Supergirl Makes Waves on HBO Max with Successful Streaming Launch

Supergirl is making a notable impact on streaming after a disappointing run in theaters. Now available on HBO Max, the latest entry from DC Studios is aiming to recover from its lackluster box office performance. Since its debut on September 10, Supergirl has climbed to the top of HBO Max’s U.S. movies chart, surpassing titles like Practical Magic, Fuze, Band of Brothers: Legacy, and The Last Samurai.

However, according to FlixPatrol, the nearly 30-year-old Practical Magic is giving Supergirl a tough competition, currently holding the number one spot on the streaming platform worldwide. This resurgence is likely fueled by the recent release of Practical Magic 2, which hit theaters yesterday. Meanwhile, Despicable Me 3 continues to perform surprisingly well, proving that Minions have a timeless appeal.

Supergirl premiered in theaters on June 26, raking in $126.4 million against an estimated budget of $170 to $186 million. Considering marketing and other expenses, films typically need to earn double their production budget to turn a profit. Despite its box office struggles, many films have found success through streaming and rental revenue, suggesting that Supergirl’s situation might not be as dire as it appears. While Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Supergirl received praise, the film itself garnered mixed reviews, which likely affected its box office performance.

As a sequel to 2025’s Superman, Supergirl follows Kal-El’s cousin, Kara Zor-El, as she navigates life on Earth. Embracing her role as Supergirl, she struggles to fit in and often finds herself partying in space. During one of her adventures, she encounters a menacing space bandit who poisons her dog, prompting her to embark on a quest for an antidote and to steer a young woman named Ruthye away from a path of revenge.

Supergirl marks the second film in the James Gunn-led DC Universe (DCU) and is part of the first chapter titled “Gods and Monsters.” The DCU is set to regain momentum with the upcoming horror film Clayface, scheduled for release on October 23. Following that, Superman will receive a direct sequel, Man of Tomorrow, slated for July 9, 2027.