James Gunn's 'The Belko Experiment' Is Now Streaming for Free

While James Gunn is highly regarded in the superhero genre, having written and directed all three Guardians of the Galaxy films, The Suicide Squad, Superman, and the HBO Max series Peacemaker, he has also explored other genres. Some of these films performed well on release, while others didn't initially succeed but gained renewed attention over the years through streaming. One such title is his forgotten workplace horror movie, which is now available on free streaming.

In this action horror film, a typical workday turns into a terrifying fight for survival when 80 employees discover they are part of a deadly game. Trapped inside their office building, a voice over the intercom warns the frightened staffers that two workers must be killed within 30 minutes. As another ultimatum is issued, friendships are tested, alliances shift, and only the strongest will survive.

Titled The Belko Experiment, it was directed by Greg McLean and written by Gunn, who also produced the film with Peter Safran. If you missed it in theaters or haven't been able to catch up on paid streaming platforms, now's your chance, as The Belko Experiment is streaming for free on Pluto TV after being added to the platform on October 1, 2026.

'The Belko Experiment' Is Officially Free To Stream

The Belko Experiment premiered at the 2016 TIFF to mixed reviews before hitting theaters in March 2017. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 55% approval rating, with the consensus stating it "lacks enough subversive smarts to consistently engage once the carnage kicks in." Its Popcornmeter score is even lower, at 40%, with commenters describing it as lacking potential and not being particularly mind-blowing. At the box office, The Belko Experiment earned $1.5 million on its first day and opened with $4.1 million, finishing seventh. Overall, it grossed $11 million worldwide against a $5 million budget.

Starring in The Belko Experiment are John Gallagher Jr. as Mike Milch, an employee of the titular company Belko Industries; Tony Goldwyn as Barry Norris, the company's COO; Adria Arjona as Leandra Florez, Barry's assistant and Mike's love interest; John C. McGinley as Wendell Dukes, a socially awkward top executive; and Melonie Diaz as Dany Wilkins, a new hire at Belko.