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They Fight

Play trailer 1:47 Poster for They Fight 2026 1h 33m Drama Sports Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
47% Tomatometer 19 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
A group of adolescent boxers and their formerly incarcerated coach work to defend their national titles.
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They Fight

Critics Reviews

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Brian Tallerico RogerEbert.com Jul 17
1.5/4
[It] drowns its best assets in manipulative filmmaking, resulting in an overcrowded and ineffective drama that doesn’t trust its viewers or its stars. Go to Full Review
Monica Castillo AV Club Jul 17
C-
It’s a more kid-friendly version of the story, one that’s been simplified and smoothed down, but the craft lacks the finesse of a winner, knocking itself out of the ring with awkward set-ups and underwhelming storytelling. Go to Full Review
William Bibbiani TheWrap Jul 16
This remake never makes a convincing case for its own existence. Why watch the self-conflicted, contrived version of the story when you can watch the actual people, living actual lives, with actual consequences? Go to Full Review
M.N. Miller InSession Film 2d
C-
Even though They Fight is an underwhelming experience that misses the mark time and again, star André Holland continues to demonstrate why he is one of the industry’s most versatile acting chameleons. Go to Full Review
John Stark Mac the Movie Guy 5d
75/100
It isn’t quite the knockout punch it wants to be, but stays the course from opening bell to final round,and when the judges hand in their scorecards, the decision goes to They Fight. Go to Full Review
Don Shanahan Film Obsessive Jul 21
3/5
True to winning formulas from sports movies and the sports settings themselves, having "veteran presences" like Holland and Pierce can make all the difference. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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B S @RT56513811 21h Andre Holland delivers a phenomenal performance as Walter. The supporting cast is just as strong with Samira Wiley, Anthony B. Jenkins, Wendell Pierce, and J. Alphonse Nicholson. Three things I appreciated most: First, the reminder that perseverance matters, especially when it comes to showing up for the people you love. Second, the intentional nurturing of young boys in a way that's both mentally and physically constructive. The film highlights how learning discipline, self-control, and confidence through boxing can become an outlet instead of violence. I also appreciated how it showed that rage and pain don't have to become destruction. They can become discipline. Lastly, the film beautifully reinforces that second and even third chances are always worth extending. The film reminds us that if we permanently reduce people to the worst thing they've ever done, we'll never get to witness who they're capable of becoming. 12/10 HIGHLY RECOMMED and WILL WATCH AGAIN! See more Saira E @RT08664963 3d They Fight is one of those films that stays with you long after the credits roll. It tells a powerful coming-of-age story with honesty, heart, and purpose. Every performance feels authentic, reminding us that behind every young person is a battle most people never see. What moved me most is that this isn’t a story about brokenness, it’s a story about hope. Hope that healing is possible. Hope that one mentor, one teacher, one coach, one neighbor can change the trajectory of a life. It reminds us that our past doesn’t have to determine our future. Director Sheldon Candis delivers something truly remarkable. His storytelling is deeply human, intentional, and compassionate. He doesn’t just make a film, he creates an experience that calls us to see, believe in, and invest in our young people. They Fight isn’t just a great film, it’s an important one. It leaves you believing that even in life’s hardest fights, hope can still win. See more L W @LWilson 4d This is such an important story told with heart, realism and quality actors - including the young new stars. An underdog story that’s not over-done making it easy for the audience to connect. Directing and cinematography are stand outs. See more Jim H @JimmyJolt 4d While the plot hits some familiar genre beats, the film handles its themes of healing, community, and second chances with beautiful sincerity. It is a genuinely inspiring, authentic, and triumphant look at what it means to be a champion in life. Highly recommended for families and sports drama fans alike. See more Richard D @Avantguard 5d I've been in that inner city environment, and I find this movie captures its essence with the dialogue and especially the actors. Anthony B. Jenkins and all the other kids were very compelling. The true grit of the place was softened a bit as appropriate since it can be shown to a younger audience. See more Walter S @BigWalt27 6d Wow I loved this movie. Great characters and fight scenes. Plus the main character has a great name! I wish it were longer though. Felt rushed. But, I still recommend people watch it! See more Read all reviews
They Fight

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Movie Info

Synopsis A group of adolescent boxers and their formerly incarcerated coach work to defend their national titles.
Director
Sheldon Candis
Screenwriter
Sheldon Candis, Andrew Renzi, Michael Minahan
Distributor
Hulu
Production Co
Argent Pictures, Andscape
Genre
Drama, Sports
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 17, 2026
Runtime
1h 33m