It’s getting easier to find older movies and TV shows as streaming services change. Good news for sci-fi fans: a popular, funny sci-fi movie from the 1980s became available on two streaming platforms in January, and one of them is free!
Mel Brooks’ hilarious parody film, Spaceballs, celebrated nearly 40 years since its release, is now available to stream on both HBO Max and Tubi. The movie, which premiered on January 1st, features Bill Pullman, John Candy, Rick Moranis, and Daphne Zuniga. It playfully spoofs popular science fiction movies and follows the adventures of Lone Starr, a daring space pilot, and his comical sidekick, Barf—a half-man, half-dog—as they race to prevent the villainous Dark Helmet from stealing a planet’s oxygen.
Spaceballs Is a Top-Tier Sci-Fi Comedy Despite Its Critical Consensus
Okay, so critics weren’t exactly raving about Spaceballs when it came out – Rotten Tomatoes gives it a pretty average score. But honestly, audiences loved it, and I think that says a lot more! You’re probably not going to see it on any ‘best sci-fi movies ever’ lists, but that’s kind of the point. It’s a brilliant parody, and Mel Brooks clearly made it as a loving tribute to Star Wars and other classics. It doesn’t just poke fun at Star Wars, though! It hilariously takes on Alien, Star Trek, Planet of the Apes – basically, everything! The jokes aren’t just mean-spirited; they come from a real love of the genre, and it’s clear Brooks is a fan himself. It’s just a really funny, clever movie!
Since it first came out, Spaceballs has become hugely popular with fans of all ages. Its silly jokes, unforgettable characters, and clever parody of classic sci-fi movies have made it a lasting part of pop culture, and a big success story for Hollywood. Now, a sequel, Spaceballs 2, is officially happening and is scheduled to be released in theaters in 2027. Josh Greenbaum will direct the new film, and several original cast members – including Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, and Mel Brooks – are returning. Joining them will be new stars like Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman, Anthony Carrigan, and George Wyner.
What’s New on HBO Max and Tubi?
As a movie critic, I have to say January is shaping up to be a great month for streaming! HBO Max came out strong right at the beginning, adding some real gems to their library. They’ve got the gritty crime drama A Most Violent Year from A24, the hilarious classic Blazing Saddles, a bunch of the action-packed John Wick films, and, for those feeling nostalgic, all five Twilight movies. It’s a pretty diverse lineup, and definitely worth checking out if you’re a subscriber.
If you’re looking for free movies, Tubi has plenty to choose from! They recently added a bunch of titles on January 1st, including popular films like Arrival, Beverly Hills Cop and Beverly Hills Cop II, the 1998 version of Godzilla, Jumanji, and Pulp Fiction.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-01-17 18:15