In the ever-shifting landscape of streaming, free ad-supported platforms like Tubi have become unexpected homes for Hollywood's biggest titles. This April 2026, one of the most acclaimed war films ever made is proving that point in a big way. Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan, the 1998 epic starring Tom Hanks, has stormed to the top of Tubi's most-watched list, reminding audiences why it remains a benchmark for the genre.
Set during the harrowing days of World War II, the film follows Captain John Miller (Hanks) and his squad as they embark on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines to bring home the last surviving son of the Ryan family. The movie's unflinching depiction of combat—especially its legendary 27-minute opening sequence depicting the Omaha Beach landings—set a new standard for realism and emotional impact. It's a visceral, anti-war parable that has influenced countless films since, including the upcoming Dune: Part Three, which reportedly features a set-piece directly inspired by Spielberg's work.
Upon its release, Saving Private Ryan was both a critical and commercial juggernaut. It grossed over $480 million worldwide against a $70 million budget, making it the highest-grossing World War II movie of all time—a record it held until Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk surpassed it in 2017. The film earned 11 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won Spielberg his second Best Director Oscar (his first was for another WWII film, Schindler's List).
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rare "Certified Fresh" 94% critics' score and a 95% audience score. The consensus reads: "Anchored by another winning performance from Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg's unflinchingly realistic war film virtually redefines the genre." The cast is a who's-who of future stars, including Matt Damon, Edward Burns, Vin Diesel, Bryan Cranston, and Nathan Fillion.
Spielberg and Hanks later collaborated on a trilogy of spiritually connected WWII television series—Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and Masters of the Air—all of which received widespread acclaim. Hanks' fascination with the era continued with the Apple Original film Greyhound, which is getting a sequel, and he will soon narrate a 20-episode documentary series titled World War II with Tom Hanks on The History Channel.
For fans of epic storytelling, Saving Private Ryan is a masterclass in tension and sacrifice. If you're looking for more cinematic masterpieces, check out our ranking of the all-time best dark fantasy movie masterpieces or explore the 10 greatest action-thriller masterpieces. And for those who love a good sci-fi epic, Prime Video's 'The Expanse' is also making waves this April.
Saving Private Ryan is streaming now on Tubi. Whether you're a first-time viewer or a longtime fan, this 169-minute journey into the heart of war remains as powerful as ever.
