Unleashed (2005)
Kernel Score: 76% · 2,131 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Crime
Released: 2005-02-02
Runtime: 103 minutes
Is Unleashed worth watching?
Worth watching. A brutal action film about a man raised as a pit fighter who learns kindness from a blind piano tuner. The fights are excellent, and the soft story in the middle is surprisingly touching if odd.
Watch it if you
- love hard-hitting martial arts action
- like action films with a soft side
- enjoy Jet Li fight scenes
Skip it if you
- want realistic drama
- dislike violent fight scenes
Best for: Action night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Unleashed
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Raised as a slave, Danny is used to fighting for his survival. In fact, his "master," Bart, thinks of him as a pet and goes as far as leashing him with a collar so they can make money in fight clubs, where Danny is the main contender. When Bart's crew is in a car accident, Danny escapes and meets a blind, kindhearted piano tuner who takes him in and uses music to free the fighter's long-buried heart.
Unleashed parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Unleashed (Danny the Dog) is an R-rated action film about a man raised as a slave and forced into brutal underground fight clubs.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Features intense underground fight-club violence and a man treated as a fighting slave by a criminal boss.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Unleashed
If you liked Unleashed, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Léon: The Professional (1994) — 91%: Killer with a child-like heart and a mentor figure.
- The Bourne Supremacy (2004) — 84%: Fast, grounded action by the same director.
- Police Story (1985) — 87%: Martial arts action with great stunt work.
- John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) — 86%: Stylish, brutal action with a lone fighter.
- Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006) — 81%: Fighting-focused action in a prison.
- Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) — 88%: Stylized martial arts revenge with big fights.
Director
Cast
- Jet Li as Danny
- Morgan Freeman as Sam
- Bob Hoskins as Bart
- Kerry Condon as Victoria
- Vincent Regan as Raffles
- Dylan Brown as Lefty
- Tamer Hassan as Georgie
- Phyllida Law as Distinguished Lady
- Michael Jenn as Wyeth
- Carole Ann Wilson as Maddy
Unleashed FAQ
Is Unleashed worth watching?
Worth watching. A brutal action film about a man raised as a pit fighter who learns kindness from a blind piano tuner. The fights are excellent, and the soft story in the middle is surprisingly touching if odd.
Where can I watch Unleashed?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Unleashed OK for kids?
Unleashed is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Unleashed (Danny the Dog) is an R-rated action film about a man raised as a slave and forced into brutal underground fight clubs.
What movies are like Unleashed?
If you liked Unleashed, try Léon: The Professional, The Bourne Supremacy, Police Story and John Wick: Chapter 4.