No matter where you look, almost every industry is feeling some kind of impact from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Theaters were among the first to close their doors to hinder spread of disease, but this left many current and upcoming movies without a proper theatrical release. Some studios are opting to delay major films, but many of the flicks are still coming out as scheduled, but in the form of early releases through streaming services. Many of us are movie fans, so we’re going to keep track of the films that are only headed to the home theater.
A note about pricing: Before we get to the list, it’s important to point out that some of the rental prices for home premieres and early rentals are higher than we’re used to seeing for normal rentals. This was done to compensate for the revenue that would have been made from a theatrical release where each attendee pays for a ticket, whereas you may be viewing this rental with any number of people in your home. As with any purchase, it’s up to you to decide if you’re comfortable with the price, or choose to wait until prices come down.
Home premieres
Movies that officially launched as home premieres. Some of these first few movies technically reached a wide release to theaters, but they’re coming out to streaming services quickly enough to be called premieres.
Vivarium
I Still Believe
The Hunt
The Invisible Man
Emma.
Onward
Bloodshot
Early rentals
Movies that were given a wide release in theaters, and now they’re available on streaming services ahead of schedule. Some of these are pretty old, so not all of them are really that far ahead. The release dates listed are those listed by IMDB and don’t reflect the date they hit streaming services.
Birds Of Prey And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn
The Way Back
The Gentlemen
Dolittle
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Clemency
Just Mercy
1917
Cats
Jumanji: The Next Level
Hooking Up
Uncut Gems
Bombshell
Richard Jewell
The Grudge
Spies in Disguise
Little Women
Black Christmas
Playmobil: The Movie
Frozen II
Ride Like a Girl
Ford v Ferrari
Parasite
Knives Out
A Hidden Life
Charlie’s Angels
Queen & Slim
Dark Waters
Jojo Rabbit
Holly Slept Over
21 Bridges
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Playing With Fire
Terminator: Dark Fate
The Night Clerk
Midway
Doctor Sleep
Buffaloed
The Good Liar
Arctic Dogs
Confirmed coming soon
Movies that are scheduled to land on streaming services without a theatrical release.
Sonic the Hedgehog
- Planned Release Date: March 31, 2020
- IMDB
Trolls World Tour
- Planned Release Date: April 10, 2020
- IMDB
For as long as theaters remain closed, movie studios will continue to release more home premieres. We’ll keep this list updated frequently, so keep coming back to see what’s new.
Image credit: Mc Jefferson Agloro
