While Spider-Man: Brand New Day shattered box office records this summer, not every superhero movie enjoyed such glory. Supergirl, the second installment in James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe, stumbled at the box office, but it's now finding redemption on streaming. The film has quietly become a sensation on HBO Max, holding a spot in the platform's top 10 most-streamed movies for over 30 days.
Starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, Supergirl was adapted from the acclaimed Woman of Tomorrow comic storyline. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film also features Jason Momoa and Matthias Schoenaerts. Despite high expectations following Superman's $618 million global haul, Supergirl earned just $126 million worldwide against a hefty $170 million budget, making it one of the year's biggest box office disappointments.
However, the film's streaming performance tells a different story. As of now, Supergirl ranks among the top 10 most-watched movies on HBO Max in the U.S., a feat it has maintained for a full month. This longevity suggests that audiences are giving the film a second chance at home, perhaps drawn by curiosity or the promise of a fresh take on the iconic character.
The current leader on HBO Max is The Housemaid, Sydney Sweeney's steamy thriller that was a box office hit in late 2025. Supergirl's steady presence alongside such a popular title underscores its streaming appeal, even if it didn't translate to theatrical success.
This isn't the first time a superhero film has found new life on streaming. For instance, Anya Taylor-Joy's 'Sacrifice' became a Netflix sensation after its release, and Alan Ritchson's 'Runner' dominated digital charts following its theatrical run. Supergirl now joins this trend, proving that a film's box office performance isn't the only measure of its success.
Looking ahead, the superhero genre is set to dominate again this December with Avengers: Doomsday, releasing on December 18. Directed by the Russo Brothers, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Tom Hiddleston, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, and Pedro Pascal. It's expected to be a box office juggernaut, but Supergirl's streaming triumph shows that even underperformers can find their audience.
For fans of the genre, Supergirl's streaming success is a reminder that great stories can resonate beyond the big screen. Whether you're revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, it's clear that Kara Zor-El has found a new home on HBO Max.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on Supergirl and other streaming sensations.
