Jason Statham’s blockbuster film The Meg, which grossed over $529 million worldwide, is now available for free streaming on Tubi as of August 1. The 2018 action thriller features Statham facing off against a 75-foot prehistoric shark and has gained new life among fans without requiring a subscription. Alongside The Meg, Tubi offers a diverse selection of films, including Baby Driver, Godzilla vs. Kong, the Lethal Weapon series, and the sequel Meg 2: The Trench from 2023.
Plot and Star-Studded Cast
Directed by Jon Turteltaub, The Meg tells the story of Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham), a deep-sea rescue diver called upon to save a trapped submarine crew after they are attacked by a Megalodon shark. Assisted by an oceanographer played by Li Bingbing and a team of scientists, Jonas rushes to prevent the creature from causing further destruction. The movie also features notable performances from Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao, and Cliff Curtis.
Though it is often seen as a campy creature feature, the film succeeded commercially, with production costs estimated between $130 and $178 million. It earned $145 million in the U.S. and Canada, and $384 million internationally, making it the highest-grossing U.S.–Chinese co-production at the time. This success marked a milestone in Statham’s career with his best solo opening weekend of $45.4 million domestically.
Critical Response and Audience Reception
The Meg received mixed reviews, holding a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics described it as lacking the impact of classics like Jaws or the visual grandeur of Jurassic Park. A review from Collider remarked that the film could “use more bite,” reflecting the ambivalent reception despite its financial achievements.
