Released in French cinemas on August 7, 2024, Borderlands is a live-action adaptation of the popular video game franchise launched in 2009 (Gearbox Software / 2K). Directed by Eli Roth and co-written with Joe Abercrombie, this action-packed sci-fi blockbuster features a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, and voice work by Jack Black. The film will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting January 9, 2026.
Lilith is a bounty hunter with a dark past, reluctantly summoned back to Pandora, a planet notorious for being the most chaotic in the galaxy. Her mission: track down Atlas’s missing daughter, a powerful and feared figure. Back on her home planet, Lilith must navigate a world driven by greed, violence, and fleeting alliances to survive.
To move forward, she assembles an unlikely team: Roland, a seasoned mercenary; Tiny Tina, a pre-teen obsessed with explosives; Krieg, her fierce protector; Tannis, the eccentric scientist; and Claptrap, the talkative yet unpredictable robot. This band of outsiders navigates dangerous territories, battles bandits and alien creatures alike, all while uncovering a secret that could tip the balance of Pandora forever.
The story thrives on the high-energy feel of a heist and adventure film, where action takes center stage while still exploring the camaraderie and internal tensions within the team. The plot revolves around a daring quest, but also hinges on the fragile trust between characters who aren't accustomed to relying on one another.
At the movies, Borderlands brings to life a universe well-known for its blend of science fiction, post-apocalyptic westerns, and dark humor—often reminiscent of the Mad Max aesthetic. Here, the tone shifts towards broad entertainment aimed at mainstream audiences, resembling an ensemble adventure with franchise-like momentum. Its style, with its focus on teamwork and a colorful cast of characters, can evoke some of today's blockbuster space action films.
The production process was also unusual in its timeline: the film was released several years after filming wrapped, to allow for the integration of new scenes. These reshoots were directed by Tim Miller, as Eli Roth was engaged with other projects at the time. Regarding the soundtrack, Nathan Barr was initially considered, but ultimately it was Steve Jablonsky who composed the score.
In terms of casting, Cate Blanchett brings the character of Lilith to life as the story's central figure. The actress mentioned she immersed herself in the world of the game to better understand her role, while Kevin Hart takes on the role of Roland and Jamie Lee Curtis appears as Tannis. Overall, the film targets fans of adventure, action, and science fiction, as well as viewers curious about video game adaptations.
Borderlands
Movie | 2024
In theaters: August 7, 2024
Available on Prime Video from January 9, 2026
Action, science fiction | Duration: 1h40
Directed by Eli Roth | Starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Country: United States
With Borderlands, Eli Roth dives into a highly recognizable video game universe, opting for an ensemble adventure with the pacing of a blockbuster. Set against the backdrop of a hostile planet, blending team humor and multiple threats, the film offers a cinematic take on Pandora designed to deliver a spectacular experience.
For a deeper dive, check out our curated list of Prime Video's new releases for January, our guide to latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today's top pick under What to watch today in streaming.
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