Get your watchlists ready, we’ve got a fresh new lineup of movies and TV headed your way. From critically-acclaimed hits to comfort-watch faves, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the latest and binge accordingly.

New on Plex in April

13
American Ultra
Apocalypse Now
Arkansas
Barefoot
The Best Of Enemies
The Big Wedding
Braven
Cake
Can’t Stop The Music
Child 44
Dear White People
Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights
Dragged Across Concrete
Drive Angry
Empire State
Erased
Euphoria
Frailty
Gamer
The Girl Next Door
Grizzly Man
Hardcore Henry
Homefront
The Homesman
The Hurt Locker
I Frankenstein
If Beale Street Could Talk
The Impossible
In A World
The Infiltrator
The Iron Lady
Jackie Brown
Kick Ass
The King’s Speech
The Last Five Years
Leatherface
Love & Mercy
Lucky Number Slevin
Man Of Tai Chi
Margin Call
Meatballs
The Men Who Stare At Goats
Monster’s Ball
Nashville
One For The Money
Only God Forgives
Prospect
Push
The Railway Man
Regression
Remember Me
Rob Zombie’s Halloween II
Scary Movie 4
Secret In Their Eyes
Seriously Red
Sin City: A Dame To Kill For
Step Up All In
Transporter 3
Vice
The Voices
Wind River
Winter’s Bone
Wonderland
Zack And Miri Make A Porno

Leaving Plex in April

Bleeding Steel
Blood Father
Crash
Crypto
Employee Of The Month
Escape Plan 2: Hades
A Haunted House
A Haunted House 2
Inconceivable
The Last Stand
Mud
New In Town
Once Upon A Time In America
Runaway Jury
Simply Irresistible
Sommersby
Stay
Stronger
Tigerland
Wrong Turn

**Disclaimer: The availability of the above titles is dependent on your region. Check the Plex app for the most up-to-date information.

The post New on Plex in April appeared first on Plex.

So, should you watch in Release Order or Chronological Order? The short answer: It depends. Each has its benefits. The right choice ultimately comes down to what kind of viewing experience you’re looking for. Let’s break it down.

Comparing Both Viewing Orders

Complete MCU Release Order List

Complete MCU Chronological Order List

Why Release Order Works for First-Time Viewers

Watching in Release Order makes sense because Marvel Studios carefully planned each installment to build on what came before. Post-credit scenes tease future storylines and new characters appear at the right time. Iron Man lays the groundwork, showing Tony Stark’s world of advanced tech, secret agencies, and bigger mysteries. The post-credit scene with Nick Fury talking about “the Avengers Initiative” is most exciting if you haven’t seen the later movies yet.

Release Order also allows you to meet characters the way Marvel intended. Thanos is introduced only as a distant threat at first, and the Infinity Stones are scattered across different movies before you learn what they mean. By the time you reach Avengers: Endgame, the emotional and narrative payoff feels far more powerful feel because it’s been built up over time.

Watching this way also helps keep the story moving smoothly. Captain America: The First Avenger takes place in the 1940s, but watching it as the fifth movie (after Thor) maintains the story flow. If you watched before Iron Man, it might feel out of place, and the ending makes more sense if you know Steve Rogers’ future.

Finally, Kevin Feige has explained that post-credit scenes are designed to “build hype for the next MCU film, or for something big and long-game.” By 2025’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the franchise includes 88 post-credit scenes spread across 51 movies and shows. Watching them out of order can easily spoil their intended impact.

Why Chronological Order Works for Rewatches

Chronological Order serves a different purpose. Once you know the overarching narrative, rearranging all the pieces lets you see the timeline from a new perspective. Events that once felt separate in Release Order suddenly gain new context. In this format, you watch Wakanda’s history unfold across centuries before actually meeting T’Challa, and you see Captain America’s wartime heroism before jumping ahead in time to his modern struggles.

It’s worth noting that the MCU officially adjusted its chronology in August 2025. Disney+ added Eyes of Wakanda to the top of its MCU Timeline Order, replacing Captain America: The First Avenger. This animated series features episodes set in 1260 BC, 1200 BC, 1400 AD, and 1896 AD, all focused on Wakanda’s efforts to protect dangerous artifacts. It now holds the earliest position in the MCU’s Sacred Timeline.

From there, the chronology moves through Captain America’s World War II adventures, Agent Carter’s post-war operations, The Fantastic Four’s 1960s origin (set in an alternate timeline called Earth-828), and Captain Marvel’s 1990s story, before arriving at Iron Man in 2008.

This approach lets you appreciate how Marvel retrofitted prequels into the existing framework. Captain Marvel was released in 2019, but set in 1995. Watching it chronologically means waiting nearly 20 storylines before Brie Larson’s character, Carol Danvers, is mentioned again. That gap feels strange, but it also shows how carefully the studio planned the timeline.

How the MCU Timeline Actually Works

The MCU timeline gets a little complicated starting with Phase 3. While earlier phases follow a more straightforward path (with release dates roughly matching the in-universe chronology), Phase 3 introduces overlapping storylines. Black Widow, released in 2021, is set between Captain America: Civil War (2016) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and mainly takes place in the aftermath of Civil War.

Avengers: Endgame has a five-year time jump (The Snap or The Blip occurs in 2018), but most of Endgame takes place in the year 2023. Every project set after Endgame reflects this jump, placing Phase 4 and Phase 5 content in what was then the near future.

Recognizing the confusion, Marvel Studios decided to pinpoint where each project falls in the timeline. In October 2023, DK Publishing released The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline, written by journalists Anthony Breznican, Amy Ratcliffe, and Rebecca Theodore-Vachon in collaboration with Marvel Studios. Brad Winderbaum, a Marvel executive, called the book “the first time the studio was officially laying out the timeline.”

Disney+ also restructured its Marvel section in October 2020, adding both phase-based groupings and a timeline order collection. This collection now serves as the studio’s official reference for chronological viewing.

Phase-by-Phase Breakdown

The Infinity Saga (Phases 1, 2, and 3)

Phases 1 through 3 form a complete story arc called The Infinity Saga. This 23-film sequence revolves around six artifacts known as the Infinity Stones. The arc begins with Iron Man in 2008 and concludes with Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019.

Phase 1 also introduces the core Avengers: Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America. It ends with The Avengers (2012), the first crossover bringing these characters together.

Phase 2, which runs from 2013 to 2015, expands on the characters and the universe. Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Ant-Man all fall within this period.

Phase 3 brings the Infinity Saga to its conclusion with the Infinity War and Endgame sequels, wrapping up storylines that had been building for over a decade. This phase includes: Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

The Multiverse Saga (Phases 4, 5, and 6)

The Multiverse Saga begins with Phase 4 in 2021 and will conclude with Phase 6’s Avengers: Secret Wars in December 2027.

Phase 4 introduced new characters and concepts following the conclusion of Endgame. WandaVision, the first Disney+ series, which premiered in January 2021, established that TV shows could carry the same level of plot weight as films. Loki, also part of Phase 4, introduced the multiverse concept that defines the entire saga. In fact, the show’s finale sees Loki create the multiverse itself, becoming the “God of Stories” and unleashing multiple variants of Kang across timelines.

