When Disney and Pixar announce a new animated film, expectations are always high. After all, the studio has delivered some of the most beloved films in animation history. However, not every release is destined for success, and Pixar’s most recent film, Elio, is proving that point.
Despite the excitement surrounding its release, the movie didn’t quite manage to capture the audience’s attention the way Pixar films typically do.
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Released on June 20, Elio tells the story of a young boy named Elio who dreams of connecting with aliens. Raised by his Aunt Olga, an Air Force major, Elio spends his days tinkering with gadgets and hoping to make contact with extraterrestrial life. His dream comes true when he accidentally connects with a group of aliens known as the Communiverse, who mistake him for Earth’s ambassador.
Elio finds himself thrust into an intergalactic adventure that challenges him to grow and learn about empathy, courage, and self-acceptance.
While Elio’s themes were well-received, the film fell short at the box office. Despite an 83% critics' rating and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie failed to perform as expected.
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Elio’s box office numbers marked the lowest opening weekend for a Pixar film to date. However, it’s important to note that box office success doesn’t always equate to long-term success in the current entertainment landscape, and Elio might have a chance to shine in a different space.
Disney announced that Elio will debut on Disney+ on September 17, just 89 days after its theatrical release. This marks a quick turnaround, much faster than the traditional waiting period for films that have underperformed in theaters.
This move is reminiscent of the distribution model that Disney utilized during the pandemic, when films like Encanto (2021) saw an early Disney+ release, typically around the 90-day mark.
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In the age of streaming, Elio’s Disney+ release offers the film a second chance to succeed, following the trend of other films that found a second life on the platform. Movies such as Snow White (2025) and Thunderbolts (2025) didn’t do well at the box office but gained significant traction once they were available for streaming. Elio could follow in their footsteps, especially given its strong audience reception.
Streaming services like Disney+ have become vital for films that may not perform well in theaters but still hold appeal for home viewers. The decision to bring Elio to Disney+ so soon after its theatrical debut reflects the changing dynamics in the film industry, where the emphasis is shifting from purely box office numbers to digital success as well.
For Elio, this streaming debut could be a way to recoup losses and even find a new audience, as many viewers may now be more inclined to watch it at home rather than make the trek to the theater.
Will you be streaming Elio on Disney+ when it drops on September 17? Did you get a chance to see it in theaters? Why do you think original Pixar films like Elio aren’t finding the same success as the studio’s iconic sequels? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
