As the world is trying to make sense of the COVID19 pandemic, one of the biggest industries that are currently in flux is Hollywood. We’ve been keeping track of how the coronavirus has impacted film and television since early March, and every day it seems like there is another production being shut down or film release being pushed back. Blockbusters like Black Widow, No Time to Die, and Fast 9 have all had their releases halted or pushed back a year, primarily due to the uncertainty surrounding audiences being allowed to see their films in theaters. For these massive event films, it makes sense; they are created to turn a profit and are all part of some of the largest movie franchises going today. But that’s only part of the film industry’s story with COVID19.
With video on demand, Hollywood has found a way to get these films—both recently released in theaters or otherwise—in front of viewers, allowing them to recoup some funds (considering that most people aren’t allowed out and have nothing to do but Quarantine & Chill). To better help you movie lovers itching to catch up on the latest movies while you have an abundance of free time on your hands, we’ve compiled all of the movies that have received an early VOD release due to COVID19 in one place for you. It’s on you to stock popcorn, though.
The Invisible Man
Theatrical release date: February 28, 2020
VOD release date: March 20, 2020
Where to Watch: theinvisiblemanmovie.com
Blumhouse’s reimagining of HG Wells’ classic, starring Elisabeth Moss, Storm Reid and Aldis Hodge viewed the idea of the “invisible man” under a more scientific lens, surprisingly delighting fans itching for modern horror.
The Hunt
Theatrical release date: March 13, 2020
VOD release date: March 20, 2020
Where to Watch: thehunt.movie
The journey Craig Zobel’s “dumb fun” Blumhouse action-horror had from concept to the theater has been crazy, and it sucked that it’s theatrical run got cut short, although this could mean that more can get to see Betty Gilpin put in work.
Emma.
Theatrical release date: February 21, 2020
VOD release date: March 20, 2020
Where to Watch: focusfeatures.com/emma
Anya Taylor-Joy plays the titular character in this film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, and positive critical acclaim might draw curious viewers to this com-dram.
Onward
Theatrical release date: March 6, 2020
VOD release date: March 20, 2020
Where to Watch: moviesanywhere.com/movie/onward-2020 | Disney+
Kids films might be getting hit hardest when it comes to theaters being shut down, so we aren’t surprised that Disney made the decision to unleash the latest Pixar flick to VOD—we wonder what’ll happen when it hits Disney+ on April 3.
Birds of Prey
Theatrical release date: February 7, 2020
VOD release date: March 24, 2020
Where to Watch: birdsofpreymovie.com
Margot Robbie breathed life into the cult favorite comic book character in 2016’s Suicide Squad and dropped what is without a doubt the first truly fun DC flick.
Bloodshot
Theatrical release date: March 13, 2020
VOD release date: March 24, 2020
Where to Watch: bloodshot.movie
The rona made it extremely quiet for Vin Diesel’s adaptation of the popular Valiant Comics franchise, but as Sony Pictures Chairman Tim Rothman explained, “[a]udiences will now have the chance to own Bloodshot right away and see it at home, where we are all spending more time.” They can even take the time to catch up on the comic series before diving in!
The Way Back
Theatrical release date: March 6, 2020
VOD release date: March 24, 2020
Where to Watch: warnerbros.com/movies/way-back
Critics have been praising Ben Affleck’s performance; it’s kinda sad that more Affleck fans didn’t get to see this in theaters, but this could be the beginning of his post-Batfleck career.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Theatrical release date: February 14, 2020
VOD release date: March 31, 2020
Where to Watch: paramountmovies.com/movies/sonic-the-hedgehog
While critics and moviegoers praised how well this film adaptation stuck to the source material, the actual film was...kinda mid? Didn't matter, as Sonic quickly became the second-highest-grossing film of 2020, setting a record for biggest opening weekend at the box office for a video game in North America. Maybe watch this then figure out a way to master Sonic 3 while we're all quarantined.
Bad Boys for Life
Theatrical release date: January 17, 2020
VOD release date: March 31, 2020
Where to Watch: sonypictures.com/movies/badboysforlife
Seventeen years after the release of Bad Boys II, Martin Lawrence and Will Smith stepped back into their iconic roles and delivered a massive return—to the tune of $425 million made worldwide, giving it the distinction of being the highest-grossing movie of 2020. If you haven't seen it, now is the perfect time to make it a trilogy night.
Trolls World Tour
Theatrical release date: April 10, 2020
VOD release date: April 10, 2020
Where to Watch: dreamworks.com/movies/trolls-world-tour
One of the rare Hollywood films to get a (limited) theatrical release in April while also simultaneously being made available for digital rental on the exact same day, the highly-anticipated (by kids) sequel to 2016's Trolls might be an anomaly. With so many of this year's films being pushed to later this year or 2021, it isn't a surprise that this bright, colorful and kid-friendly film set streaming records, including putting up the best day-one rental numbers for Universal, bringing in 10x more than the ~$3 million Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom made during its first day—reportedly to the tune of $40 million coming in during its first weekend of digital release.
We will update this post as more films hit VOD.
