AceShowbiz - The ambitious sci-fi romance film Passengers has quietly climbed into the MGM+ Top 10 streaming charts in 2026, illustrating how some movies find renewed appreciation years after their initial release. First launched in 2016, this film was notably described by a critic as "Titanic in space," an apt comparison that highlights its blend of romance and high-stakes drama set against a futuristic backdrop.

Directed by Morten Tyldum and penned by Jon Spaihts, Passengers features Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence as colonists aboard the starship Avalon, embarking on a 120-year journey to a distant new colony planet. The narrative centers on Jim (played by Pratt), a mechanical engineer who is accidentally awoken from hibernation 90 years too early. Confronted with the prospect of a lonely existence aboard the ship, Jim chooses to awaken Aurora (played by Lawrence), an act that dooms her to the same fate without her permission, introducing a complicated ethical dilemma that permeates the story.

The film’s tension arises from this morally ambiguous decision, offering viewers a mix of romance and science fiction that is visually impressive and emotionally charged. The supporting cast includes Michael Sheen as Arthur, an android bartender aboard the ship, and Laurence Fishburne as a crew member who wakes later during the unfolding crisis.

According to a review from Collider, Passengers struggles to fully reconcile its two main narrative threads. While the romantic elements between the charismatic leads are compelling and natural-feeling, the additional space thriller components feel somewhat forced and diminish the overall impact. Reviewer Perri Nemiroff pointed out that the film’s strongest aspect is the ethical quandary faced by Jim, which adds depth and complexity to what might otherwise be a straightforward love story.

“Pratt and Lawrence deliver huge, almost instantly inspiring you to root for them,” the review stated, also praising Sheen for his delightful performance as the android bartender, Arthur. The film’s technical achievements are notable as well, with striking visuals captured by cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and a mood-enhancing score composed by Thomas Newman. Despite these strengths, the inclusion of ill-fitting action sequences detracts from what could have been a uniquely engrossing cinematic experience.

Originally released on December 21, 2016, Passengers runs for 116 minutes and has found a second life on streaming platforms, where audiences in 2026 seem more receptive to its blend of romance, sci-fi, and ethical complexity than when it premiered a decade ago. This resurgence on MGM+ underscores how streaming can offer films a valuable redemption arc, allowing them to reach new viewers and spark discussion years after their theatrical run.

As of now, Passengers is available for streaming on MGM+, inviting both longtime fans and new viewers to experience this visually stunning, star-driven story that continues to generate conversation within the sci-fi romance genre.