Phase 5, consisting of 15 projects (six films and nine shows), ran from 2023 to 2025 and concluded with the release of Thunderbolts**. This phase includes Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Marvels, Deadpool & Wolverine, Captain America: Brave New World, and the conclusion of several Disney+ series.

Phase 6 began with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July 2025. Upcoming releases include Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 2026), Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026), and Avengers: Secret Wars (December 2027). Feige called Phase 6 “the most focused phase” after Phases 4 and 5 were used to “experiment” and expand, sometimes “too much” in his own words.

The Multiverse Problem

Specific MCU projects exist outside standard timeline logic. For example, Loki takes place entirely outside conventional time. The show’s central character is technically from the year 2012, but the events take place in the Time Variance Authority, which operates outside temporal constraints. Watching Loki after Avengers: Endgame makes sense because the latter contains the branching point where the Loki variant splits off and also because the second season of Loki explains how the multiverse came to exist.

What If…? presents another challenge. This animated anthology explores alternate versions of MCU events across multiple universes and timelines. With that in mind, this series works best after Loki because that show establishes the multiverse’s existence.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps adds another layer. The film takes place primarily in 1964, but in an alternate reality called Earth-828. This setting features retrofuturistic design elements that separate it from the main MCU timeline (Earth-616). Despite being set decades before most MCU content, Disney+ placed it at the end of the current chronological order. The placement prioritizes the film’s relationship to the ongoing Multiverse Saga rather than its internal setting.

Deadpool & Wolverine technically takes place in March 2024, which would position it before much of Phase 4. However, the film contains multiverse jokes and references that work better if viewed after other Phase 4 and 5 content. But, since it has no real connection to wider MCU events, its placement is more flexible.

TV Shows and the Sacred Timeline

Disney+ shows became essential viewing starting with WandaVision in 2021. These series carry plot weight. WandaVision sets up Wanda’s turn toward darkness in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Falcon and the Winter Soldier establishes Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. Hawkeye introduces characters who appear in later projects.

Then there’s the Marvel Netflix shows (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders), which now hold canonical status within the Sacred Timeline. Daredevil: Born Again, released in March 2025, continues Charlie Cox’s story directly. The first season is set after Echo, with a prologue in late 2025, then jumps ahead to late 2026 and early 2027.

If you want to slim down your viewing list, you could skip Agents of SHIELD and other Netflix shows. Why? While they feature recurring characters, Marvel has confirmed they exist outside the Sacred Timeline. However, with Daredevil: Born Again treating the Netflix material as backstory, skipping those shows also means missing context for current releases.

To help with this, Marvel Studios created “Marvel Animation” and “Marvel Television” banners for animated and live-action series in 2024. Along with the “Marvel Spotlight” banner, these labels help audiences identify which content they can skip without losing track of the main story.

Where to Watch

You can always check to see what’s streaming where on Plex, but as of 2025, nearly every MCU film and TV show is available on Disney+. The streaming service hosts content organized by phase and by timeline order and you can access either collection within the Marvel section.

The main exception to this is the Spider-Man trilogy (Homecoming, Far From Home, and No Way Home). Sony holds distribution rights to these films, so their availability on Disney+ varies by region and licensing agreements.

You can also find the Netflix Defenders series (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders) on Disney+ as part of the platform’s MCU offerings.

Upcoming MCU Releases

The gap between The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 2025) and Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 2026) is the longest since COVID caused delays between Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) and Black Widow (2021).

At San Diego Comic-Con in 2024, Marvel announced it had retitled the fifth Avengers film from Avengers: The Kang Dynasty to Avengers: Doomsday. Robert Downey Jr. was also announced as Victor von Doom (Doctor Doom), the new antagonist in both Doomsday and Secret Wars. This marks Downey’s return to the MCU after portraying Tony Stark/Iron Man from 2008 to 2019.

Kevin Feige has stated that Marvel Studios maintains plans for up to seven years ahead, with potential films arranged on magnets that can be repositioned as needed. By July 2025, the studio had mapped out projects through 2032 and was “already well into development” on three additional phases following the Multiverse Saga.

The Case for Iron Man First

Some fans argue that Captain America: The First Avenger should start any viewing order since it is set earliest (1942). However, Iron Man remains the strongest opening for several reasons.

Iron Man establishes the tone, rules, and visual language of the MCU. Tony Stark’s journey from weapons manufacturer to hero creates emotional investment in a world where superheroes are new. The post-credit scene with Nick Fury introduces SHIELD and the Avengers Initiative, setting up everything that follows.

On the other hand, starting with The First Avenger puts you in a period piece war film that ends with Steve Rogers waking up in modern-day New York. That moment carries weight only if you already know the MCU exists.

Captain Marvel, set in 1995, has a similar issue. Watching it before Iron Man totally undermines Nick Fury’s iconic post-credit appearance. The entire point of that scene is to generate anticipation among the audience.

The Netflix Shows Question

The Marvel Netflix series presents a choice. Daredevil (3 seasons), Jessica Jones (3 seasons), Luke Cage (2 seasons), Iron Fist (2 seasons), The Punisher (2 seasons), and The Defenders crossover miniseries originally aired between 2015 and 2019. For years, their canonical status remained uncertain.

As of 2025, these shows are officially part of the MCU. Daredevil: Born Again continues Charlie Cox’s story directly, with Vincent D’Onofrio returning as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin. Echo, released in 2024, featured both actors and treated their Netflix appearances as established backstory.

Including the Netflix shows in your viewing order adds about 13 seasons of content. For completionists, this material fills gaps between MCU films and provides deeper context for characters that are now appearing in current releases. For casual viewers though, the shows can be skipped without losing the main thread.

If you include them, the Netflix shows fit chronologically between Phase 2 and Phase 3 films. Daredevil Season 1 takes place after The Avengers but before Avengers: Age of Ultron.

One-Shots and Specials

Marvel also produced a series of short films called “One-Shots” that bridge gaps between movies. These include The Consultant, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer, Item 47, Agent Carter (the short that led to the TV series), and All Hail the King. Most are available on Disney+ and add small details to the larger story without being required viewing.

Disney+ specials like Werewolf by Night and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special fall into similar territory. They contribute to the timeline but function as standalone content.

Which Order Should You Choose?

The answer depends on your familiarity with the material.

If you’ve never watched the MCU, begin with Release Order. This approach follows the filmmakers’ intentions, preserves reveals and surprises, and provides natural pacing. You’ll also understand why certain moments matter because you’ll have experienced them in the same way as the original audience.

If you’ve already seen most or all MCU content, Chronological Order offers a fresh perspective on familiar material. The pacing is different, with multiple prologues front-loaded before the action picks up and long gaps between character appearances. The timeline’s construction becomes visible in ways that Release Order obscures.

For those planning an Avengers: Doomsday preparation marathon, the Release Order remains simplest. Doomsday reportedly follows directly from the events of Avengers: Endgame while incorporating multiverse elements established across Phases 4 and 5.

The Completionist Warning

With total runtime exceeding 200 hours, watching every MCU film and TV show requires commitment. The franchise includes 37 films, over 20 TV series, multiple specials, and various One-Shots.

If you’re looking to get the whole picture in the shortest amount of time, prioritize the films and the following series: WandaVision, Loki (both seasons), and Daredevil: Born Again. These carry the most weight for upcoming releases.

