Christopher Nolan is having a monumental 2026. His latest epic, The Odyssey, has become one of the year's biggest cinematic events, trailing only a few box-office titans like Michael and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. While Spider-Man: Brand New Day shattered opening weekend records, The Odyssey is still expected to be a major awards contender, with predictions of at least ten Oscar nominations. Nolan has once again set the bar for blockbuster filmmaking, but it's worth remembering that just a few years ago, he delivered one of his most divisive projects—a film that is now finding a massive new audience on streaming.
That film is Tenet, Nolan's mind-bending sci-fi spy thriller from 2020. Released during the height of the pandemic, it starred John David Washington and Robert Pattinson. Despite the challenging circumstances, it grossed $376 million worldwide, though its hefty $200 million budget meant it didn't turn a profit. It did win the Oscar for Best Visual Effects and earned a nomination for Best Production Design, but it was shut out of the major categories like Best Picture. Now, in 2026, Tenet is experiencing a remarkable resurgence on streaming.
While Tenet doesn't have a dedicated streaming home in the U.S., it's available on HBO Max in many international markets, and it's climbing the charts. The film has cracked the top 10 in over 15 countries on HBO Max, and it's also a top 10 VOD title on Apple TV in more than 25 countries. This global streaming success is a testament to the film's enduring appeal and Nolan's dedicated fanbase, who are eager to revisit its complex time-bending narrative.
For those who haven't seen it, Tenet is a high-concept thriller that follows a secret agent (Washington) who must manipulate time to prevent a catastrophic attack from the future. It's a visual spectacle with a dense plot that rewards repeat viewings, and it's clearly finding new life with audiences who may have missed it in theaters or are discovering it for the first time on streaming. If you're in the mood for more edge-of-your-seat action, check out our list of action thrillers that keep you on edge.
Meanwhile, The Odyssey continues its theatrical reign. Universal Pictures hasn't announced a streaming date yet, and with IMAX exclusivity still in place (at least until Spider-Man: Brand New Day takes over some screens), it's likely to stay in theaters for a while longer. When it does head to streaming, it will eventually land on Peacock, but before that, you can expect it on VOD platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV for rental or purchase.
Nolan's ability to craft both massive theatrical hits and cult favorites is unmatched. Tenet's streaming success is a reminder that even his most polarizing work can become a beloved classic. For more on the latest in streaming and film, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot. And if you're a fan of high-stakes thrillers, you might also enjoy Liam Neeson's grittiest thriller, which is also a streaming hit.
