The “Greatest Superhero Movie of the Decade” That Was Almost Never Released Is Finally Available To Stream & Soaring Up the Charts

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Streaming services often have unexpected hits, and 2025 saw a prime example when Macon Blair’s reboot of an unnamed film unexpectedly became the “best superhero movie of the year.” With only a day’s warning, the movie quickly climbed the streaming charts after already performing well in theaters and on digital platforms.

Originally struggling to find distribution, The Toxic Avenger took nearly two years to reach theaters after its first showing. It almost disappeared before Cineverse, the company that also released Terrifier 3, stepped in. Despite competing with blockbusters like Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the film became a “cult sensation” and was called “the summer’s most entertaining superhero film.” Its limited theatrical run earned $3.4 million at the box office.

Peter Dinklage led the cast of The Toxic Avenger, joined by a surprisingly muscular group of actors including Elijah Wood, Kevin Bacon, Julia Davis, Jacob Tremblay, Jonny Coyne, and Taylour Paige. Here’s what the movie is about:

Winston Gooze was just a mistreated janitor until a terrible accident turned him into The Toxic Avenger. Now, as Toxie, he’s forced to become the hero his town needs, fighting against greedy and corrupt people who threaten everyone he cares about. In a world obsessed with money, sometimes justice needs a radioactive edge.

‘The Toxic Avenger’ Is Now a Huge Hit on Streaming

The horror film didn’t get much attention in theaters or with its online release, but it’s quickly become popular on Hulu. In fact, it’s reached the top of the streaming charts in under two days, suggesting many viewers are discovering it through their subscriptions.

The 2023 premiere of The Toxic Avenger at Fantastic Fest earned rave reviews from critics. When the film was released more widely in September 2025, it maintained a strong 87% score on the Tomatometer. This is particularly impressive given the film’s over-the-top gore, comedic nature, and clear inspiration from the signature style of Troma Studios.

I have to say, I was really impressed with what Blair managed to do with this one. They clearly boosted the production quality and brought in some familiar faces, but thankfully, they didn’t lose any of the original’s delightfully disturbing edge. What landed in theaters was a wild, darkly funny, and incredibly violent ride – a true genre spectacle. Honestly, audiences are calling it a super fun, bloody, bizarre, and just plain silly movie, and I have to agree. It’s one of those films you really need to see to believe, and in the best possible way!

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Not everyone understood the film, and some reviews were harsh, calling it everything from “the worst movie ever” to a poorly made YouTube video. One reviewer even compared it unfavorably to Batman Returns. But The Toxic Avenger wasn’t meant for everyone, and those who got it really loved it. Macon Blair probably wasn’t bothered by the negative reactions. Now, the film is finally finding its audience on Hulu, and it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something different.

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2026-01-11 03:32