Final Recommendations

• For first-time viewers, watch in Release Order, starting with Iron Man (2008) and continuing through each phase sequentially. Include Disney+ shows by release date. Skip the Netflix shows on your first pass unless you specifically want Daredevil content before watching Daredevil: Born Again.
• For rewatches, try Chronological Order, starting with Eyes of Wakanda. Accept that the pacing will feel unconventional and appreciate how Marvel constructed a timeline spanning thousands of years and dozens of projects.
• For casual interest, start with Iron Man, and The Avengers. Then skip to Captain America: Civil War, and Infinity War and Endgame. This abbreviated path covers the core story in five films.
• For Avengers: Doomsday preparation, watch in Release Order. Start with Thunderbolts** and then The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The new Avengers film builds on the entire Multiverse Saga, so familiarity with Loki’s multiverse establishment and Phase 5’s setup is also helpful.

The MCU’s six phases and two sagas represent a storytelling project without precedent in film history. It’s a complex interconnected narrative spanning years, genres, and characters. How you approach it ultimately depends on the experience you want to have.

The post Marvel Movies in Order: Should You Watch Them in Release or Chronological Order? appeared first on Plex.

At the top of the list is Avatar (2009), which earned roughly $2.92 billion worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, and has held the crown for more than a decade thanks to its groundbreaking visual effects and immersive world. Not far behind, Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame (2019) brought together over a decade of interconnected storytelling to amass around $2.80 billion globally, while Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) continued the franchise’s dominance with about $2.33 billion.

Sequels, franchise entries, and animated films also rank among the top worldwide box office earners. In 2025, China’s Ne Zha 2 joined the ranks with roughly $2.24 billion, becoming one of the highest-grossing animated movies ever.

Here are 20 films that earned the most at the global box office, revealing trends in audience loyalty, technology, and international market strength.

The Top 20 at a Glance

1. Avatar (2009)

James Cameron developed new technology for Avatar, enabling actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña to portray the Na’vi on Pandora with notable realism.

Cameron wrote the script in the mid-1990s and waited until film technology could match his vision. Avatar grossed about $2.92 billion worldwide, holding the top spot at the box office. Home video and re-releases contributed to its total revenue and long-term presence in theaters.

The production won 3 Academy Awards for Art Direction, Cinematography, and Visual Effects. The story follows paraplegic Marine Jake Sully, who enters the Na’vi world through an avatar body, falls in love with Neytiri, and ultimately chooses to defend Pandora against human exploitation.

Environmental themes, world-building, and visual effects brought audiences back to theaters. Avatar became a successful IMAX release and expanded into theme parks, games, and a lasting franchise.

Plex fans call it the “best movie ever” and “a nearly perfect film that, while thin in the depth of plot, is a masterclass in world building.” Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/avatar

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Avatar here.

2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Spoiler alert: Haven’t seen the movie? Stop reading here.

Anthony and Joe Russo directed the epic conclusion to a story that began with Iron Man in 2008. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, and Anthony led a cast that united every major hero from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Avengers: Endgame earned about $2.80 billion worldwide after a decade of interconnected stories. Advance ticket sales overwhelmed websites, and midnight screenings filled theaters around the world.

Despite a three-hour runtime, audiences showed up in massive numbers to see how the saga would end. Tony Stark’s sacrifice and Steve Rogers’ final arc became defining moments in blockbuster cinema. The climactic battle sequence brought together heroes from across the galaxy in a payoff years in the making.

Social media was filled with reactions, theories, and tributes. The film showed the commercial power of long-form franchise storytelling and the value of audience engagement.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/avengers-endgame

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Avengers: Endgame here.

3. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

James Cameron returned to Pandora 13 years after the original film with a sequel that once again pushed technical boundaries. Avatar: The Way of Water earned about $2.32 billion worldwide, confirming that audiences were still eager for an immersive theatrical spectacle.

The story follows Jake Sully, Neytiri, and their children as they seek refuge with the ocean-dwelling Metkayina clan. Cameron and his team developed new underwater performance capture techniques to bring the marine world of Pandora to life with stunning detail.

The film’s longer runtime introduced new cultures, creatures, and environmental themes. Premium formats like IMAX and 3D contributed to its box office success, attracting viewers interested in enhanced visuals.

The sequel explored themes of family, displacement, and survival. The film’s strong performance suggested that audiences remain interested in theatrical releases designed for large screens.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/avatar-the-way-of-water

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Avatar: The Way of Water here.

4. Titanic (1997)

James Cameron’s romantic disaster film earned about $2.26 billion worldwide across its original run and re-releases. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet starred as Jack and Rose, characters from different backgrounds aboard the RMS Titanic.

The film won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, tying the record set byBen-Hur, the 1959 epic historical drama. Cameron’s meticulous recreation of the ship, combined with sweeping romance and tragedy, captivated audiences worldwide.

Titanic spent 15 weeks at the top of the box office. Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” also became a popular song associated with the film.

A 3D re-release in 2012 added to its total earnings. To this day, Titanic continues to attract new viewers.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/titanic-1997

Titanic is available to rent on Plex.

5. Ne Zha 2 (2025)

The Chinese animated sequel Ne Zha 2 earned about $2.24 billion worldwide, with most of its sales coming from mainland China. Directed by Jiao Zi, the film built on the original’s popularity and expanded its story.

With a production budget of about $80 million, the film achieved a high return on investment. It surpassed previous single-market records and became the highest-grossing movie released in a single territory.

Drawing from classical Chinese mythology, including Investiture of the Gods, the story blends traditional themes with modern ideas about identity and self-determination. Word of mouth, holiday timing, and national pride contributed to its performance.

The film also had strong IMAX attendance and international releases in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Its success showed that non-English animated films can achieve high box office results.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/ne-zha-ii

Ze Zha II is available to rent on Plex.

6. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

After a decade away from episodic Star Wars films, The Force Awakens arrived with enormous expectations. J.J. Abrams directed a story that introduced a new generation of heroes while reuniting audiences with icons such as Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca. The result was one of the most anticipated movie releases in modern history.

The film grossed roughly $2.07 billion worldwide, driven by record-breaking opening weekends across multiple territories. Fans camped outside theatres, websites buckled under ticket demand, and marketing campaigns carefully teased characters and story elements without revealing major plot points. Harrison Ford’s return as Han Solo, in particular, generated widespread excitement.

The story centered on Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren, setting up a new trilogy that blended nostalgia with fresh narrative directions. Practical effects and real sets gave the film a visual style that echoed the original trilogy, pleasing longtime fans who had missed that tactile feel.

By successfully balancing legacy characters with new faces, The Force Awakens revived the franchise for a new era while reminding audiences why Star Wars remains one of cinema’s most powerful brands.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/star-wars-episode-vii-the-force-awakens

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens here.

7. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Spoiler alert: Haven’t seen the movie? Stop reading here.

Infinity War brought together an unprecedented number of Marvel heroes in a single story, delivering a scale of spectacle rarely seen before. Directed by the Russo Brothers, the film grossed about $2.05 billion worldwide and served as the dramatic buildup to the conclusion that would arrive the following year.

The movie introduced Thanos as a fully realized antagonist, with Josh Brolin’s performance giving the character emotional depth and philosophical motivation. His quest to collect the Infinity Stones and wipe out half of all life created genuine tension that resonated far beyond typical superhero stakes.

