😱 WILD RESURGENCE: Zendaya’s breakout 2017 superhero action thriller – the one that launched her into MCU stardom as the ultimate witty love interest, sparked real-life romance rumors that turned TRUE, and kicked off Tom Holland’s epic Spider-Man era – is suddenly SWINGING back to the TOP of streaming charts 9 years later!

Fans are rewatching like crazy amid hype for the next big Avengers showdown and that teased new Spider-Man chapter… High school drama, insane Vulture battles, iconic ferry split, and that awkward teen chemistry everyone’s quoting again. Was it underrated back then? Or perfect timing for nostalgia to hit HARD? 🤯

That post-credits twist still slaps… who’s binging the whole trilogy tonight? 🔥

Nearly nine years after swinging into theaters and kickstarting Tom Holland’s tenure as the web-slinger, Spider-Man: Homecoming – Zendaya’s breakthrough MCU entry – is experiencing a notable resurgence on streaming platforms as 2026 kicks off.

The 2017 Sony/Marvel Studios collaboration, directed by Jon Watts, has climbed into the top 5 on Pluto TV’s most-watched list in early January 2026, according to reports from tracking outlets and fan sites like CBR. This surge comes amid heightened MCU anticipation, with trailers expected soon for Avengers: Doomsday (December 2026) and the next Spider-Man installment, tentatively titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 2026).

Released on July 7, 2017, Homecoming grossed over $880 million worldwide on a $175 million budget, becoming a critical and commercial hit that rebooted the Spider-Man franchise post-Andrew Garfield era. It holds a strong 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its grounded high school vibe, John Hughes-inspired tone, and Holland’s charismatic debut. Audiences awarded it an A CinemaScore.

Zendaya, then 20, played Michelle “MJ” Jones – a reimagined version of the classic Mary Jane Watson – in a supporting role that grew across the trilogy. Her sharp-witted, socially observant character stole scenes with deadpan humor, marking her transition from Disney Channel star (Shake It Up, K.C. Undercover) to blockbuster fixture. The film also ignited real-life chemistry with Holland, leading to their off-screen relationship and engagement rumors that persist today.

Co-starring Michael Keaton as the menacing Vulture (Adrian Toomes), Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, Marisa Tomei as Aunt May, and Tony Revolori as Flash Thompson, the plot follows teenage Peter Parker balancing superhero duties with high school life. Highlights include the iconic Staten Island Ferry sequence, Washington’s Monument rescue, and a homecoming dance twist.

The resurgence aligns with broader MCU nostalgia waves. The Holland-led trilogy – completed by Far From Home (2019, $1.13 billion) and No Way Home (2021, $1.92 billion) – collectively exceeds $3.9 billion, cementing it as one of Sony’s most lucrative properties. No Way Home‘s multiverse madness brought back Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, boosting interest in the origins.

Pluto TV, a free ad-supported streamer owned by Paramount, often sees older catalog titles spike during slower periods or tied to cultural moments. Homecoming‘s climb echoes similar revivals for MCU entries amid Phase 5/6 hype. Disney+ typically hosts newer titles, but licensing deals place older Sony co-productions like this on varied platforms.

Industry watchers attribute the timing to several factors: Post-holiday binges favor rewatchable action-comedy; Zendaya’s skyrocketing profile (fresh off Dune: Part Two‘s 2024 success and upcoming 2026 slate including The Drama, The Odyssey, and more); and excitement for Holland’s return. Reports indicate Holland and Zendaya have signed for another trilogy, weaving into larger events like Doomsday.

Critics hailed Homecoming for refreshing the Spider-Man formula post-Civil War introduction. “A charming, witty delight,” wrote Variety, noting its focus on Peter as a “friendly neighborhood” hero. Keaton’s Vulture remains a standout villain, blending blue-collar menace with high-flying action.

Supporting players like Laura Harrier (Liz Toomes), Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan), and Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man mentor) added depth. The soundtrack, featuring hits like “Blitzkrieg Bop,” amplified its youthful energy.

For Zendaya, now 29, the role was pivotal. She told outlets it allowed her to portray a “weird, intellectual” girl unapologetically. Her arc expanded in sequels, culminating in emotional No Way Home beats where MJ’s memory wipe left fans devastated.

This streaming boost underscores the MCU’s enduring appeal. Despite recent mixed receptions for projects like The Marvels, core franchises like Spider-Man retain massive draw. Sony’s Spider-Man Universe spin-offs have faltered, but the mainline films thrive.

Homecoming availability varies by region – currently prominent on Pluto TV, with potential rotations to Netflix or Disney+ via deals. The full trilogy often trends together during spikes.

As MCU heads into Multiverse Saga climax with Doomsday and Secret Wars (2027), revisiting origins feels timely. Holland has teased a more “grounded” next chapter post-No Way Home‘s spectacle.

Whether this signals broader trilogy rewatches or just seasonal viewing, Spider-Man: Homecoming proves some heroes never fade – they just web-sling back when needed.