Channing Tatum sports drama streaming has drawn attention as his 2009 film, Fighting, is currently among the most-watched movies on Paramount+ in the U.S. This resurgence comes alongside the dominant performance of his recent release Roofman, which has spent nearly a month in the service’s top ten and is being celebrated as a major highlight in Tatum’s filmography.
Channing Tatum’s Leading Roles Drive Paramount+ Popularity
Channing Tatum, originally from Alabama, is enjoying renewed interest on streaming platforms. While Roofman continues to receive applause for what Tania Hussain described as a “career-best performance” in Collider, it isn’t the only Tatum-led film gaining traction. His lesser-remembered 2009 sports drama, Fighting, has made its way into the platform’s top ten, despite a much less enthusiastic reception upon release.
Directed by Dito Montiel and co-written with Robert Munic, Fighting features Tatum portraying Shawn MacArthur—a struggling street vendor in New York who finds himself drawn into the underground world of street fighting. The film’s cast includes not only Tatum but also Terrence Howard, known for his role in Iron Man, along with Brian White, Luis Guzmán, and others. Even though the movie did not impress critics or audiences at the time, it has found a new audience through streaming.
Critical and Audience Response at Release
When Fighting debuted in 2009, it quickly faded from the spotlight after disappointing reviews and poor ticket sales. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave it a rating of just 40%, while viewers offered an even lower score of 36%. The response on the site focused on both Tatum’s performance and the film’s shortcomings:
“Though Fighting has a likable lead performer, and the fight scenes are impressive, the paper-thin plot ultimately unravels.”
– Critics, Rotten Tomatoes
For those unfamiliar with the story, the synopsis provides a window into its premise:
“Shawn MacArthur (Channing Tatum) barely makes a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets of New York. But he has a natural talent for street fighting, which con-man Harvey Boarden (Terrence Howard) wants to put to good use. Forming an uneasy alliance with Boarden, Shawn becomes top dog in the bare-knuckle-brawl circuit, taking down pro boxers, martial artists and ultimate fighters one by one. Shawn wants out of this dark world, but he faces the fight of his life to get there.”
– Official Synopsis
Box Office Struggles and Competitive Release Year
The film’s commercial journey was fraught with difficulties. Fighting struggled against robust box office competition in 2009, preventing it from returning much profit on its $25 million production cost. Globally, the movie earned $32.8 million—$23.1 million domestically and $9.7 million from international markets. This total was not enough to place it among the top 125 highest-grossing films of the year, even though it opened in third place during its debut week in late April.
Main Cast and Characters of ‘Fighting’
The film’s core cast fueled its story with gritty performances. Channing Tatum starred as Shawn MacArthur, breathing life into the street-smart lead. Terrence Howard took on the role of Harvey Boarden, the savvy con-man who spots Shawn’s fighting potential. Zulay Henao appeared as Zulay Valez, playing a significant role in Shawn’s journey. The ensemble also included Roger Guenveur Smith as Jack Dancing, alongside Brian White and Luis Guzmán, all portraying key figures in the underground fighting circuit.
What the Revival Means for Channing Tatum’s Career
While Fighting was largely overlooked during its original theatrical run, the movie’s resurgence on Paramount+ is reflective of broader trends in streaming, where forgotten or underrated projects often find new audiences years later. This renewed attention not only highlights Channing Tatum’s versatile career but also brings supporting actors like Terrence Howard and Zulay Henao back into the spotlight. As interest in Tatum-led films climbs, fans and newcomers alike are revisiting his diverse body of work, contributing to the ongoing conversation about legacy, performance, and the unpredictable nature of box office and streaming success.
