War of the Worlds, Steven Spielberg's 2005 alien invasion blockbuster starring Tom Cruise, has become widely available across US streaming services, including Apple TV, HBO Max and Paramount+, more than two decades after its cinema release. The film is being highlighted as one of Spielberg's more underrated works, offering audiences a fresh chance to revisit a story that combined a grand-scale sci-fi threat with an intimate family drama.

The film follows Ray Ferrier, a divorced dockworker played by Cruise, who must protect his two children after a fleet of alien "Tripod" war machines emerges during a violent storm, launching a global invasion. It also stars Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Miranda Otto and Tim Robbins. On its original release, the film grossed over $600 million worldwide against a $132 million budget, making it one of 2005's biggest hits, and it holds solid Rotten Tomatoes scores of 76% from critics and 71% from audiences, with particular praise for its tense atmosphere and effects.