Years of interconnected storytelling paid off as characters from different franchises crossed paths for the first time. The shocking ending, which left many heroes disintegrated and the universe in chaos, stunned audiences and sparked global conversation.

Social media, fan theories, and speculation dominated the months that followed, making the wait for Endgame part of the overall experience. Infinity War demonstrated how blockbuster films could generate not just revenue, but sustained cultural engagement.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/avengers-infinity-war

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Avengers: Infinity War here.

8. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

This multiverse-spanning adventure united three generations of Spider-Man, with Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield sharing the screen for the first time. The film earned approximately $1.92 billion worldwide, becoming one of the biggest releases of the pandemic era.

The story brought back villains from earlier Spider-Man films, including Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, and Electro, weaving them into a narrative that explored sacrifice, responsibility, and personal growth. Nostalgia played a significant role, but Holland’s emotionally driven performance grounded it.

Advance ticket sales were so intense that many theatre and ticketing sites crashed under the demand. Fans were eager not only to see familiar faces return, but to watch how they would interact in a single storyline.

The film’s success despite COVID-era challenges signaled the return of movies to the big screen and proved that audiences would still turn out in big numbers for events that felt truly special. It also reinforced Spider-Man’s place as one of the most beloved characters in popular culture.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/spider-man-no-way-home

Available to watch now on Starz and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Spider-Man: No Way Home here.

9. Inside Out 2 (2024)

Pixar’s sequel to its beloved emotional adventure took Riley into adolescence, introducing new feelings such as Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. The film earned around $1.70 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful animated movies ever released.

The original Inside Out resonated with audiences by turning abstract emotions into relatable characters, and the sequel deepened that concept by tackling the complexities of growing up. Parents and children alike found meaning in its honest portrayal of identity, pressure, and emotional change.

The returning voice cast, including Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith, gave continuity to the story, while the new characters added humor and emotional nuance. Critics praised the sequel for handling sensitive themes without losing Pixar’s trademark warmth and wit.

Its box office success confirmed that audiences remain hungry for animated films that combine entertainment with thoughtful storytelling. Inside Out 2 proved that emotional intelligence can be just as powerful a draw as spectacle.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/inside-out-2-2024-1

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Inside Out 2 here.

10. Jurassic World (2015)

Jurassic World imagined what would happen if John Hammond’s dinosaur park finally became fully operational. Starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, the film grossed roughly $1.67 billion worldwide, becoming one of the biggest releases of the decade.

The story introduced the genetically engineered Indominus Rex, a creature that represented the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition. Its escape triggered chaos throughout the park, forcing visitors and staff into a desperate fight for survival.

Director Colin Trevorrow balanced nostalgia for Steven Spielberg’s original Jurassic Park with modern blockbuster pacing and effects. The raptor training sequences and large-scale set pieces became audience favorites.

The film’s success launched a new trilogy and reaffirmed the enduring appeal of dinosaurs on the big screen. By blending awe, fear, and spectacle, Jurassic World showed that some cinematic ideas never go extinct.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/jurassic-world

Available to watch now on Peacock and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Jurassic World here.

11. The Lion King (2019)

Disney’s photorealistic reimagining of The Lion King transformed the 1994 animated classic into a visually ambitious spectacle. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film used advanced CGI to create lifelike animals and African landscapes while preserving the story that had already become one of Disney’s most cherished properties. The film went on to earn roughly $1.66 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful Disney releases of the modern era.

The voice cast combined returning legend James Earl Jones as Mufasa with a new generation of performers, including Donald Glover, Beyoncé, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Hans Zimmer also returned to adapt and expand his iconic musical score, giving the remake a familiar emotional core even as the visuals moved into new territory.

Audience nostalgia played a major role in its box office success, but so did curiosity about seeing a beloved animated story recreated in a hyper-realistic format. Families who had grown up with the original brought their children to experience it on the biggest screens available.

The film’s success affirmed Disney’s strategy of revisiting classic animated films with cutting-edge technology, turning nostalgia into a powerful commercial engine.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/the-lion-king-2019

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch The Lion King (2019) here.

12. Zootopia 2 (2025)

Zootopia 2 continued the story of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, expanding the bustling animal metropolis into a larger and more complex world. The sequel earned approximately $1.59 billion worldwide, setting a new record for Walt Disney Animation Studios and surpassing the studio’s previous benchmarks.

The film arrived with significant anticipation after the original Zootopia developed a strong global following, particularly in Asian markets. China, in particular, played a significant role in the sequel’s success, reflecting the franchise’s unique cultural resonance there.

Critics and audiences praised the sequel for maintaining the first film’s balance of humor, social commentary, and inventive world-building. The story deepened the characters’ relationships while introducing new species, districts, and conflicts that broadened the universe’s scope.

Strategic marketing partnerships across retail, food, and apparel brands helped keep the film in the public eye long before and after its release. Zootopia 2 showed how animated franchises can grow in both narrative ambition and financial reach when audiences stay emotionally invested.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/zootopia-2-2025-2

See Where to Watch Zootopia 2 here.

13. The Avengers (2012)

When The Avengers arrived in 2012, it changed the way studios approached blockbuster storytelling. For the first time, heroes introduced in separate films came together in a single crossover event. The gamble paid off, with the film earning around $1.52 billion worldwide and launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe into a new phase of dominance.

Directed by Joss Whedon, the film brought together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye to fight Loki, balancing action, humor, and character chemistry. The Battle of New York finale set a new standard for superhero spectacle on a city-wide scale.

Audiences responded strongly to the feeling that they were witnessing something unprecedented. Years of standalone films suddenly made sense as part of a larger narrative, rewarding loyal viewers with moments of connection and payoff.

The film’s success validated Marvel’s shared-universe strategy and laid the groundwork for the interconnected storytelling that would dominate the genre for more than a decade.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/the-avengers

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch The Avengers here.

14. Furious 7 (2015)

Furious 7 became one of the most emotionally charged entries in the Fast & Furious franchise, partly due to the tragic death of actor Paul Walker during production. The film went on to gross approximately $1.52 billion worldwide, driven by both blockbuster spectacle and a powerful farewell to one of its core characters.

Directed by James Wan, the movie delivered increasingly outrageous action sequences, including skydiving cars and gravity-defying stunts, thrilling audiences. At the same time, it carried a more somber emotional undercurrent as Brian O’Conner, Walker’s character, was written out of the series.

Digital effects and careful editing enabled Walker’s remaining scenes to be completed respectfully, with his brothers serving as body doubles. The final tribute sequence, set to “See You Again,” became one of the most memorable moments in franchise history.

The combination of heartfelt emotion and over-the-top entertainment helped Furious 7 resonate with longtime fans while attracting new audiences.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/furious-7

See Where to Watch Furious 7 here.

15. Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

More than three decades after the original, Top Gun: Maverick became one of the most surprising box office success stories in modern cinema. Tom Cruise returned as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, now a veteran test pilot tasked with training a new generation of naval aviators. The film earned roughly $1.49 billion worldwide, making it one of the biggest releases of the 2020s.

