The Smashing Machine (2025)
Benny Safdie's unflinching biographical drama follows UFC legend Mark Kerr through triumph, addiction, and the brutal cost of greatness.
The Smashing Machine - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Smashing Machine
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Benny Safdie
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Japanese, Ukrainian
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 1, 2025 (Philippines - R-16), October 3, 2025 (United States - R), October 3, 2025 (Canada - 14A), October 3, 2025 (United Kingdom - 15), October 2, 2025 (Germany - 12), October 29, 2025 (France), October 10, 2025 (India - A), October 2, 2025 (New Zealand - M), October 2, 2025 (Australia - M), October 2, 2025 (Brazil - 16), October 9, 2025 (Mexico - B-15), November 19, 2025 (Italy - 10+), October 3, 2025 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: La Máquina: The Smashing Machine (MX), Coração de Lutador (BR), 神拼太保 (CN), Zúzógép (HU), Крушащая машина (RU), Le combattant (CA)
- Production Companies: A24, Seven Bucks Productions, Out for the Count, Magnetic Fields Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Smashing Machine - Plot
In the late 1990s, up-and-coming mixed martial artist Mark Kerr aspires to become the greatest fighter in the world. However, he must also battle his opioid dependence and a volatile relationship with his girlfriend Dawn.
The Smashing Machine - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the raw intensity of this true story unfold:
The unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.
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The Smashing Machine - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Benny Safdie
Main Cast
- Dwayne Johnson
- Emily Blunt
- Ryan Bader
- Bas Rutten
- Lyndsey Gavin
- Zoe Kosovic
- Oleksandr Usyk
- Satoshi Ishii
- James Moontasri
- Yoko Hamamura
Writers
- Benny Safdie
Producers
- Dany Garcia
- David Koplan
- Dwayne Johnson
- Eli Bush
- Beau Flynn
The Smashing Machine - FAQs
Is The Smashing Machine based on a true story?
Yes. The Smashing Machine is based on the real life of Mark Kerr, a dominant UFC heavyweight champion in the late 1990s who struggled with opioid addiction during the height of his career. The film draws from the 2002 documentary of the same name directed by John Hyams.
Where can you stream The Smashing Machine?
The Smashing Machine is available to stream on Max (HBO Max). It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
Who plays Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine?
Dwayne Johnson portrays Mark Kerr, the real-life UFC heavyweight champion at the center of the story. Emily Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr's girlfriend, while Ryan Bader appears as fellow MMA fighter Mark Coleman. World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk also has a role.
What is The Smashing Machine about?
Set in the late 1990s, the film follows MMA fighter Mark Kerr as he pursues the pinnacle of combat sports glory while fighting a destructive opioid addiction and navigating a volatile relationship with his girlfriend Dawn. It is a raw portrait of ambition, pain, and self-destruction.
Who directed The Smashing Machine film?
The Smashing Machine was directed and written by Benny Safdie, one half of the acclaimed Safdie Brothers filmmaking duo known for Uncut Gems and Good Time. This marks Benny Safdie's solo directorial feature debut, and he also served as editor on the project.
What is the age rating for The Smashing Machine?
The Smashing Machine is rated R in the United States. In other territories it carries a 14A rating in Canada, a 15 certificate in the United Kingdom, a 16 rating in Spain and Brazil, and a 12 rating in Germany. It is intended for mature audiences due to violence and drug content.
How long is The Smashing Machine runtime?
The Smashing Machine has a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes (123 minutes). The film was produced by A24 alongside Seven Bucks Productions, the production company co-founded by Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia, with a reported production budget of $50 million.
Does The Smashing Machine have a post-credits scene?
The Smashing Machine is a grounded biographical drama from A24 and does not feature a post-credits scene. As a serious character study directed by Benny Safdie, the film concludes with its narrative rather than setting up any sequel or additional content after the credits roll.
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