It is the on-screen pairing no one knew they wanted: Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas teamed up for a captivating, critically-lauded musical comedy in Might 2026 with “Energy Ballad.” For those who missed this surprisingly potent pairing, you’ll lease and purchase the film from digital platforms on June 23, 2026.
“Energy Ballad” stars Paul Rudd as Rick Energy, a marriage singer who left his dream of rock stardom behind after settling down along with his girlfriend, Rachel (Marcella Plunkett), and having a daughter. (His efficiency makes this movie a robust contender for inclusion on our listing of Paul Rudd’s finest films.) Jonas’ Danny Wilson is a well-known boy band star making an attempt to launch a solo profession, who one night time joins Rick on stage at a reception. The 2 type a bond and Rick exhibits Danny considered one of his songs, just for the pop star to report it himself and switch it into a giant hit. Rick then units out on a mission to get the popularity he deserves. This all makes for a pleasant and surprisingly affecting story of friendship, ambition, and self-belief.
“Energy Ballad” is directed by Irish filmmaker John Carney, who’s chargeable for equally charming tales of music-enabled bonding, such because the 2007 romantic drama “As soon as” and 2016’s “Sing Road.” However his Rudd-led 2026 effort is his most high-profile up to now and has been met with widespread essential reward. For those who did miss the film when it hit theaters, it is nicely price checking it out when it turns into out there to lease and purchase on digital platforms.
For those who missed Energy Ballad in theaters, now’s the time to catch up
Anybody who’s seen the sensible and oft-overlooked “I Love You, Man” (which occurs to function one of the legendary Ivan Reitman moments) will know Paul Rudd is completely at dwelling with regards to slappin’ da bass. However “Energy Ballad” permits him to flex much more of his musical expertise, whereas additionally demonstrating that he is simply as watchable in a musical dramedy as he’s in a buddy comedy. The critics had been actually impressed, and never simply with Rudd.
On the time of writing, the movie has an 87% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes primarily based on a really wholesome 167 opinions. Many had been impressed with how John Carney constructed upon his earlier efforts by including in what Tim Robey of the Each day Telegraph known as a “seen-it-all tackle the music biz that is refreshingly acerbic.” The San Francisco Chronicle’s Bob Strauss additionally appreciated how the movie acted as a “tribute to how music can change our lives” whereas being “absurdly hilarious and meaner about it” than Carney’s earlier movies. In any other case, as you may count on, Rudd obtained loads of reward, however Jonas earned his share of plaudits, too.
We spoke with Rudd, Jonas, and John Carney on this episode of the /Movie Weekly podcast:
“Energy Ballad” has a robust declare to being top-of-the-line films of 2026, which suggests you would do lots worse than renting or shopping for the movie when it hits digital platforms on June 23, 2026. Those that do buy “Energy Ballad” will get entry to a number of particular options, together with featurettes “The Making of Energy Ballad,” “The Music of Energy Ballad,” and “The Energy of Paul Rudd.” Digital purchases additionally embrace theatrical trailers, and those that purchase the film by way of Fandango will get entry to an unique bonus function known as “The Energy of Music.”
