"Joe Versus the Volcano," the 1990 romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, is now available to stream for free on Tubi. The film, an underappreciated classic that blends screwball comedy, satire and existential themes with references to Homer's Odyssey, has long been overshadowed by Hanks and Ryan's more celebrated collaborations in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail." The film's availability on the streaming platform offers audiences a chance to discover this unique entry in the rom-com genre that deserves greater recognition.

The story follows Joe Banks, a moribund office worker diagnosed with a fatal "brain cloud" disease, who agrees to a bizarre proposition from a wealthy industrialist: he will be paid handsomely to jump into a volcano on a Pacific island within twenty days to appease the native Waponis. During his adventure, Joe meets and falls in love with Patricia, one of the industrialist's daughters (played by Ryan alongside two other characters she portrays in the film). Director John Patrick Shanley's artistic vision uses colour symbolically, transitioning from the grey monotony of Joe's working life to vibrant hues as he discovers vitality whilst confronting mortality. The film culminates in a fairy-tale happy ending, with critics praising the palpable chemistry between the leads and Ryan's impressive multi-character performance.