Geostorm, the disaster blockbuster starring Gerard Butler and considered a box office and critical failure in 2017, is experiencing a surprising revival in early 2026. The film, which cost around $120 million (over R$600 million at the current exchange rate) and grossed only $221 million globally, has secured a spot in Tubi’s Top 10, a popular free streaming platform. Meanwhile, the Brazilian audience is rediscovering the apocalyptic plot about a satellite network that turns against Earth, demonstrating how free access can rewrite the legacy of an ambitious project.
The rise on the most-watched list happened precisely in January 2026, with the film occupying the fifth overall position. In this way, Geostorm surpassed acclaimed titles like ‘The Fifth Element’ and ‘Jumanji’, showing an unexpected appeal almost a decade after its original release. This phenomenon is relevant because it highlights a trend in modern consumption: productions that did not perform well in theaters often find their definitive audience on digital platforms, where zero cost for the viewer removes a major barrier.
The Geostorm Paradox: Bad Reviews, Curious Audience
Despite its modest commercial performance for its standards at the time and very low scores on aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes (18% from critics), the film directed by Dean Devlin is now captivating new fans. The plot, which features Gerard Butler as a scientist trying to save the planet from technology-induced climate catastrophes, seems to resonate with today’s audience. Furthermore, the presence of a heavyweight cast, with names like Ed Harris and Andy García, adds value to the free streaming experience, offering a big-budget visual spectacle at no cost to the subscriber.
And what is Gerard Butler doing today?
While Geostorm finds new life, Gerard Butler remains steadfast in the action genre. The actor, who also brought to life the leader Stoick the Vast in the 2025 live-action version of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, has ongoing projects. He is set to reprise his role in the anticipated ‘Den of Thieves 3’, currently in pre-production, continuing the successful police franchise. Therefore, the rediscovery of Geostorm serves not only as a curious chapter in streaming history but also as a reminder of the resilient trajectory of its protagonist, who continues to win over audiences with high-impact films.
Thus, Geostorm’s journey is a classic case of how the streaming era can definitively alter the perception of a film. What was a box office disaster nine years ago transforms, in 2026, into an audience success accessible to any Brazilian with an internet connection. This second chance, made possible by free platforms like Tubi, proves that the final value of a film production is increasingly defined by the audience – and not just by the box office or critics.
