New streaming demand rankings for the United States have identified the most sought-after movies and television series during the first six months of 2026, while also highlighting viewing trends for the week of June 29 through July 5.
The latest figures show strong audience interest in both blockbuster releases and returning television favorites, with holiday viewing also influencing weekly rankings.
Project Hail Mary Tops Half-Year Movie Rankings
Among films, Project Hail Mary finished the first half of 2026 as the most in-demand movie across U.S. streaming platforms.
The Housemaid secured second place, while Send Help completed the top three, reflecting sustained viewer interest throughout the first six months of the year.
The rankings indicate that all three titles maintained strong popularity despite increased competition from new releases.
Euphoria Leads Television Series
On the television side, Euphoria emerged as the most in-demand series between January and June 2026.
The drama narrowly outperformed FROM, which claimed second place, while The Pitt ranked third among streaming audiences during the period.
The results underscore the continued appeal of established series alongside newer streaming originals.
Independence Day Boosts Holiday Viewing
The July 4 holiday had a noticeable impact on weekly movie viewing trends.
The 1996 action film Independence Day returned to the weekly Top 10 as American audiences revisited the patriotic blockbuster during Independence Day celebrations.
The classic joined newer popular titles including The Sheep Detectives and Ready or Not: Here I Come, both of which also featured prominently in the latest weekly rankings.
Free Streaming Platforms See Similar Trend
Holiday viewing patterns extended beyond subscription services to ad-supported streaming platforms.
Independence Day also climbed into the Top 10 on AVOD (advertising-supported video-on-demand) services as viewers turned to free streaming options to watch the iconic science fiction film.
The surge demonstrated how seasonal events and national holidays continue to influence audience viewing habits across multiple streaming platforms.
Weekly Rankings Reflect Shifting Audience Preferences
While the half-year recap highlights the titles that have consistently attracted audiences throughout 2026, the latest weekly rankings reveal how current releases and seasonal favorites continue to reshape streaming demand.
Together, the reports provide a snapshot of evolving viewer preferences across both subscription-based and free streaming services in the United States.
