25 movies released early via streaming (Update - Pixar’s Soul to Disney Plus) - Android

Update: October 8, 2020: We have updated this list to show that Pixar’s next animated movie Soul is now heading exclusively to Disney Plus on December 25.

The coronavirus outbreak has caused lots of movie theaters to shut down for the past several months. As a result, many films that were released just before the crisis hit made their debut on digital movie stores, or via streaming services. Also, other films originally set for a theatrical release have either been delayed or have bypassed theaters completely. Here’s a look at the movies that were released to digital stores and streaming services, plus movies that cut out theaters completely.

Movies released or will be released via streaming because of Coronavirus:

1. Onward

Directed by Dan Scanlon, who previously directed Monsters University, Onward takes place in a fantasy world filled with elves, monsters, and more creatures. Two elven brothers find a magical staff and gem that can resurrect their dead father for one day. Due to an issue with the gem, the staff only brings back the father’s lower body half. The two brothers must go on a quest to find another gem to complete the spell, and see their dad again, before the day ends.

The movie was released to theaters in early March 2020, but most theaters shut down soon afterward. Onward was released to digital stores a few weeks later and was made available on Disney Plus in early April.

Where to buy Onward:

• Buy Onward from Amazon
• Buy Onward from Google Play
• Buy Onward from iTunes
• Stream on Disney Plus

2. The Invisible Man

Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men, The Handmaid’s Tale) has received critical praise for her performance in this latest reboot of the Universal Monsters series. She plays a woman with an abusive boyfriend with a tech background. She leaves him one night and later is told he has died. But is he really dead? Soon she experiences events that make her convinced her ex is not only alive but has found a way to turn himself invisible to torment her.

The movie was released to theaters in late February 2020, a few weeks before theaters shut down. It quickly was released to digital movie stores in March 2020. It’s also available to stream now via HBO Max.

Where to rent or buy The Invisible Man:

• Rent and buy The Invisible Man from Amazon
• Rent and buy The Invisible Man from Google Play
• Rent and buy The Invisible Man from Vudu
• Rent and buy The Invisible Man from iTunes

3. The Hunt

This movie was supposed to be released in theaters back in September 2019. It got pulled off the schedule due to criticisms of its plot by both conservative and liberal groups. Universal finally released The Hunt in theaters on March 13, just before theaters started to close. It quickly went to digital movie stores later in March. It depicts an event held by rich liberals where they hunt people they deem to be conservative for sport.

Where to rent or buy The Hunt:

• Rent and buy The Hunt from Amazon
• Rent or buy The Hunt from Google Play
• Rent or buy The Hunt from Vudu
• Rent or buy The Hunt from iTunes

4. Emma

This is the latest movie adaptation of the much-loved novel by Jane Austen. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the title character, a woman in 19th-century England’s high society who tries to make love connections for her friends but doesn’t seem to have much luck in love herself.

The movie was released to theaters in late February 2020, a few weeks before theaters shut down. It quickly was released to digital movie stores in March 2020.

Where to rent Emma:

• Rent and buy Emma from Amazon
• Rent and buy Emma from Google Play
• Rent and buy Emma from Vudu
• Rent and buy Emma from iTunes

5. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

The final installment of the Skywalker saga is finally here. Whi