World War Z, the 2013 zombie apocalypse thriller starring Brad Pitt, is currently the most popular movie on Hulu according to the streaming platform's public ranking system.
The film, an adaptation of Max Brooks' novel, follows former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane, played by Pitt, as he travels the globe seeking a solution to a sudden and fast-moving pandemic of undead. The movie's ensemble cast includes Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale, Matthew Fox, Fana Mokoena, David Morse, Daniella Kertesz, Sterling Jerins, Abigail Hargrove, Peter Capaldi, Pierfrancesco Favino, Ruth Negga, Moritz Bleibtreu and Ludi Boeken. Released in 2013, World War Z grossed roughly $540 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing zombie film of all time and, until the release of F1 this summer, the highest-grossing film of Pitt's career.
Plans for a World War Z sequel were announced in 2013, but development largely stalled in the years that followed. Paramount Pictures chief executive David Ellison hinted at renewed interest in the sequel last month, according to reporting by HuffPost, though no formal production timeline has been released.
HuffPost's survey of streaming service rankings highlighted other platform-specific leaders. On Netflix, the documentary Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, which premiered Aug. 29, emerged as the most talked-about title after viewers reacted to its account of a small-town teenage couple tormented by persistent harassment from an unknown number in 2020; the documentary's revelation of the harasser's identity prompted widespread online discussion and coverage. HBO Max's top movie is Friendship, an absurdist comedy released in May that pairs Paul Rudd with Tim Robinson in a story about a suburban father whose attempts to befriend a charismatic neighbor upend both their lives. Amazon Prime Video's current standout among feature films is A Working Man, an action thriller starring Jason Statham as an ex-Marine turned construction worker drawn back into violence after human traffickers kidnap a close associate's daughter.
Streaming platforms' public rankings reflect shifting viewer interest and promotional cycles and can spotlight older theatrical releases alongside new originals and documentaries. World War Z's resurgence on Hulu coincides with continued industry interest in franchise and sequel potential for proven box-office properties, though studios frequently take years to develop follow-ups. The film's box-office record for the zombie genre and its star-driven marketing remain notable elements in discussions about any possible continuation of the story.
HuffPost's entertainment coverage compiled the platform rankings and recommended its Culture Catchall newsletter for readers seeking regular updates on streaming releases and entertainment news. The listings illustrate the diverse range of content currently attracting audiences across streaming services, from revived blockbuster fare to viral documentaries and new comedies and action films.