According to FlixPatrol data, Ben Stiller’s sports comedy The Dink debuted as the No. 1 most-watched movie on Apple TV in the United States, Canada, and the Bahamas following its July 24, 2026 release. The Apple original film, directed by Josh Greenbaum, has quickly expanded its reach beyond North America to trend across multiple international streaming markets including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama.
What Is The Dink About?
The sports comedy centers on pickleball, following former tennis prodigy Dusty “The Hammer” Boyd, played by Jake Johnson. According to the film’s premise, Dusty works as a kids’ coach at his father’s country club and initially joins his father, Chuck Boyd (played by Ed Harris), in resisting the local pickleball craze. That dynamic shifts when Dusty sustains an injury and receives rehabilitation advice from his doctor, Dr. Stone (played by Ben Stiller), who recommends playing pickleball to aid his recovery. Dusty eventually embraces the sport and connects with fellow players, including character Candace (played by Mary Steenburgen), which subsequently creates tension with his father.
Did you know?
The Dink features a massive ensemble cast that includes Chloe Fineman, Patton Oswalt, Aaron Chen, Martin Kove, Chris Parnell, Christine Taylor, tennis legends John McEnroe and Andy Roddick, and Lynne Marie Stewart in her final film role.
Critical Reception and Rotten Tomatoes Scores
According to Rotten Tomatoes, The Dink holds a Certified Fresh 73% Tomatometer score based on early critical evaluations. Reviewers remain divided on the film’s lightweight approach to sports comedy. Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics wrote, “This one’s a winner, and might even convince you to give the game a try yourself.” Meanwhile, Peter Travers awarded the film 2.5 out of 4 stars in The Travers Take, noting, “There’s nothing hard-charging about this sports comedy placebo from producer-star Ben Stiller. It’s easy, breezy and light on its feet, and who says that on a lazy summer night a dink can’t win the game.”
Other publications offered more mixed assessments of the 102-minute feature. Alissa Wilkinson of The New York Times stated that “The Dink has its moments, but they never completely cohere, and the movie struggles to maintain a consistent tone.” Mark Keizer of MovieWeb added that “Brief moments suggest what The Dink might have been but decided not to be, trading on likability more than sharp humor or outrageous gags.”
Pro Tip for Viewers
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Dink released?
The Dink was released on Apple TV on July 24, 2026.
Who stars in The Dink?
The film stars Jake Johnson as Dusty Boyd and Ben Stiller as Dr. Stone. The cast also features Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Chloe Fineman, Patton Oswalt, Chris Parnell, Christine Taylor, John McEnroe, and Andy Roddick, among others.
What is the runtime of The Dink?
The sports comedy has a runtime of 102 minutes.
Where can I stream The Dink?
The film is available to stream exclusively on Apple TV.
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