3 new box office flops you should actually stream in July 2026 — including a $90 million crime thriller starring Chris Hemsworth
As a dedicated movie theatergoer (I’m set to see my 60th movie of 2026 on the big screen later this week), it’s always frustrating to me when a great film comes along and then gets largely ignored in favor of whatever blockbuster tentpole or buzzy horror flick is also playing.
I’m not saying I don’t also check out blockbusters (and I adore the horror genre), but it’s a shame to see good movies not receive the attention they so richly deserve. Which is why I’ve put together this roundup of three great movies recently added to streaming that are worth circling back to watch now, if you were one of the many who skipped them in cinemas.
From a very original sci-fi comedy to a sprawling crime thriller and a charming musical-comedy with a Jonas brother, I’m hoping these box office flops will get a second chance now that they can be watched (and enjoyed) on at-home streaming.
‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die’
It doesn’t come as a huge surprise to me that “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” was no box office barn-burner. The kooky name instantly put it on its back foot in attracting broad attention, and its high-concept science fiction premise cannot be sold in a quick social media advertisement. It’s a shame that more cinema goers didn’t give this $20 million movie a chance. It’s a gleefully energetic comedy with a timely social message, yet grossed less than half its budget before being banished to streaming.
Opening in an L.A. dinner, a dishevelled man (Sam Rockwell) enters, claims he has a bomb on his person, and then announces he’s from the future. Taking the patrons of the dinner hostage, he explains his master plan to change the past and prevent a rogue artificial intelligence from wreaking havoc. See what I mean about a high-concept setup? Rockwell is at the top of his game in this movie that takes cues from “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
Watch "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" on Hulu now
‘Crime 101’
It speaks to the challenging nature of the current box office climate that a movie like “Crime 101” couldn’t even recoup its $90 million budget, tapping out at $72 million worldwide, before heading over to Prime Video, where it found greater success. It’s got star power in Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry and Barry Keoghan, and earned deservedly strong reviews, scoring 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet it couldn’t get butts in cinema seats. I feel original movies like this need more support.
“Crime 101” is a sprawling crime thriller that interweaves the stories of a handful of intriguing characters before bringing them all together in a well-constructed conclusion. Hemsworth is a jewel thief looking to leave the criminal world behind. Ruffalo is the LAPD detective on his trail. Keoghan is the wildcard, not afraid to get his hands dirty. And Berry is a frustrated insurance broker who feels undervalued at work and makes a rash decision that she quickly comes to regret.
Watch "Crime 101" on Prime Video now
‘Power Ballad’
In my TikTok review show, “Screen, Stream, Skip,” I described “Power Ballad” as “a Sunday afternoon comedy,” a term for movies that make for suitable entertainment over a lazy weekend. So, while I can’t exactly blame viewers for not turning out to watch this one in theaters (it grossed $3 million, a $10 million budget), now that it’s on streaming, it’s a pleasant pick if you want a gentle comedy anchored by the dependable ever-charms of Paul Rudd, and the strong singing chops of Nick Jonas.
Rick (Rudd) is the lead singer of a wedding band in Ireland. Once hoping to make it as a serious musician, he gave up his dreams to raise his daughter. When he meets former boy band member Danny (Jonas) at a wedding, the two spend the evening jamming. Weeks later, Rick is stunned when Danny records and takes credit for one of Rick’s original songs, and the track becomes a juggernaut hit single. Determined to be recognised for his work, Rick sets off to confront Danny and prove to the world he wrote the popular pop ballad.
Watch "Power Ballad" on Prime Video (Buy/rent) now
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