The Dwayne Johnson biopic streaming success emerged after a disappointing theatrical run. The Smashing Machine, released in October 2025, failed to earn substantial box office revenue but has since become HBO Max’s most-watched film as of January 27, 2026. This shift highlights a growing audience interest in the film’s portrayal of Mark Kerr, a former amateur wrestler and MMA fighter, as viewers turn to streaming platforms for access.
Streaming Viewership Outshines Box Office Numbers and Award Nominations
According to FlixPatrol, The Smashing Machine currently leads HBO Max’s streaming charts, surpassing popular titles such as Sinners, which received a record 16 Oscar nominations, and several installments of the John Wick franchise. Despite the film’s critical recognition, it was largely overlooked at the Oscars, earning a single nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. It found more acknowledgment at the Golden Globes, securing nominations for Best Actor – Drama for Dwayne Johnson and Best Supporting Actress for Emily Blunt.
The film’s box office performance was underwhelming, grossing roughly $21 million worldwide against a production budget of $50 million. Johnson addressed the shortfall on Instagram, thanking viewers who saw the film in theaters while acknowledging the unpredictability of box office outcomes.
Critical Reception Reflects Mixed Yet Generally Favorable Opinions
The Smashing Machine holds a 70% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, along with a 74% audience score. Metacritic scores reveal a metascore of 65, indicating generally favorable reviews, though the user score of 5.4 suggests mixed reactions among viewers. The story centers on Mark Kerr’s professional rise and personal struggles, focusing on his MMA career and his relationship with Dawn Staples, portrayed by Emily Blunt.
Behind the Scenes: Filmmaking Credits and Creative Team
Benny Safdie took on the roles of writer, director, and editor for The Smashing Machine, also contributing as a producer. The production team included Dwayne Johnson, Eli Bush, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, and David Koplan. Their combined efforts crafted a narrative exploring both the victories and challenges within the UFC arena and intimate personal conflicts.
Implications of Streaming Success for Future Releases
The film’s streaming triumph, despite box office disappointment, underscores an evolving landscape where digital platforms can rescue and expand a movie’s reach. For Dwayne Johnson’s biopic, this pattern suggests that future projects may benefit from staggered releases or an emphasis on streaming strategies to connect with broader audiences. Continued interest in MMA stories and sports dramas on streaming services could prompt similar films to seek this dual-release approach going forward.
