A Forgotten World War II Blockbuster Is Streaming Free Right Now

3 days ago 4

Published Feb 8, 2026, 9:40 AM EST

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Some movies flop into theaters and quietly disappear, only to come roaring back once people actually watch them. That’s exactly what’s happening with Midway, which is now streaming for free and finally getting the respect it missed the first time around. Released in 2019, Midway tells the story of the pivotal World War II naval battle that shifted the balance of power in the Pacific.

Directed by Roland Emmerich, the film arrived with a lot of baggage. Emmerich was known more for city-leveling disaster movies than historical epics, and early reactions focused heavily on the CGI-heavy spectacle rather than what the movie was actually trying to do. But here’s the thing: Midway absolutely rips. The movie features an impressive ensemble cast including the likes of Dennis Quaid (Reagan), Woody Harrelson (Natural Born Killers), Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring), Mandy Moore (A Walk to Remember), Luke Evans (Beauty and the Beast), Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), and Ed Skrein (Deadpool).

The movie depicts the Battle of Midway, a decisive clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy that marked a turning point in the Pacific Theater. Midway Atoll is a tiny group of islands in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean and is considered part of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Midway’s location made it a key strategic point in the Pacific, particularly during World War II. The official synopsis reads:

“Midway centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.”

Is 'Midway' Any Good?

Despite Emmerich’s best efforts to deliver a tribute to the soldiers who fought in this monumental battle, the film received a mixed reception from critics, landing a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While some praised its historical accuracy and large-scale battle sequences, others felt the character development and dialogue fell short. However, probably more relevant, the film has an outstanding 92% audience score on the Rotten Tomatoes' Popcornmeter, which represents what the non-professional viewers made of the film.

Midway is streaming now on Tubi, free of charge.