Pixar’s Latest Box Office Disaster Heads to Disney+ Sooner Than Expected
Disney and Pixar have consistently been at the forefront of animated films, with each new release generating excitement and buzz. However, not all of their films are destined for the same level of success. Pixar’s recent film Elio was eagerly anticipated but faced a very different fate upon release. Despite the high hopes surrounding its theatrical debut, the film didn’t make quite the splash its creators were hoping for.
Released on June 20, Elio told the story of a young boy named Elio, who has an obsession with space and aliens. Raised by his Aunt Olga, a former astronaut, Elio dreams of one day making contact with extraterrestrial life. His wish seems to come true when he accidentally makes contact with a mysterious alien collective.
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However, this group mistakes him for Earth’s designated ambassador, leading to an intergalactic adventure where Elio must navigate an unfamiliar world and face challenges that require courage and empathy.
Though the storyline has a heartwarming message about self-acceptance and understanding others, Elio didn’t perform well at the box office, despite receiving positive reviews. With an 83% critics rating and a 90% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was praised for its themes and animation, but fell flat when it came to ticket sales.
The film holds the unfortunate title of having the lowest opening weekend box office performance in Pixar’s history.
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Despite the lackluster reception in theaters, Elio could still find success in another realm: streaming. In fact, Disney has already made the decision to bring Elio to Disney+ just three months after its theatrical release. The streaming date has been confirmed for September 17, which is a quick turnaround for a film that didn’t perform well at the box office.
This release follows the model set during the COVID-19 pandemic, when films like Encanto (2021) received a swift digital release, typically around 90 days after their theatrical debut.
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In recent years, Disney+ has proven to be a lifeline for films that didn’t perform strongly in theaters. Both Snow White (2025) and Thunderbolts (2025) are examples of films that initially underperformed at the box office but gained traction once they hit streaming.
With Elio’s strong audience rating, there’s hope that the film could find a second wind when it premieres on Disney+ and appeal to those who missed it in theaters.
While Elio may not have made the mark in theaters, its Disney+ debut presents a fresh opportunity to find success. Its heartwarming story and positive reviews could help it thrive on the platform, where it can reach a larger, more diverse audience who prefer streaming from home. If the film gains popularity through Disney+, it could prove that a rocky start at the box office isn’t the end of the road for a movie.
Will you be watching Elio when it premieres on Disney+ on September 17? Did you catch it in theaters? What do you think about the film’s early release on streaming? Do you believe Elio can find success on Disney+ despite its box office performance? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
