclaim, including a glowing 9/10 review from Collider's Ross Bonaime, who called it "truly out of this world in every possible way."
Looking ahead, the biggest sci-fi event of the year is still to come. Dune: Part Three is set to hit theaters on December 18, concluding Denis Villeneuve's epic adaptation of Frank Herbert's novels. Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, joined by a stellar ensemble including Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson, and Anya Taylor-Joy. The trilogy has already cemented its place in cinematic history, and anticipation for the finale is immense.
For now, though, Disclosure Day is enjoying its moment in the streaming spotlight. Whether you're a die-hard Spielberg fan or simply curious about the film that divided critics, it's available to stream on Peacock. And if you're in the mood for more sci-fi, you might also check out Ice Cube's take on War of the Worlds, which has also found a new audience on the platform.
As the year winds down, the conversation around 2026's best sci-fi will likely continue to evolve. But one thing is clear: Disclosure Day has proven that a film's legacy isn't always written on opening weekend. Sometimes, it takes a streaming platform to give a movie the audience it deserves.
