Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that Superman has amassed 13 million views on HBO Max during its first ten days of streaming — marking the most successful film debut on the platform since Barbie premiered in 2023.
Released to streaming on September 19, following a 70-day theatrical window, the James Gunn–directed reboot has already outpaced recent premieres in the streaming era. Among Warner’s pay-one releases, no other film since Barbie has logged such a strong 10-day run.
Industry analysts point to this achievement as validation of Warner Bros.’ hybrid release strategy, which couples a robust theatrical presence with a carefully timed streaming rollout. The film, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, grossed approximately $615.7 million worldwide.
Beyond the headline figure, the Superman streaming wave is lifting related titles. In the week of September 15–21, viewership surged for other Superman properties: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story jumped by 670 %, Superman: The Movie by 155 %, Superman Returns by 120 %, and Man of Steel by 40 %.
Warner’s streaming metrics position Superman as a new benchmark for major tentpole releases on HBO Max. While Warner generally does not disclose all audience metrics publicly, the comparison to Barbie — itself a cultural and streaming juggernaut — underscores the significance of the 13 million-view mark.
In commentary, some entertainment trade observers suggest that the streaming performance reflects more than just demand for a new Superman. They see it as evidence of audience appetite for a refreshed DC Universe under Gunn’s stewardship — especially as Warner positions Man of Tomorrow (2027) and Supergirl (2026) in its upcoming slate.
Still, challenges remain. Comparisons to Barbie come with caveats: Barbie had strong cultural momentum and awards buzz that extended its longevity. Whether Superman will sustain streaming interest beyond its initial burst is yet to be seen. Also, the 13 million figure reflects view counts rather than minutes watched or unique households — nuances that streaming platforms often guard.
Even so, the early leg of Superman’s streaming journey offers a strong indicator: its reception is not just about box office returns, but about becoming a streaming touchstone for future DC titles. For now, at least, the Man of Steel is flying high in the streaming sky.
