While it isn't entirely uncommon for a biopic to be more concerned with its lead actor than the individual at the heart of the story, the discourse around "The Smashing Machine" has been extraordinarily The Rock-centric. Dwayne Johnson portrays Mark Kerr, whose blood and sweat helped turn the UFC from a quasi-medieval venture into the £1bn star vehicle it is today — and lost nearly everything in the process.
Just as "Uncut Gems", which was co-written by "The Smashing Machine" director Benny Safdie, gleaned out of Adam Sandler a performance that nobody had ever imagined he'd be capable of, so it follows here. Does Johnson have hidden depths? The Oscar buzz coming from the critics suggests The Rock has cooked up something on an entirely different plane to his previous acting ventures.
Adapted from John Hyams' 2002 documentary "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr" and co-starring Emily Blunt as on-off partner Dawn Staples, former UFC fighter Ryan Bader as rival-turned-mentor Mark Coleman, Bas Rutten as himself, and Oleksandr Usyk as opponent Igor Vovchanchyn, the 123-minute feature unpacks the desctructive cycle that was Kerr's life.
His legendary ring prowess earned him fame and accolades, but his career brought him immeasurable pain that dragged him into the depths of addiction, before wrestling him back again, only for the love of his life to upset the precarious balance all over again.
Here’s where you can stream “The Smashing Machine” right now.
How to watch 'The Smashing Machine' in the U.S.
Currently, the only way to watch “The Smashing Machine” at home in the U.S. is by purchasing or renting it through PVOD services like Amazon and Apple TV.
Currently, the only way to watch “The Smashing Machine” at home in the U.S. is by purchasing or renting it through a PVOD service. It hit Amazon at 12 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 4, where it costs $24.99.
We don't expect “The Smashing Machine” to become available for streaming until the last week of January or the first week of February. It's likely to arrive on Max, which starts at $10.99/month, but you can bundle it with Disney Plus and Hulu for $19.99/month.
How to watch 'The Smashing Machine' in the U.K.
In the U.K., “The Smashing Machine” becomes available to purchase or rent on a POVD-only basis at 5 a.m. GMT on Tuesday, November 4. It costs $24.99 on Amazon.
How to watch 'The Smashing Machine' from anywhere in the world
“The Smashing Machine” is available to rent or buy in many regions around the world. However, if you’re abroad and can’t seem to find this movie online, you can still watch it thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
This software lets your devices appear as if they're in your home country, no matter where you are. Our top choice is NordVPN.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select United States from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Now you can stream “The Smashing Machine” wherever you are.
More from Tom's Guide
- 7 Emmy-nominated shows you need to stream right now
- 7 biggest moments from the 2025 Oscars
- I’ve seen all 96 Best Picture winners — here’s the 5 best and 5 worst
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