What set the film apart was its commitment to practical filmmaking. Cruise insisted that actors be placed inside real fighter jets rather than relying on green screens, creating visceral aerial sequences that audiences could feel. The intense flight scenes gave the movie an authenticity rarely seen in modern action films.

Emotionally, the story tied Maverick’s journey to unresolved trauma from the original film, particularly through Miles Teller’s portrayal of Goose’s son. Nostalgia and fresh storytelling combined to create an experience that appealed to longtime fans and new viewers alike.

Strong word of mouth kept the film in theatres for months, proving that a well-crafted spectacle can still drive massive audience turnout.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/top-gun-maverick

Top Gun: Maverick is available to rent on Plex.

16. Barbie (2023)

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie became far more than a toy adaptation, emerging as one of the most culturally influential films of the decade. The movie earned roughly $1.45 billion worldwide, driven by an unprecedented marketing campaign and a story that blended comedy, satire, and social commentary.

Margot Robbie’s performance as Barbie balanced charm with vulnerability, while Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken became an unexpected breakout. The film’s bright, stylized aesthetic dominated fashion and social media for months, turning moviegoing into a themed cultural event.

Beyond its visual appeal, the film explored themes of identity, gender expectations, and self-worth, sparking conversation far outside typical blockbuster circles. That combination of substance and spectacle gave it broad appeal across age groups and demographics.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/barbie-2023-4

Barbie is available to rent on Plex.

17. Frozen II (2019)

The sequel to Disney’s modern fairy tale expanded the mythology of Anna and Elsa while taking the story in darker, more mature directions. Frozen II earned roughly $1.45 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Walt Disney Animation films of all time.

The film explored the origins of Elsa’s powers and introduced themes of environmental responsibility, history, and identity. Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell returned to anchor the emotional core of the story, while new songs like “Into the Unknown” added to the franchise’s musical legacy.

Visually, the sequel represented a significant leap forward, with more detailed animation, realistic water effects, and richer environments. These technical improvements made the enchanted forest and surrounding landscapes feel more immersive.

Audiences appreciated how the sequel respected younger viewers while offering deeper emotional layers for older fans, showing that animated storytelling can grow alongside its audience.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/frozen-ii

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Frozen II here.

18. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Marvel’s second Avengers team-up expanded the scale of the franchise and cemented the superhero ensemble formula as one of Hollywood’s most reliable box office engines. Avengers: Age of Ultron earned roughly $1.40 billion worldwide, proving that the success of the first film was no fluke.

The story follows Tony Stark’s attempt to create a global defense program, which instead produces Ultron, an artificial intelligence determined to wipe out humanity. Voiced by James Spader, Ultron became one of Marvel’s most distinctive villains, combining chilling philosophy with dark humor.

The film introduced major new characters, including Wanda Maximoff, Pietro Maximoff, and Vision, all of whom would play key roles in later Marvel stories. Its globe-spanning action sequences, from South Africa to South Korea to the floating city of Sokovia, pushed the franchise further into blockbuster spectacle.

While more divisive among critics than its predecessor, the movie’s box office performance confirmed the Avengers as a permanent fixture at the top of the global entertainment industry.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/avengers-age-of-ultron

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Avengers: Age of Ultron here.

19. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Nintendo’s iconic plumber finally received a big-screen adaptation that connected with audiences worldwide. The Super Mario Bros. Movie earned about $1.36 billion globally, becoming the highest-grossing video game adaptation in film history.

Rather than reinventing the franchise, the movie leaned into its colourful roots. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser were presented in a fast-paced animated adventure filled with visual references to decades of beloved games. Jack Black’s performance as Bowser became a standout, especially with the viral success of the song “Peaches.”

The film’s appeal crossed generations. Longtime Nintendo fans appreciated the Easter eggs and faithful character designs, while younger audiences embraced the bright animation and slapstick humor. Illumination’s family-friendly style made the movie highly accessible, particularly for repeat viewings.

Its success demonstrated that video game films could thrive when they respected their source material, opening the door for future Nintendo and gaming adaptations on the big screen.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/the-super-mario-bros-movie-2023

Available to watch now on Amazon Prime and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie here.

20. Black Panther (2018)

Black Panther was more than a box office hit. It became a cultural milestone. The film earned roughly $1.35 billion worldwide and brought Afrofuturism, African-inspired design, and Black superhero storytelling to the center of global pop culture.

Chadwick Boseman’s performance as T’Challa gave the character dignity, strength, and emotional depth. Wakanda was presented as a richly imagined world with its own technology, traditions, and political structure, setting it apart from typical superhero settings.

Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger added complexity by presenting a villain whose motivations reflected real-world injustice, elevating the story beyond a simple good-versus-evil narrative. The film won multiple Academy Awards for costume design, production design, and score.

Its impact extended beyond cinema into fashion, education, and conversations about representation, proving that blockbuster entertainment can also carry lasting cultural weight.

Check out more fan and critic reviews here, and join the conversation: https://watch.plex.tv/movie/black-panther

Available to watch now on Disney+ and other streaming apps. See more options on Where to Watch Black Panther here.

What These Numbers Tell Us

Seven films grossed over $2 billion worldwide, with Avatar leading the pack. All of the movies on this list had a theatrical run, including re-releases, in the 21st century.

Among the elite list of 60 billion-dollar grossing films are sequels, Disney remakes, and iconic franchises such as Star Wars, Avatar, James Bond, The Lord of the Rings, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Harry Potter, Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, The Dark Knight, Transformers, and Disney and Pixar animated features.

IMAX reported global box-office grosses of $1.28 billion in 2025, a record for the company, up 40% from 2024. Ne Zha 2, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, F1, and Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning were the top five films on IMAX screens globally.

Gower Street Analytics increased its 2025 global box office projection to $34.1 billion, up from its December forecast of $33 billion, driven by Ne Zha 2’s performance. Cinemas in the U.S. and Canada sold an estimated $8.87 billion in tickets in 2025, representing a modest 1.5% increase on 2024’s domestic revenues.

The Pattern Behind the Profits

The films that achieve the highest box office performance share specific characteristics. Spectacle combined with emotional investment drives repeat viewing. Superhero ensembles deliver narrative payoffs that reward audiences who followe interconnected stories across multiple years. Animated features explore universal themes of family and identity that resonate with both children and adults.

Premium-format presentations, including IMAX and 3D, continue to drive revenue for visually ambitious productions. Audiences pay premium prices for premium theatrical conditions when films deliver visuals that home viewing cannot replicate. James Cameron’s films consistently dominate premium format revenue because his productions are designed specifically for those conditions.

The success of Ne Zha 2, the first non-English-language film to gross $2 billion worldwide, marks a notable development in global entertainment consumption. The Chinese animated feature proved that Asian stories can compete with and surpass Western blockbusters when production quality and storytelling resonate with home audiences.

PG-rated family films outperformed PG-13 and R-rated films at the 2025 box office, with PG films generating $2.7 billion in the U.S. and Canada, compared with $2.5 billion for PG-13 and $2.4 billion for R-rated movies.

These 20 films represent productions that intersected massive marketing campaigns, innovative filmmaking techniques, beloved intellectual properties, and storytelling that crosses cultural and demographic boundaries. The pattern remains consistent. Audiences reward films that deliver both spectacle and genuine emotional connection.

The post 20 Highest Grossing Movies of All Time: Finding The Audience’s Favorites appeared first on Plex.

