Rediscover Kevin Costner’s Misunderstood Sci-Fi Masterpiece—Now Streaming

Kevin Costner’s Waterworld Is Making Waves Again on Streaming

The 1990s were a bold time in Hollywood, full of ambitious, outside-the-box projects—and few were as daring (or divisive) as Kevin Costner’s Waterworld. Known primarily for his roles in Westerns, Costner took a sharp turn into post-apocalyptic sci-fi with this oceanic epic. Initially met with critical skepticism and production challenges, Waterworld has since earned a cult following—and now, it’s back and available to stream for a new generation to discover.

Set in a future where climate change has melted the polar ice caps and submerged the planet, Waterworld follows the Mariner (Costner), a mysterious loner with gills and webbed feet—mutations that should make him valuable in this waterlogged world, but instead mark him as a pariah. His solitary life is disrupted when he reluctantly agrees to help Helen (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and a young girl named Enola (Tina Majorino), who may hold the key to finding the last patch of dry land.

While Waterworld struggled with mixed reviews and behind-the-scenes controversy upon its 1995 release, its reputation has improved over time. Critics once dismissed it as over-the-top, but in an era now dominated by superhero flicks and fantasy franchises, its adventurous spirit feels more at home.

With a current Rotten Tomatoes score of 59%, Waterworld still divides opinion, but its unique vision and action-packed story have stood the test of time. The film’s blend of dystopian sci-fi, swashbuckling adventure, and environmental themes make it ripe for rediscovery—especially on streaming, where fans can now rent or buy it across most major digital platforms.