Tom Cruise has had a rough year at the box office, with his latest epic Digger becoming one of the biggest flops in recent memory. But before that stumble, Cruise was known for taking bold risks on visionary directors—and one of those gambles is now getting a fresh streaming home.
In November 2026, Oblivion, Cruise's 2013 sci-fi spectacle directed by Joseph Kosinski, will be added to the Starz library. The film, which also stars Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Andrea Riseborough, and Melissa Leo, was a visual feast that divided critics but found an audience worldwide.
A Director's Rise
When Kosinski signed on to direct Oblivion, he had only one feature under his belt: Tron: Legacy. That film was praised for its stunning visuals and Daft Punk's electrifying score, but it didn't spark the franchise Disney hoped for. Still, Cruise saw something in Kosinski and entrusted him with a $120 million post-apocalyptic story.
The gamble paid off. Oblivion grossed nearly $290 million globally, and Kosinski would later helm Top Gun: Maverick, the highest-grossing film of Cruise's career. That success cemented Kosinski as one of Hollywood's go-to blockbuster directors.
A Divisive Classic
Critics were split on Oblivion. It currently holds a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus noting it's "visually striking but thinly scripted." The film's strengths lie in its production design, cinematography, and Cruise's committed performance. For fans of cerebral sci-fi, it's a must-watch.
The movie's arrival on Starz comes at a time when streaming platforms are beefing up their catalogs with nostalgic titles. It also pairs well with other recent sci-fi additions, like the upcoming Blade Runner 2099 series on Prime Video, which promises to expand that universe.
More Than Just a Movie
Oblivion is also notable for its diverse cast, featuring Oscar winner Morgan Freeman and Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko. The film's themes of memory, identity, and sacrifice resonate even more today.
For those who missed it in theaters or want to revisit it, Oblivion will be available on Starz starting in November. It's a perfect pick for a movie night, especially if you're in the mood for something that blends Blade Runner's neon-noir with Interstellar's cosmic ambition.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on streaming releases and sci-fi news.
