One of the Best Fantasy Movies of the 21st Century Becomes a Major Streaming Hit

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For almost a century, fantasy and genre films haven’t typically won major awards at the Oscars. While The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a clear success story, other films have also managed to break through. A recent example is Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, which became a critical and commercial favorite in the late 2010s, winning both Best Picture and Best Director. Now, as movie fans follow the current awards season, del Toro’s acclaimed film is gaining renewed attention thanks to its availability on streaming services.

Currently, The Shape of Water is the 6th most popular movie on HBO Max, according to streaming data from FlixPatrol. It’s performing better than both Robin Hood and MacGruber on the platform.

Why The Shape of Water Is a Big Hit on HBO Max

Besides being newly available on HBO Max, The Shape of Water is gaining popularity on the streaming service for a few reasons. Following the success of Frankenstein on Netflix, director Guillermo del Toro is once again being recognized with Oscar buzz. Many viewers who enjoyed Frankenstein—which has been a hit on Netflix since its release—have been exploring del Toro’s other work, and The Shape of Water, his Oscar-winning film, is readily available to stream.

Even without the possibility of more Oscars, The Shape of Water would likely have been popular on HBO Max. The film is simply strong enough to be worth watching at any time. In it, director Guillermo del Toro delivers a touching and unique love story between Elisa, a mute janitor played by Sally Hawkins, and a mysterious amphibian creature (Doug Jones) brought to the research facility where she works. Del Toro is known for creating heartfelt stories about people who feel like outsiders, and this film is perhaps his best example yet. While the premise might sound strange, it’s handled with such care and emotion that it’s easy to get completely drawn in.

Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water is beautifully made, with stunning visuals that perfectly recreate the 1960s. Beyond the impressive look of the film, the acting is superb, making it a highly recommended watch. Sally Hawkins gives a remarkable performance as Elisa, powerfully conveying emotion through her expressions and movements, even without speaking. Michael Shannon is equally compelling as the villain, Richard Strickland, commanding attention with his intimidating presence. Both Richard Jenkins and Octavia Spencer received Oscar nominations for their roles, proving the film boasts strong performances throughout. And Doug Jones deserves praise for bringing humanity to the unique creature at the heart of the story.

In 2017, The Shape of Water won Best Picture despite strong competition from acclaimed films like Get Out, Lady Bird, and Dunkirk. While some found the Academy’s choice surprising, The Shape of Water was a truly deserving winner. It’s a delightful and charming story that offers a new take on a familiar genre, thanks to Guillermo del Toro’s distinctive style. The film is undeniably one of the most original Best Picture winners ever, and it’s commendable that the Academy recognized its merits, even with its fantastical and sometimes dark themes.

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2026-02-05 22:40