Superheroes dominate the movie scene today. The success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has made huge, action-filled adventures featuring famous heroes incredibly popular, and excitement for each new film keeps building – especially after the preview of Avengers: Doomsday shown at CinemaCon. But superhero movies haven’t always been this successful. Some older films, particularly those made before Iron Man, were really strange, and you’re about to have a free chance to watch what might be the strangest of them all.
Since its release in 1986, Howard the Duck has become well-known as one of Marvel’s biggest live-action missteps. Directed by Willard Huyck, the film was a significant failure, both financially and critically. It earned only $37.9 million at the box office despite a production budget of $30-37 million, and it currently holds a dismal 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie centers around Howard, an anthropomorphic duck from another world, who becomes an unlikely superhero and falls for the woman he rescues. You can currently watch it for free on Tubi, but it will be removed from the platform at the end of April.
Howard the Duck Really is That Bad (But It’s Also Become a Cult Classic)
It’s common for movies initially panned by critics and ignored by audiences to find a following years later. However, that’s not really what happened with Howard the Duck. The movie is bad – it’s strange and incredibly cheesy – but that’s actually part of what makes it enjoyable. There’s something wonderfully bizarre about a duck from outer space landing on Earth, falling in love, and becoming a hero. Plus, it’s very much a product of the 1980s, which adds to the fun, even if it’s just delightfully weird.
Despite its bizarre premise, Howard the Duck actually tells a surprisingly touching story with some surprisingly deep themes. Howard, after finding love on Earth, primarily longs to return home, and eventually accepts that isn’t possible, forcing him to adapt. This struggle to find belonging is relatable, and it’s particularly poignant when a potential path home emerges just as he starts to settle in. This emotional core gives the film a surprising amount of heart, despite how strange it is.
Despite its flaws, Howard the Duck features enjoyable performances from a talented cast. Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins lead the film, and strong supporting actors like Jeffrey Jones, David Paymer, and Holly Robinson Peete all contribute. It’s clear the cast had fun making the movie, which really shines through and explains why it’s gained a following over the years. If you haven’t seen it recently, or ever, it’s worth a watch while it’s available to stream. With so many Marvel characters appearing in new films, perhaps we’ll even see Howard return to the big screen someday.
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2026-04-18 20:18