Most Expensive Movies Debuting on Streaming in 2021

Laura Woods
Mandatory Credit: Photo by John Salangsang/Shutterstock (9327718gj)Millie Bobby Brown24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 21 Jan 2018.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by John Salangsang/Shutterstock (9327718gj)Millie Bobby Brown24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 21 Jan 2018.

Going to the movies used to be the only way to see new releases upon their unveiling, but 2020 changed that. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, movie ticket sales drastically declined from $11.3 billion in 2019 to $2.1 billion in 2020, according to Box Office Mojo.

Read More: 6 Secret Streaming Services To Get You Through a COVID-19 Winter

Since the pandemic will extend well into 2021, studios like Warner Bros. and Disney have responded by releasing movies directly onto streaming platforms. In fact, Warner Bros. sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry in December by announcing that all of its 2021 films will debut simultaneously on HBO Max and in theaters.

While releasing films directly to streaming platforms is new to traditional studios, Netflix has been experimenting with big-budget films for a few years now. For example, the streaming giant spent $90 million to make its 2017 film “Bright,” starring Will Smith, according to Deadline.

Only time will tell if audiences prefer heading to theaters to see new releases or want to watch them in the comfort of their homes. However, 2021 will be filled with plenty of big-budget films headed straight to streaming platforms. Here’s a preview of the most expensive films on the lineup.

Last updated: Jan. 4, 2021

Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda

‘In the Heights’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $30 million-$75 million

  • Earliest release date: June 18

  • Genre: Drama/musical/romance

  • Director: Jon M. Chu

Read More: Streaming Services That Offer the Best Variety of Movies for Your Family

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (9203346d)Patrick Wilson, a cast member in "The Conjuring 2," poses at the premiere of the film during the Los Angeles Film Festival at the TCL Chinese Theatre, in Los Angeles2016 Film Festival - "The Conjuring 2", Los Angeles, USA - 7 Jun 2016.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock (9203346d)Patrick Wilson, a cast member in "The Conjuring 2," poses at the premiere of the film during the Los Angeles Film Festival at the TCL Chinese Theatre, in Los Angeles2016 Film Festival - "The Conjuring 2", Los Angeles, USA - 7 Jun 2016.

‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $40 million+ (estimate)

  • Earliest release date: June 4

  • Genre: Horror/mystery/thriller

  • Director: Michael Chaves

Looking Back at 2020: How Much Money Did the Film Industry Lose?

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (10518833ue)Ana de Armas77th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 05 Jan 2020.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock (10518833ue)Ana de Armas77th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 05 Jan 2020.

‘Blonde’

  • Studio: Netflix

  • Streaming service: Netflix

  • Budget: $41 million

  • Earliest release date: 2021

  • Genre: Biography/drama

  • Director: Andrew Dominik

Find Out: Netflix’s Most Expensive Productions Ever

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Rob Latour/Shutterstock (10341773cj)Lewis Tan'Miss Saigon' show premiere, Arrivals, The Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, USA - 18 Jul 2019.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Rob Latour/Shutterstock (10341773cj)Lewis Tan'Miss Saigon' show premiere, Arrivals, The Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, USA - 18 Jul 2019.

‘Mortal Kombat’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $50 million (estimate)

  • Earliest release date: April 16

  • Genre: Action/adventure/fantasy/sci-fi/thriller

  • Director: Simon McQuoid

Read: 19 Sequels That Made Much More Than the First Film

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt Baron/Shutterstock (10014871ao)Jude Law'Vox Lux' film premiere, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 05 Dec 2018.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt Baron/Shutterstock (10014871ao)Jude Law'Vox Lux' film premiere, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 05 Dec 2018.

‘Peter Pan & Wendy’

  • Studio: Disney

  • Streaming service: Disney+

  • Budget: $65 million (estimate)

  • Earliest release date: 2021

  • Genre: Adventure/family/fantasy

  • Director: David Lowery

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Disney and Other Big Companies in 2021

hugh-jackman-net-worth-how-the-wolverine-star-clawed-his-way-to-millionaire.jpg
hugh-jackman-net-worth-how-the-wolverine-star-clawed-his-way-to-millionaire.jpg

‘Reminiscence’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $68 million

  • Earliest release date: April 16

  • Genre: Romance/sci-fi/thriller

  • Director: Lisa Joy

Looking Back: Where the Streaming Wars Ended in 2020

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Dave Bautista attends the European premiere of "The Avengers: Age Of Ultron" at Westfield London on April 21, 2015 in London, England.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Dave Bautista attends the European premiere of "The Avengers: Age Of Ultron" at Westfield London on April 21, 2015 in London, England.

‘Army of the Dead’

  • Studio: Netflix

  • Streaming service: Netflix

  • Budget: $70 million

  • Earliest release date: 2021

  • Genre: Action/horror/sci-fi

  • Director: Zack Snyder

Find Out: What These 32 Netflix Stars Did Before They Were Famous

Jennifer Lawrence Net Worth
Jennifer Lawrence Net Worth

‘Don’t Look Up’

  • Studio: Netflix

  • Streaming service: Netflix

  • Budget: $75 million

  • Earliest release date: 2021

  • Genre: Comedy

  • Director: Adam McKay

Read: Netflix, Redbox and More of the Best and Worst Company Makeovers

LOS ANGELES - DEC 11: Amy Adams arrives to "Vice" World Premiere on December 11, 2018 in Hollywood, CA - Image.
LOS ANGELES - DEC 11: Amy Adams arrives to "Vice" World Premiere on December 11, 2018 in Hollywood, CA - Image.