Get your watchlists ready, we’ve got a fresh new lineup of movies and TV headed your way. From critically-acclaimed hits to comfort-watch faves, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the latest and binge accordingly.

New on Plex in March

1408
3 Generations
Acts Of Violence
Aftersun
Ash vs. Evil Dead
Bachelorette
Belly
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son
Blue Steel
Boys On The Side
Breaking And Entering
Burnt
But I’m A Cheerleader
Captain Fantastic
Chained
Citizenfour
Close
Dark Places
De Palma
Don’t Say A Word
Draft Day
Dragged Across Concrete
Empire Records
Epic Movie
Euphoria
Ex Machina
Filth
First Reformed
Free Fire
Freeheld
Friends With Kids
God’s Creatures
High-Rise
I Saw The TV Glow
I, Frankenstein
Into the Forest
It Follows
Jackie & Ryan
Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind
Jobs
Kick Ass
L.A. Confidential
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On
Mary Kills People
Midsommar
Minari
Monsters
Mother
My Days Of Mercy
My Super Ex-Girlfriend
Needle In A Timestack
Oasis: Supersonic
Once Upon A Time In America
One Life
Our Kind Of Traitor
Party Down
Pulse (2001)
Room
Safe
Showing Up
Son Of A Gun
Sorry To Bother You
Superhero Movie
Texas Killing Fields
The Bank Job
The Beaver
The Bling Ring
The Captive
The Eternal Daughter
The Forbidden Kingdom
The Future
The Girl Next Door
The Girlfriend Experience
The Great Debaters
The Green Knight
The Grudge
The Happytime Murders
The Hole In The Ground
The Iron Lady
The Kid
The Last Stand
The Legend Of Hercules
The Man Who Knew Too Little
The Nut Job
The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature
The Protégé
The Roads Not Taken
The Souvenir
The Voices
The Whole Truth
USS Indianapolis: Men Of Courage
When You Finish Saving The World

Leaving Plex in March

1408
A Fish Called Wanda
Bachelorette
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Bloodsport
Control
Date Movie
Dead Man Walking
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Draft Day
Dragged Across Concrete
Escape From New York
Fiddler On The Roof
Frailty
Hannah And Her Sisters
Hotel Rwanda
It Follows
Joy Ride
Judgment At Nuremberg
Kick Ass
Leaving Las Vegas
Lions For Lambs
Macbeth
Midnight Cowboy
Mississippi Burning
Nerve
Our Idiot Brother
Ronin
Safe
Sorry To Bother You
Superhero Movie
The Apartment
The Gift
The Great Debaters
The Grudge
The Imitation Game
The Last Stand
The Legend Of Hercules
The Pianist
Vampires Suck
Van Wilder: Party Liaison
Vicky Cristina Barcelona

**Disclaimer: The availability of the above titles is dependent on your region. Check the Plex app for the most up-to-date information.

The post New on Plex in March appeared first on Plex.

February arrives with a little bit of everything. As we celebrate Black History Month and love in all its forms, the month also brings big viewing events like the Super Bowl, the GRAMMY Awards, and the return of the Winter Olympic Games (practicing our triple axel move in the living room as we speak). Whether you’re here for the culture, the conversation, or your next obsession, February’s lineup has plenty to queue up—and even more to talk about.

Our collections this month make it easy to watch something new without overthinking the scroll. We suggest The Love Hub to lean into the romance of the season, honoring Black History Month with our Black Cinema collection, catching up on awards-season standouts in And The Winner Was, or embracing your dark side with Till Death Do Us Part. We have a curated recommendation for every mood. The month also brings a special spotlight on Plex for A24 favorites like A Ghost Story, Morris From America, Hot Summer Nights, and Spring Breakers, alongside pure throwback fun with comedy classics Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Three Amigos!—proof that February’s lineup balances prestige, nostalgia, and feel-good escapes in equal measure. All of this, for free, of course.

So with that, we’ll end on the wise words of Bill and Ted. Be excellent to each other and party on, dudes.

New on Plex in February

100 Girls
Abduction
Adderall Diaries, The
After Yang
Akeelah And The Bee
American Honey
Ash Vs. Evil Dead
Backstabbing for Beginners
Barely Lethal
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son
Bleeding Steel
Brooklyn’s Finest
Climax
Colony, The
Cut Bank
Death of Dick Long, The
End Of Watch
Equals
Escape Plan 2: Hades
Escape Plan 3: The Extractors
Exception, The
First Cow
For Colored Girls
Funny Pages
Ghost Story, A
Gift, The
Ginger & Rosa
Girlfriend Experience, The
Glimpse Inside The Mind Of Charles Swann III, A
Gloria Bell
Glorias, The
Good Luck Chuck
Goon: Last Of The Enforcers
Green Room
Hobo With A Shotgun
Hot Summer Nights
How to Talk to Girls at Parties
Humans, The
In Fabric
Judy
Juliet, Naked
Killers
Laggies
Last Witch Hunter, The
Life After Beth
Little Italy
Lizzie
Locke
Lovers, The
Low Tide
Mac & Devin Go To High School
Manhunt
Mississippi Grind
Morris From America
Mother’s Day
Nanny Diaries, The
Never Goin’ Back
Next Three Days, The
No Escape
Obvious Child
Party Down
Power Of One, The
Red Rocket
Runaway Jury
Slice
Slow West
Source Code
Souvenir: Part II, The
Spring Breakers
Stars At Noon
Stronger
Suite Francaise
Tigerland
Tusk
Twenty Feet From Stardom
Under The Silver Lake
Vanishing of Sidney Hall, The
Vigilante, A

Leaving Plex in February

Chef
King Of Comedy, The
Leprechaun
Life or Something Like It
Meet The Spartans
Negotiator, The
Out Of The Furnace
Stars At Noon
Vampire Academy

**Disclaimer: The availability of the above titles is dependent on your region. Check the Plex app for the most up-to-date information.

The post New on Plex in February appeared first on Plex.

Another Breakout Year in Film, Television, and Streaming Entertainment

When a year kicks off with a Golden Globes spotlighting bold new entries like Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist and reaffirming breakout hits such as Shōgun and Baby Reindeer, you know you’re in for another defining year. No one’s bingo card had KPop Demon Hunters as early-summer breakout ‘stars’ but that’s exactly what happened, and releases like Superman and Wicked: For Good connected hardcore fans in theaters around the world, and Avatar 3 is right on their heels. Prestige TV kept pace, with House of the Dragon, The Bear, and Bridgerton dominating screens and social feeds alike. It was a year that proved, again, just how thrillingly unpredictable entertainment can be. It’s that very surprise that keeps us watching. That very momentum is what keeps us ticking.

In that same vein, it was another milestone year for Plex. As viewers turned to Plex to navigate an increasingly complex streaming universe, we saw new viewing patterns take shape, unexpected titles rise to the top, and a few beloved stars dominate screens around the world. So before we hit play on another year of discovery, let’s rewind and look at the numbers.

