Michael Bay's 30-Year-Old Heist Thriller 'The Rock' Hits Free Streaming

The 1996 action movie starring Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery, and Ed Harris arrives on Tubi on April 1.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:20am by Ben Kaplan

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The Rock, Michael Bay's 1996 action thriller starring Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery, and Ed Harris, will stream for free on the Tubi platform starting April 1. The film follows an FBI chemical weapons expert and a mysterious former British prisoner who are forced to team up after a rogue general takes over Alcatraz and threatens San Francisco.

Why it matters

Before Michael Bay became known for big-budget franchise films, The Rock showcased his talent for delivering high-energy, charismatic action movies. The film's enduring popularity and critical acclaim make it an exciting addition to Tubi's free streaming library, allowing a new generation of viewers to discover this 1990s classic.

The details

Released in 1996, The Rock is part heist movie, part military thriller, and part pure action chaos. The cast includes Nicolas Cage as an FBI chemical weapons expert, Sean Connery as a mysterious former British prisoner, and Ed Harris as the rogue general who takes over Alcatraz. The film is known for its thrilling set pieces, memorable characters, and the chemistry between its lead actors.

  • The Rock will begin streaming on Tubi on April 1, 2026.

The players

Michael Bay

The director of The Rock, known for his high-octane action films and blockbuster franchises.

Nicolas Cage

The actor who plays FBI chemical weapons expert Stanley Goodspeed in The Rock.

Sean Connery

The actor who plays the mysterious former British prisoner John Mason in The Rock.

Ed Harris

The actor who plays the rogue general who takes over Alcatraz in The Rock.

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What they’re saying

“The Rock is a classic example of blockbuster filmmaking done right — loud, chaotic, and packed with familiar elements, but executed with enough style and energy to make it incredibly entertaining.”

— Roger Ebert, Film Critic

The takeaway

The addition of The Rock to Tubi's free streaming library is an exciting opportunity for fans of 1990s action movies to revisit this Michael Bay classic. The film's enduring popularity and critical acclaim make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates high-energy, character-driven blockbusters.