As Buster Keaton’s silent masterpiece The General marks its 100th anniversary this year, the film highlights its enduring relevance a century after its debut. Meanwhile, the platform JustWatch TV is scheduled to officially launch in October 2026.
JustWatch, long established as a search and discovery tool for streaming content, is expanding into a proprietary streaming service. According to CNET, the new platform will feature a tiered model including free ad-supported (AVOD) options, paid subscriptions (SVOD), and rental capabilities (TVOD).
The arrival of The General on a modern streaming service underscores its survival through massive shifts in film technology. Despite being a critical and financial disappointment upon its initial 1926 release—a failure that cost Keaton much of his creative independence—it is now widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Its status as a public domain work, which was finalized in 1954 after its copyright was not renewed, has allowed it to remain accessible as a staple for new digital platforms and film historians alike.
The production of The General was notable for its unprecedented scale. One of the film’s most famous elements remains the bridge collapse sequence, which saw a real steam locomotive plunge into a river in Oregon. The stunt cost approximately $42,000 in 1926, which translates to over $600,000 in today’s currency. It remains the most expensive single shot in the history of silent cinema.
The film’s influence continues to reach modern blockbusters 100 years later. It has been reported that 2026 releases, including Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot and Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, have utilized stylistic homages to Keaton’s specific brand of physical comedy and practical stunt work.
JustWatch TV officially announced its rollout following a presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026. As reported by BetaNews, the service is rolling out across 12 international markets, including the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia. The service has secured content partnerships with several major studios and distributors, including Paramount, Fremantle, Bleecker Street, and New Regency, to bolster its library alongside public domain classics.
