The Fighter (2010)

Kernel Score: 84% · 4,648 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Drama

Released: 2010-12-10

Runtime: 116 minutes

Is The Fighter worth watching?

Worth watching. A tough, funny and moving boxing drama about two brothers and a loud family. The acting, especially in the supporting cast, is the draw.

Watch it if you

  • like true-story sports dramas
  • enjoy messy family stories
  • want strong supporting performances

Skip it if you

  • want a glossy, slick sports film
  • dislike loud, chaotic families

Best for: Solo night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Fighter

  • Stream: Paramount+
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, Hoopla, Pluto TV
  • Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's unlikely road to the world light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother Dicky, a boxer-turned-trainer who rebounded in life after nearly being KO'd by drugs and crime.

The Fighter parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that The Fighter is an R-rated biographical drama depicting drug addiction, family conflict, and boxing violence.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes boxing matches and family conflict scenes consistent with its R rating.
  • Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Portrays a main character's crack addiction and its destructive impact on his family, central to the plot.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Fighter

If you liked The Fighter, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Raging Bull (1980) — 89%: The darker, more brutal boxing classic
  • Southpaw (2015) — 83%: Gritty boxing drama about redemption and family
  • Million Dollar Baby (2004) — 90%: Painful, poignant boxing story
  • Creed (2015) — 84%: Modern boxing story with real heart
  • Silver Linings Playbook (2012) — 80%: Same director, another warm story about a messy family
  • Cinderella Man (2005) — 84%: Depression-era boxing story

Director

David O. Russell

Cast

  • Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward
  • Christian Bale as Dicky Eklund
  • Amy Adams as Charlene Fleming
  • Melissa Leo as Alice Ward
  • Mickey O'Keefe as Mickey O'Keefe
  • Jack McGee as George Ward
  • Melissa McMeekin as "Little Alice" Eklund
  • Bianca Hunter as Cathy "Pork" Eklund
  • Erica McDermott as Cindy "Tar" Eklund
  • Jill Quigg as Donna Eklund Jaynes

The Fighter FAQ

Is The Fighter worth watching?

Worth watching. A tough, funny and moving boxing drama about two brothers and a loud family. The acting, especially in the supporting cast, is the draw.

Where can I watch The Fighter?

In the US you can stream The Fighter on Paramount+, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Hoopla and Pluto TV and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.

Is The Fighter OK for kids?

The Fighter is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Fighter is an R-rated biographical drama depicting drug addiction, family conflict, and boxing violence.

What movies are like The Fighter?

If you liked The Fighter, try Raging Bull, Southpaw, Million Dollar Baby and Creed.