Picture Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing
The Sony Pictures to Netflix pipeline continues to bring the studio’s theatrical slate to the streaming service. The next title confirmed to make its SVOD debut is the inspirational true story Soul on Fire, arriving in early January.
Released theatrically in 2025 under Sony’s Affirm Films banner (the division behind hits like War Room and Miracles from Heaven), the movie is directed by Sean McNamara, a filmmaker best known for Soul Surfer and the recent biopic Reagan.
We can confirm that Soul on Fire will be available to stream on Netflix US starting Thursday, January 8th, 2026.
It comes just weeks after its recent VOD and physical release, as promoted by Joel Courtney in a recent Instagram post, with the film itself having premiered in theaters in the US and Canada back in mid-October.
It picked up solid reviews from critics and audiences alike, carrying the coveted new “Verified Hot” on Rotten Tomatoes, where it sits at an incredible 98%. Among the positive reviews was NYC Movie Guru, who wrote, “A warm and big-hearted, but often preachy biopic about conquering adversity that’s so saccharine that it might give you a cavity. Mary Poppins didn’t sing, “Just a cupful of sugar makes the medicine go down.” A spoonful is all you need.”
What is the true story behind Soul on Fire?
The film is based on the bestselling memoir On Fire by John O’Leary. It tells the harrowing and uplifting true story of O’Leary, who at nine years old was burned on 100% of his body in a garage fire and given a less than 1% chance of survival.
Rather than a tragedy, the film frames his journey as a celebration of community and resilience. It chronicles the months of agonizing recovery, the frontline workers and family members who rallied around him, and his eventual path to discovering a life of purpose.
The official synopsis describes it as:
“An emotional and faith-filled portrait of resilience. As John O’Leary battles to survive, he ultimately discovers what it means to truly live. From frontline workers to family members, and the support of the wider community, this film is a celebration of heroes.”
Who is in the cast?
The film features a mix of veteran actors and rising stars bringing the real-life figures of John O’Leary’s life to the screen:
- Joel Courtney (Netflix’s The Kissing Booth, Super 8) leads the film as John O’Leary.
- John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before) plays John’s father, Denny O’Leary.
- Stéphanie Szostak (A Million Little Things) plays his mother, Susan O’Leary.
- William H. Macy (Shameless, Fargo) takes on the role of legendary sportscaster Jack Buck, who played a pivotal role in John’s recovery.
- DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution) stars as Nurse Roy, a key figure during O’Leary’s time in the hospital.
- Masey McLain (I’m Not Ashamed) plays John’s wife, Beth O’Leary.
As mentioned, the film was directed by Sean McNamara, a veteran of the genre who has a track record of adapting incredible survival stories to the screen (most notably the Bethany Hamilton story, Soul Surfer). The screenplay was adapted by Gregory Poirier. It was produced by the team at Huntington Productions and Branded Pictures Entertainment, with distribution handled by Sony Pictures.
Picture: Sony Pictures Releasing
Will you be watching the true story of John O’Leary in Soul on Fire this January? Let us know in the comments below and for more on what’s coming up in January 2026, keep it locked here on What’s on Netflix.