What We Watched and When

2025 Top Movies Each Month on Plex¹

Only 8 different movies topped the list in the eleven months we’re reporting, with several movies dominating two months in a row, based on cumulative minutes streamed on Plex:

• January: Perfect Strangers
• February: The Devil’s Advocate
• March: Lawless
• April: Homefront
• May: Homefront
• June: Kandahar
• July: Angel Has Fallen
• August: Angel Has Fallen
• September: Wrong Turn
• October: Halloween
• November: Halloween

2025 Most Popular Genres on Plex

We needed the laughs this year. Comedy breaks out in 2025 for the first time in five years, dethroning Action as the #2 most-watched genre. Drama is consistently #1 for over five years running.

• 2025: Drama, Comedy, Action
• 2024: Drama, Action, Comedy
• 2023: Drama, Action, Comedy
• 2022: Drama, Action, Comedy
• 2021: Drama, Comedy, Action

¹Based on total minutes streamed between January 1, 2025, and December 12, 2025, for on-demand content available on Plex.

What Ruled Universal Search This Year²

With a wide range of titles searched for every day, no matter what platform they’re on, these titles topped Plex user searches:

1. Squid Game
2. The Summer I Turned Pretty
3. The Rookie
4. Stranger Things
5. Game of Thrones

²Based on cumulative searches for titles searched on Plex between January 1, 2025, and December 12, 2025.

>> Plex users searched for Squid Game 2.6x more than Game of Thrones and 2.3x more than Stranger Things.
>> Romance drives 45% more searches than sci-fi horror.

The Stars Driving Discovery

Even in a world of endless content, viewers continue to follow the stars. In 2025, Plex searches made it clear: familiar faces, comedy staples, and action legends are driving discovery.

Top-Searched Actors and Actresses of 2025³

Actors

1. Adam Sandler
2. Jason Statham
3. Jack Black
4. Tom Cruise
5. Keanu Reeves

Actresses

1. Scarlett Johansson
2. Ana de Armas
3. Jenna Ortega
4. Anya Taylor-Joy
5. Emma Myers

³Based on cumulative searches for actors on Plex between January 1, 2025, and December 12, 2025.

What Pulled Viewers In…and Kept Them Watching

We never know what cultural moments, legends lost, or unexpected hits are going to move viewers to watch more, but this year, it was a bit of everything:

Top U.S. Shows: Knots Landing…at #1⁴

Viewers keep circling the cul-de-sac and can’t get enough of it:

1. Knots Landing
2. Weeds
3. The Drew Carey Show
4. Z Nation
5. The Following

⁴Based on total minutes streamed between January 1, 2025, and December 12, 2025, by U.S.-based users for on-demand content available on Plex.

>> Long-running, episode-dense series are driving year-long engagement.

Trending Moments: Where Culture Spiked Streaming Habits

Wicked

Universal searches for the original Wizard of Oz jumped nearly 3x in November, compared to the month prior, driven by Wicked: For Good in theaters and reminding everyone that there’s no place like Oz.

Louvre Heist

Following the Louvre Heist, streamers were Feelin’ Heisty: 2x more users marked films from the Ocean’s franchise as watched on Plex in the month after the heist compared to the month prior, and there was a more than40% increase in universal searches for the films.

Top Heist Movies Streamed on Plex in 2025 (from our very own Feelin’ Heisty hub):

1. Triple 9
2. Weeds
3. The Maiden Heist
4. Bandits
5. King of Thieves
6. Flawless

Legends Lost but Forever Loved: Keaton + Redford

In the week following Diane Keaton’s passing, minutes watched for titles of hers available on Plex jumped by over 2.5x, compared to the week prior.

Top Diane Keton movies watched on Plex in 2025 were:

1. And So It Goes
2. The Big Wedding
3. Mama’s Boy
4. Bandits
5. Smother
6. Love, Weddings, & Other Disasters

Viewers streamed 35% more minutes of Robert Redford titles in the week after his passing, compared to the prior week.

The top Robert Redford movies watched on Plex in 2025 were:

1. All Is Lost
2. Spy Game
3. Mama’s Boy
4. A Walk in the Woods
5. National Parks Adventure
6. Truth

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Since the year isn’t over, there’s still plenty more to fit in before the ball drops.

Holiday Highlights: Festive Favorites Took Over

As the holidays roll in, audiences across the U.S., U.K., and Canada are leaning into seasonal comfort watches – with It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol proving to be universal go-tos – showing just how much tradition shapes what we stream.

Top Holiday Watches by Country⁵

United States:

1. Hallmark Movies & More channel
2. Holiday Favorites by Lifetime channel
3. It’s A Wonderful Life
4. Holiday Baking Championship
5. A Christmas Carol

United Kingdom:

1. Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!
2. GREAT! Christmas
3. It’s A Wonderful Life
4. A Christmas Carol
5. A Christmas Horror Story

Canada:

1. It’s A Wonderful Life
2. Heartiest Christmas
3. Deck The Halls
4. A Christmas Carol
5. Reindeer Games

⁵Based on total minutes streamed on Plex between November 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025, by U.S., UK, and Canada-based users.

What 2026 will bring is hard to say, but we’re liking this momentum and expecting the unexpected.

About Plex Data & Insights

Plex connects entertainment lovers to their streaming content, no matter where it’s hosted – in their own digital libraries, across any of their premium subscription services, or free streaming content that’s available directly on Plex. So we know what the viewers are searching for, what they want to watch next, and what is inspiring their next watch (no matter where it is). With more than 45k free, on-demand (AVOD) titles and 1,500 FAST channels, streaming free content on Plex is more accessible than ever before. The 25MM monthly active users from across over 240 countries and territories, and a decade and a half in providing streaming viewers access to discover the widest selection of streaming television and film content, Plex data is a true compass for streaming behavior and insights.

The post 2025 Plex Rewind appeared first on Plex.

2026 is almost here, and we’re getting a head start on our New Year’s resolution. Gym? Nah. We’ll be on the couch watching even more great movies and shows. Here’s what’s coming next month.

If you’re looking to start the year with a scream, you’re in the right place. Our New Year, New Scares collection is packed with A24 horror heavy-hitters like Hereditary, Talk to Me , and It Comes at Night .

Also, be sure to check out the latest in our Swole Cinema and Career Opportunities collections. From Van Damme’s Lionheart , to Stallone’s Eye See You , and Schwarzenegger’s Sabotage , you’re gonna want to stick around.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. The 80s classic is returning to North American theaters from January 8-11, but if you don’t feel like leaving the house, you can watch (or re-watch) it right here free on Plex.

Leaving at the end of the month is The Grey, starring Liam Neeson, and Mud, starring Matthew McConaughey. Also departing is the 2013 psychological thriller, Oculus, starring Karen Gillan and directed by Mike Flanagan. Hit play while you can.

**Disclaimer: The availability of the above titles is dependent on your region. Check the Plex app for the most up-to-date information.

