Death Race (2008)
A brutal, high-speed dystopian thriller where convicted inmates race armored cars to the death for their freedom.
Death Race - Movie Information
- Original Title: Death Race
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Paul W. S. Anderson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 45m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 22, 2008 (United States - R), September 26, 2008 (United Kingdom - 15), November 17, 2008 (Germany - 18), October 15, 2008 (France - 10), October 30, 2008 (Australia - MA 15+), November 28, 2008 (Italy - T)
- Alternative Titles: Death Race 3000 (US), 絕命尬車 (TW), La Carrera de la muerte 1 (ES), Smertelnya gonka (RU), Death Race, course à la mort (FR), מרוץ קטלני 1 (IL), La Carrera de la muerte 1 (MX), Ölüm Yarışı (AZ)
- Production Companies: Impact Pictures, Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, Cruise/Wagner Productions, H2S2 Filmproduktionsgesellschaft, Scion Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany
Death Race - Plot
Terminal Island, New York: 2020. Overcrowding in the US penal system has reached a breaking point. Prisons have been turned over to a monolithic Weyland Corporation, which sees jails full of thugs as an opportunity for televised sport. Adrenalized inmates, a global audience hungry for violence and a spectacular, enclosed arena come together to form the 'Death Race', the biggest, most brutal event.
Death Race - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the carnage unfold on Terminal Island:
Get ready for a killer ride.
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Death Race - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul W. S. Anderson
Main Cast
- Jason Statham
- Joan Allen
- Ian McShane
- Tyrese Gibson
- Natalie Martinez
- Max Ryan
- Jason Clarke
- Frederick Koehler
- Jacob Vargas
- Justin Mader
Writers
- Paul W. S. Anderson
Producers
- Paul W. S. Anderson
- Paula Wagner
- Roger Corman
- Jeremy Bolt
Death Race - FAQs
What is Death Race (2008) about?
Death Race is set in a near-future America where overcrowded prisons are run by a ruthless corporation. Wrongly convicted ex-racer Jensen Ames, played by Jason Statham, is forced to compete in a savage televised car race where inmates must kill or be killed to win their freedom.
Is Death Race a remake of an older film?
Yes, Death Race is a reimagining of the 1975 cult classic Death Race 2000, directed by Paul Bartel and produced by Roger Corman. While the original was a darkly satirical road movie, the 2008 version cranks up the action and shifts the setting to a prison arena.
Where can you stream Death Race (2008)?
You can stream Death Race on Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Does Jensen Ames actually win his freedom?
Jensen Ames ultimately outsmarts Warden Hennessey's corrupt system rather than simply winning the race outright. He engineers an escape with the help of Coach and his crew, exposing the warden's manipulation and securing his freedom — and reuniting with his daughter — in a satisfying final act.
Who are the main actors in Death Race?
Jason Statham leads the cast as wrongly imprisoned racer Jensen Ames. He's joined by Joan Allen as the calculating Warden Hennessey, Ian McShane as the wily Coach, Tyrese Gibson as rival Machine Gun Joe, and Natalie Martinez as navigator Elizabeth Case.
Is Death Race worth watching for action fans?
If you love high-octane, no-holds-barred action, Death Race delivers. It's a relentless, adrenaline-fueled ride packed with armored cars, explosive combat, and a charismatic Statham performance. Critics were mixed, but audiences hungry for pure, unfiltered action tend to find it a thoroughly entertaining watch.
Did Death Race lead to any sequels?
Yes, Death Race spawned a franchise. Death Race 2 (2010) and Death Race: Inferno (2013) served as prequels, while Death Race: Beyond Anarchy (2018) continued the story. All three direct-to-video follow-ups expanded the brutal world of Terminal Island's deadly racing spectacle.
What is the age rating for Death Race?
Death Race is rated R in the United States, reflecting its intense sequences of brutal vehicular combat, strong language, and graphic violence. It's strictly for mature audiences — definitely not one for younger viewers.
More About Death Race
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