In 2010, David O. Russell released his boxing film, The Fighter, to much fanfare. So much that it overshadowed what was arguably a better film a year later.
Warrior, Gavin O’Connor’s MMA underdog tale, hit theaters in September 2011, and despite incredible star power on the marquee, with Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte all starring, movie fans stayed home thinking they’d been there, seen that.
Fast-forward to its DVD and Blu-ray release in early 2012, then it’s streaming debut in 2013, and the little film that could finally found its audience. As critical acclaim was shared and more and more fans discovered the hidden gem, the film developed a cult following who learned Warrior wasn’t just a copycat Fighter film, but instead its very own deeply emotional and highly resonant family drama.
Now, it’s finally streaming for free. If you haven’t checked out Warrior, we are very jealous of the your next two hours of discovery. Starring Hardy as Tommy Conlon and Edgerton as his brother, Brendan, the film unfolds in two parts, really: the first, a reunion of a fractured family; the second, a fast-paced, winner-takes-all MMA tournament that puts Rocky to shame. Yes, we said it.
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From the burden of military tragedy and financial struggles, to generational trauma and the devastating climax soundtracked to the tune of a monumental 2004 ballad by The National, every feel on the emotional spectrum is tapped. This is not some mindless bro flick. It’s an impactful watch that makes grown men cry. Seriously, we’ve seen it happen.
Fun fact about the film: Authenticity was priority number one for the director and his cast, who did all their own fighting. According to Den of Geek, Edgerton not only gave his all but he surrendered a ligament, too.
“My shining moment was getting my MCL ligament torn on a grade three tear,” Edgerton said. “I had six weeks of rehab for that. Apart from that, the odd elbow or punch in the face. Everyone was getting knocked around. You couldn’t really be an actor in this process without getting knocked around.”
Hardy, whose level of commitment to a role is the same whether he’s acting oppposite Reese Witherspoon in a rom-com (This Means War) or Cillian Murphy in a ruthless gangster saga (Peaky Blinders), followed Edgerton’s comment with, “There wasn’t any room to act, was there? It was so annoying. [Laughs] I want to act, but he keeps hitting me! Not my face! As Gavin said, ‘It’s a f—in’ MMA movie! It’s not a f—in’ kite flying movie, now man up!’ But it hurts!”
Warrior — now the undisputed champion of best fight movies of all time — got a pinch of what it was due in 2012, when Nolte, who plays the brothers’ alcoholic father, was nominated for an Oscar for his supporting role. If you ask us, Hardy was robbed — the English actor is a different kind of animal in the octagon.
With all the hoopla going on this weekend, do yourself a favor and carve out some time to spend with this prized film. Do it sooner rather than later, because what the free-streaming gods giveth, the also taketh away when you least expect it. You will not regret it.
Warrior is streaming for free on Pluto TV.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jun 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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