Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about The Smashing Machine (2025), including its official premiere date, streaming availability, full cast lineup, and a step-by-step guide on how to watch the movie online from outside the US without missing a moment.
How can I watch The Smashing Machine (2025) outside the US on HBO Max?
You can bypass HBO Max geo-blocks and watch The Smashing Machine outside the US by using a top-notch VPN. It helps mask your IP address to appear as if you’re accessing from the US, allowing you to access HBO’s on-demand service, HBO Max, and watch the movie from anywhere.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a US-based server.
- Open the HBO Max website, then log in or sign up for a new account.
- You are all set to watch The Smashing Machine restriction-free!
The Smashing Machine Synopsis
The Smashing Machine follows Mark Kerr, a feared and celebrated UFC champion at the peak of his career. As his victories mount, so does the emotional and physical strain that comes with constant combat. The film explores his relationship with Dawn Staples, revealing how fame and addiction quietly fracture personal bonds. Behind the roar of the crowd, Kerr battles opioid dependency, isolation, and mounting self-doubt. The story moves between brutal fights and deeply private moments, showing how success can blur into self-destruction. Benny Safdie’s direction avoids glamor, focusing instead on consequence and vulnerability. This is a portrait of greatness that nearly consumes the man who achieved it.
When does The Smashing Machine premiere?
The Smashing Machine premiered in theaters on October 3, 2025.
Cast
- Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr
- Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples
- Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman
- Bas Rutten as himself
- Oleksandr Usyk as Igor Vovchanchyn
Where to watch The Smashing Machine in the US
As of January 23, 2026, The Smashing Machine is streaming exclusively on HBO Max, the premium platform known for high-quality original and exclusive films. Viewers in the United States can also watch the movie through the HBO Max add-on on Hulu, offering flexible streaming access for existing subscribers. In addition, the film is available as part of the HBO Max–Starz bundle on Prime Video, making it easy to stream across multiple platforms while enjoying one of the most talked-about biographical sports dramas of the year.
Did The Smashing Machine receive any awards recognition?
The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for Dwayne Johnson’s transformation into Kerr.
Critics:
Critics have responded to The Smashing Machine with mixed to positive reviews, largely praising its raw, grounded approach and strong performances. Many reviewers highlight Dwayne Johnson’s transformative turn as Mark Kerr, noting that he sheds his usual star persona to deliver one of the most restrained and serious performances of his career. The film’s unflinching look at fame, addiction, and personal cost has also been widely appreciated, though some critics feel the narrative is deliberately understated and lacks depth in certain emotional arcs. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the film may not follow a traditional sports-drama structure, its authenticity and performances make it a compelling watch.
The Smashing Machine Trailer
FAQs
- Is The Smashing Machine based on a real person?
Yes, the movie is based on the real-life story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr. Many events and characters are drawn directly from his life and career. - Is The Smashing Machine suitable for all audiences?
The film carries an adult rating due to strong language and themes related to substance abuse. It is best suited for mature viewers who appreciate serious dramas. - Is The Smashing Machine connected to the 2002 documentary of the same name?
Yes. The 2025 film draws inspiration from the 2002 documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr, although it expands into a dramatic narrative.
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