Leonardo DiCaprio's 22-Year-Old Biopic 'The Aviator' Lands on Free Streaming

After more than two decades, Martin Scorsese's acclaimed film about Howard Hughes' life and struggles with OCD is now available to watch for free.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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After more than two decades since its initial release, Leonardo DiCaprio's acclaimed biopic 'The Aviator' is finally available to stream for free on Tubi starting March 1. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, chronicles the life and career of famed pilot, filmmaker, and aviation enthusiast Howard Hughes, and features DiCaprio's standout performance as the troubled but brilliant Hughes.

Why it matters

DiCaprio's performance in 'The Aviator' is considered one of the biggest Oscar snubs of his career, despite widespread critical acclaim. The film's arrival on a free streaming platform gives a new generation of viewers the chance to discover this underappreciated gem of early 2000s cinema.

The details

Directed by Martin Scorsese, 'The Aviator' follows the life and career of Howard Hughes, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film charts Hughes' rise to fame as a successful film producer and aviation enthusiast, while also exploring his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The ensemble cast includes Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, Jude Law, Ian Holm, Alec Baldwin, and more.

  • The Aviator was originally released in theaters in December 2004.
  • The film will be available to stream for free on Tubi starting March 1, 2026.

The players

Leonardo DiCaprio

An acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films like Titanic, The Revenant, and The Wolf of Wall Street. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Revenant.

Martin Scorsese

A legendary American filmmaker who has directed numerous critically acclaimed films, including Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and The Departed. He directed The Aviator.

Howard Hughes

A famous American businessman, aviator, engineer, film producer, and philanthropist who was known for his eccentric behavior and struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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What’s next

Viewers can stream The Aviator for free on Tubi starting March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The Aviator's arrival on a free streaming platform gives audiences a chance to rediscover one of Leonardo DiCaprio's most acclaimed but underappreciated performances, which was surprisingly overlooked by the Academy Awards despite widespread critical praise.