New on Plex in January

Art Of The Steal
Barefoot
Beatriz At Dinner
Big Easy, The
Blackcoat’s Daughter, The
Blacklight
Chef
City Island
Company Men, The
Conversation, The
Courier, The (2019)
Crank: High Voltage
Dark Crimes
Darkest Hour, The
Daybreakers
Devil’s Double, The
Diana
Dragon
Dragon Blade
Drive Angry
Driving Miss Daisy
Drop Dead Gorgeous
DUFF, The
Eighth Grade
Ender’s Game
Escape From New York
Escape From Planet Earth
Everly
Everything Must Go
Eye, The
Fire With Fire
Gamer
Ghosts Of Mississippi
Graduate, The
Greystoke: The Legend Of Tarzan
Hardcore Henry
Heat
Hereditary
Hostel
Hostel: Part II
Howling, The
I.S.S.
If Beale Street Could Talk
Imitation Game, The
Into the Forest
It Comes At Night
Jacket, The
Joy Ride
Kill Team, The
Kill The Irishman
Killing Them Softly
King Of New York
Last Black Man in San Francisco, The
Last Face, The
Leprechaun
Life Of Crime
Lion In Winter, The
Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)
Lost In Space
Love Lies Bleeding
Man Who Fell To Earth, The
Manhattan Night
Men Who Stare At Goats, The
Mist, The
Mojave
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
My Bloody Valentine
My Blue Heaven
Native Son
Nerve
Open Water
Open Water 2: Adrift
Outcast (2014)
P2
Pawn Shop Chronicles
Pearl: An X-traordinary Origin Story
Physician, The
Pi
Piranha 3D
Piranha 3DD
Prayer Before Dawn, A
Problemista
Producers, The
Professor, The
Queenpins
Quiet Ones, The
Ran
Remember
Rob Zombie’s Halloween
Rob-B-Hood
Secret Garden, The
Secretary
Setup
She’s Funny That Way
Sisters Brothers, The
Skin (2019)
Spring Breakers
Spy Next Door, The
St. Vincent
Stop Making Sense
Talk to Me
Three Musketeers, The
Tracks
Traffik
Transamerica
Transporter 3
Trauma Center
Unhinged
Van Wilder: Party Liaison
Vanishing, The
Vice (2015)
Way Of The Gun, The
We Are What We Are (2013)
We Summon The Darkness
Where’d You Go Bernadette?
Wicker Man, The

Leaving Plex in January

#211
10 Years
21 & Over
And So It Goes
Art Of Self-Defense, The
Before I Go To Sleep
Biutiful
Disappointments Room, The
Disconnect
Earth to Echo
Giver, The
Grey, The
Homefront
Kickboxer
Killer Joe
Killing Gunther
Knowing
Little Manhattan
Machine Gun Preacher
Mirrors
Mortdecai
Movie 43
Mud
My Blind Brother
November Man, The
Oculus
Raven, The
Triple 9
Wrong Turn

The post New on Plex in January appeared first on Plex.

We like movies, music, and you.

That’s why every Plex Pass feature (with more on the way!) is designed to give you a best-in-class personal media experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s just a preview of some of the amazing features that come with a Plex Pass subscription. You can check out the rest here.

Ready to make things official? Get the upgrade.

The post Thanks for being a fan. appeared first on Plex.

The holidays are just around the corner, and we’ve got a great lineup of movies and shows to keep you entertained all month long. So grab a blanket and join us couchside. Here’s what to watch on Plex in December.

Our Ol’ St. Nic collection (featuring the totally iconic Nicolas Cage) is back in town with some new additions, including Leaving Las Vegas and Lord of War. Plus, this month also sees the arrival of The Green Knight and Ex Machina.

Next up, we’re keeping the holiday vibes going with a 24/7 stream of It’s A Wonderful Life on Live TV. Also not to be missed: our on-demand Merrython collection, featuring Scrooge, Santa Claus, and other free holiday classics.

And, if you’re looking for your next TV comfort binge, we’ve got you covered. Seasons 1-4 of Veronica Mars and seasons 1-6 of Dawson’s Creek will take you straight back to the 2000s.

On the way out at the end of the month is Runaway Jury (starring the late and great Gene Hackman), and neo-noir cult thriller, L.A. Confidential, plus A24 faves First Cow and The Spectacular Now. Watch them while you can.

**Disclaimer: The availability of the above titles is dependent on your region. Check the Plex app for the most up-to-date information.

New on Plex in December

211
American Psycho
Assistant, The
Astro Boy
Bangkok Dangerous
Breathe
Brimstone
Burnt
C’mon C’mon
Chef
Choice, The
Chopper
Clerks II
Climax
Conan The Barbarian
Criminal
Cut Bank
Daddy’s Little Girls
Dear White People
Denial
Destroyer
Dying Of The Light
Empire State
Ex Machina
Frankie & Alice
Frozen Ground, The
Green Knight, The
Green Room
Hackers
Haunting In Connecticut, The
Hole In The Ground, The
Home Again
Hunter Killer
Inconceivable
Invasion Of The Body Snatchers
Jexi
Joe
Kick Ass
Killers Anonymous
King Of Comedy, The
Knowing
Laggies
Leaving Las Vegas
Left Behind
Life After Beth
Lord Of War
Men
Moonlight
Mortdecai
New In Town
Next Day Air
Primal
Prince, The
Rapture-Palooza
Rescue Dawn
Room
Seeking Justice
Single Man, A
Snowpiercer
Souvenir, The
Spring Breakers
Temptation: Marriage Counselor
Trust, The
Vigilante, A
Voyagers
Warrior

Leaving Plex in December

20th Century Women
3 Days To Kill
Abduction
After Yang
Aftersun
American Honey
Amy
Barely Lethal
Beaver, The
Brooklyn’s Finest
But I’m A Cheerleader
Captive, The
Children Act, The
Condemned, The
Cube Zero
Dark Places
Diary Of The Dead
Employee Of The Month
End of the Tour, The
Equals
Eternal Daughter, The
Family, The
First Cow
First Daughter
First Reformed
For Colored Girls
Forbidden Kingdom, The
Free Fire
Ginger & Rosa
Ginger Snaps
Girl Next Door, The
Gloria Bell
God’s Creatures
Hard Candy
Haywire
High Life
High Tension
Host
Hot Summer Nights
How to Talk to Girls at Parties
I, Frankenstein
Influencer
Judy
Juliet, Naked
L.A. Confidential
Lean on Pete
Locke
Lovely Molly
Made In America
Man Who Knew Too Little, The
mid90s
Minari
Most Violent Year, A
My Best Friend’s Girl
My Super Ex-Girlfriend
Negotiator, The
Obvious Child
One For The Money
Outlaws
Paranoia
Paranormal Movie
Push
Reader, The
Red Rocket
Requiem For A Dream
Revenge
Room, The
Rover, The
Runaway Jury
Sabotage (2014)
Saw 3D
Sea Of Trees, The
Showing Up
Son Of A Gun
Souvenir: Part II, The
Spectacular Now, The
Stars At Noon
Stay
Swiss Army Man
Texas Killing Fields
Trespass Against Us
Under The Silver Lake
Under The Skin
Vice
Waves
When You Finish Saving The World
While We’re Young
Zola

The post New on Plex in December appeared first on Plex.

About Chris

Plex user of over a decade turned Plex engineer, Chris works on all things playback and transcode in the Plex Media Server. When he’s not playing whack-a-mole with tone mapping bugs, he enjoys playing board games with his amazing wife and daughter.

More Support

Want a deeper dive? We’ve got you covered:
Transcoder
Using Hardware-Accelerated Streaming
Server Settings – Bandwidth and Transcoding Limits

Need to start from the beginning? Here’s how to get your server up and running:
Intro to Plex
Quick-Start Guide to Server Set-Up
More on Plex Media Server Installation

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