‘Disenchanted’

  • Studio: Disney

  • Streaming service: Disney+

  • Budget: $85 million (estimate)

  • Earliest release date: 2021

  • Genre: Animation/adventure/comedy

  • Director: Adam Shankman

Read: Major Financial Risks Walt Disney Took in His Career

Will Smith attends the Netflix "Bright" premiere on Dec.
Will Smith attends the Netflix "Bright" premiere on Dec.

‘King Richard’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $100 million

  • Earliest release date: Nov. 19

  • Genre: Drama

  • Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green

Film Trivia: Critically Acclaimed Movies That Bombed at the Box Office

Finn Wolfhard shutterstock_1425272705
Finn Wolfhard shutterstock_1425272705

‘Pinocchio’

  • Studio: Disney

  • Streaming service: Disney+

  • Budget: $100 million-$200 million (estimate)

  • Earliest release date: 2021

  • Genre: Animation/fantasy/musical

  • Director: Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson

Read More: Streaming Services That Offer the Best Variety of Movies for Your Family

Keanu Reeves net worth
Keanu Reeves net worth

‘The Matrix 4’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $150 million (estimate)

  • Earliest release date: Dec. 22

  • Genre: Action/sci-fi

  • Director: Lana Wachowski

Find Out: 50 Highest-Grossing Actors of All Time

Mandatory Credit: Photo by David Buchan/Shutterstock (9354172fv)Kelly Marie TranAARP The Magazine's Movies for Grownups Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 05 Feb 2018.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by David Buchan/Shutterstock (9354172fv)Kelly Marie TranAARP The Magazine's Movies for Grownups Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 05 Feb 2018.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

  • Studio: Disney

  • Streaming service: Disney+

  • Budget: $150 million-$175 million (estimate)

  • Earliest release date: March 5

  • Genre: Action/adventure/animation/comedy/family/fantasy/musical

  • Director: Don Hall, Carlos Lopez Estrada, Paul Briggs, John Ripa

Find Out: 10 Highest-Paid Movie Roles of All Time

ryan-reynolds-net-worth-as-he-turns-41.jpg
ryan-reynolds-net-worth-as-he-turns-41.jpg

‘Red Notice’

  • Studio: Netflix

  • Streaming service: Netflix

  • Budget: $160 million

  • Earliest release date: 2021

  • Genre: Action/adventure/comedy

  • Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber

Read: Oscar Winners With Surprisingly Low Paychecks

Mandatory Credit: Photo by John Salangsang/Shutterstock (9327718gj)Millie Bobby Brown24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 21 Jan 2018.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by John Salangsang/Shutterstock (9327718gj)Millie Bobby Brown24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 21 Jan 2018.

‘Godzilla vs. Kong’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $160 million

  • Earliest release date: May 21

  • Genre: Action/sci-fi/thriller

  • Director: Adam Wingard

Find Out: How Rich Are Reese Witherspoon and More A-List Movie Stars?

Zendaya Coleman
Zendaya Coleman

‘Dune’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $175 million

  • Earliest release date: Oct. 1

  • Genre: Adventure/drama/sci-fi

  • Director: Denis Villenueve

Read: The 22 Highest-Grossing Movies Starring Athletes

LOS ANGELES - JAN 11: Margot Robbie at the 23rd Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hanger on January 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, CA.
LOS ANGELES - JAN 11: Margot Robbie at the 23rd Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hanger on January 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, CA.

‘The Suicide Squad’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $175 million (estimate)

  • Earliest release date: Aug. 6

  • Genre: Action/adventure/fantasy/mystery/sci-fi

  • Director: James Gunn

Find Out: The 28 Richest Actresses of All Time

Photo by Tim Hales/AP/REX/Shutterstock Lebron James US and Miami Heat basketball player LeBron James looks on before the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, Liverpool, England Britain Soccer Premier League
Photo by Tim Hales/AP/REX/Shutterstock Lebron James US and Miami Heat basketball player LeBron James looks on before the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, Liverpool, England Britain Soccer Premier League

‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’

  • Studio: Warner Bros.

  • Streaming service: HBO Max

  • Budget: $183.7 million

  • Earliest release date: July 16

  • Genre: Adventure/animation/comedy/family/fantasy/sci-fi/sport

  • Director: Malcolm D. Lee

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Photo Disclaimer: Photos are for representational purposes only.

Methodology: GOBankingRates looked at movies expected to debut through a streaming service in 2021, then used a variety of sources to find budget figures or estimates for as many films as possible. We then used Box Office Mojo and IMDb to find possible release date, genre and director information for all movies that had budget expectations available. All information was gathered from Dec. 16-17, 2020.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Most Expensive Movies Debuting on Streaming in 2021

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