A Guide to All of the Major Studio Releases Coming to Video on Demand

There has never been a better time to stay indoors than now. In an effort to stop the fast spread of COVID-19, we are all being encouraged to stay in and avoid large groups. Unfortunately, that leaves going to the movies off the table. With all three major theater chains closing their doors for the time being until this outbreak is over, studios are looking for new ways to unveil their films to audiences around the country. So, for the first time ever, studios are releasing otherwise major theatrical releases onto video-on-demand services in the coming days/weeks. Some have already started to roll out their releases to make their films available to you as soon as possible, while some studios are pushing up the home release of films that came out in January/February so you can watch them at home sooner. Paramount Pictures has even decided to release their new film Lovebirds on Netflix, a romantic comedy starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani that was originally due to premiere in theaters on April 3rd. 

A moment like this has never happened before in the movie industry, so as you can imagine, there are a lot of unprecedented moves being made. Disney/Pixar released what was sure to be another millions-making hit, Onward, just before the COVID-19 outbreak was making its way into the major news cycle. The film dramatically underperformed in theaters, and now Disney is trying to regain momentum for the film by releasing it onto video-on-demand services and eventually on its own streaming network, Disney+. The same happened to movies like Vin Diesel’s Bloodshot and Ben Affleck’s The Way Back. 

I don’t think it’s ludicrous to say that when this is all over, and yes, it will be over, movie theaters will need our help. They’ll need us to go out on our Friday night off, buy some popcorn, and enjoy movies again in a community setting while investing in an industry we all love. I for one, can’t wait until it is safe to do that again. 

Here’s your video-on-demand schedule for major studio releases as of March 23rd. Keep in mind most of these movies will cost $20 to rent, but if you invite a couple of friends over and split the cost, it’s still cheaper than buying a ticket to the theater:

Available now:

Onward (Available to purchase, also coming to Disney+ April 3rd)

The invisible Man (Available to rent)

The Hunt (Available to rent)

Emma (Available to rent)

 

Tuesday 3/24:

Birds of Prey (Available to purchase)

The Gentlemen (Available to purchase)

The Way Back (Available to rent)

Bloodshot (Available to rent)

Doolittle (Available to purchase)

 

Friday 3/27:

I Still Believe (Available to rent)

 

Tuesday 3/31:

Sonic The Hedgehog (Available to purchase)

Bad Boys For Life (Available to purchase)

 

Wednesday 4/1:

Trolls World Tour (Available to rent)