News

"The Dog Stars" Streaming Success: Jacob Elordi’s $39M Flop Is Changing Its Fate


Published: Oct 29, 2026 09:22 AM EDT
By 20th Century Studios - https://www.cinematerial.com/movies/the-dog-stars-i21285562/p/vge9vs12
By 20th Century Studios - https://www.cinematerial.com/movies/the-dog-stars-i21285562/p/vge9vs12

Ridley Scott's post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi, is getting a second chance at home after a rough theatrical run. The film arrived on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home on Oct. 27. After one day, it was already the No. 3 movie in the Apple TV Store.

From Box Office Flop to Streaming Success

The film opened to just $8 million in more than 3,300 theaters. It finished its global run with about $39 million. Critics were cool on it, with a 41% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences were kinder, giving it about 71% from verified viewers. That gap may explain why home viewers are giving it another look. 

Where to Watch The Dog Stars

The digital release starts at a premium price, typically around $20 for a 48-hour rental, before it is discounted. The 4K Ultra HD and DVD editions arrive Dec. 1 with a making-of featurette and seven deleted scenes. No subscription streaming date has been announced. Reports say it will eventually reach Hulu and Disney+. 

What the Story Is About

The film follows Hig (Elordi), a pilot who shares an isolated homestead with survivalist Bangley (Josh Brolin) in a brutal post-apocalyptic world. Its tagline says survival is instinct, but humanity is a choice. 

That tagline will resonate with many faith-minded viewers. The story asks what it means to choose compassion, hope and community after devastating loss.

The film's own comeback is a reminder that a hard beginning doesn't have to be the final chapter. Families should note the film is rated R, so parents may want to check content details before watching.