Denzel Washington's Underrated $180 Million Time Travel Thriller Is Streaming Free 20 Years Later

A case involving time travel

In Déjà Vu, Washington stars as ATF agent Doug Carlin, who investigates the aftermath of a domestic terrorist attack. His investigation leads him to a top-secret device that allows time travel and could help stop the attack from happening.

Directed by Tony Scott, the 2006 film runs 2 hours and 6 minutes. It is currently available on Tubi, an ad-supported service that does not require a streaming subscription.

An ensemble around Washington

Paula Patton plays the victim Carlin is trying to save, while Jim Caviezel portrays the wanted criminal. Val Kilmer and Bruce Greenwood appear as FBI agents. Adam Goldberg, Matt Craven, Elden Henson and Erika Alexander are also among the cast. Washington’s performance is central to the film, including his character’s effort to save the victim and his exchanges with Kilmer and Caviezel.

A divisive film with staying power

Déjà Vu was the third of five films Washington made with Scott. The article describes it as the most underappreciated of their collaborations, while noting that Crimson Tide and Unstoppable are highly regarded and Man on Fire has been embraced as an action thriller.

Critics initially responded unevenly, and the film has a 55% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It nevertheless earned $180 million, with Washington’s performance, Scott’s direction and the action among its strengths.

A limited streaming window

The film arrived on Tubi on November 1, 2026, and is scheduled to remain there for the entire month. Its free, ad-supported availability gives viewers a chance to revisit the movie or watch it for the first time.

The thriller moves between past and present, exploring time travel without losing its action focus. Scott’s direction helps the film navigate those shifts, which were a source of confusion when it was released.