As 2026 kicks off, streaming platforms are shaking up their lineups—adding fresh titles while bidding farewell to others. Amazon Prime Video is making a particularly exciting addition for sports and comedy fans: the cult classic Slap Shot will be available to subscribers starting January 31, 2026.
Amazon recently revealed plans to roll out more than 40 films on January 1, with several more debuting later in the month. The end-of-January wave includes iconic movies from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s—and Slap Shot, the beloved 1977 hockey comedy starring Paul Newman, is among the headliners.
Currently, Slap Shot can be found on Amazon only through rental or purchase options, priced at $3.79 for a 30-day rental or $14.99 to own. But in just two years, Prime Video subscribers will be able to stream it at no extra cost as part of their membership.
Written by Nancy Dowd and directed by George Roy Hill, Slap Shot follows the fictional Charlestown Chiefs, a struggling minor league hockey team. Paul Newman plays Reggie Dunlop, the charismatic player-coach determined to turn the team’s fortunes around. The movie also famously features the Hanson brothers—played by Jeff Carlson, Steve Carlson, and David Hanson—three real-life hockey players who later competed in the NHL.
The film’s ensemble cast includes Strother Martin, Michael Ontkean, Jennifer Warren, Lindsay Crouse, Jerry Houser, and Paul D’Amato. Its unapologetically rowdy humor, gritty depiction of the sport, and memorable performances have helped it stand out in the sports film genre for nearly five decades.
While Slap Shot initially received mixed reviews upon its release—criticized by some for its profanity and on-ice brawls—it has since earned its place as a fan-favorite. Today, it boasts an impressive 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a solid 7.2/10 rating on IMDb, and a “Generally Favorable” score of 61 on Metacritic.
The film’s enduring popularity even led to two direct-to-video follow-ups: Slap Shot 2: Breaking the Ice in 2002 and Slap Shot 3: The Junior League in 2008. Neither matched the original’s impact, but they kept the franchise alive for loyal fans.
For long-time admirers and curious newcomers alike, January 31, 2026 marks a perfect opportunity to revisit—or discover—this irreverent, fast-paced hockey comedy. Whether you’re drawn in by Paul Newman’s charisma, the outrageous antics of the Hanson brothers, or the film’s unfiltered take on the sport, Slap Shot remains a must-see in the sports comedy canon.
