Skip to content
MovieCove
Death Race

Death Race

Get ready for a killer ride.

2008105 minRMidcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films
Director
Paul W.S. Anderson
Starring
Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson

Terminal Island, New York: 2020. Overcrowding in the US penal system has reached a breaking point. Prisons have been turned over to a monolithic Weyland Corporation, which sees jails full of thugs as an opportunity for televised sport. Adrenalized inmates, a global audience hungry for violence and a spectacular, enclosed arena come together to form the 'Death Race', the biggest, most brutal event.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Death Race?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Death Race streaming on STARZ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Death Race?

Death Race earns 7 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Death Race worth watching?

Death Race's Midcredits score is the 53rd percentile of all films, from 328K ratings across 6 sources. 52% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

53rd percentile

Better received than 53% of films

69th percentile among Action50th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)49th
Approval (how many liked it)55th

61 /100

49th percentile of all films

66th percentile among Action49th percentile among 2000s

Critics 43 · Audience 63

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

52% liked it

55th percentile of all films

68th percentile among Action52nd percentile among 2000s
52% rated it 7–1048% rated it 1–6

Critics 41% · Audience 60%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 5 noms overall

98th percentile

328K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Action96th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 18% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$45M
Opening weekend$13M
Domestic gross$36M
Worldwide gross$76M

Returned 1.7× its budget — 82nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A brainless, hyper-violent video game-style action movie that prioritizes car chases and explosions over plot, character, or subtlety.

Fans praised

  • Relentless explosive action and thrilling race sequences
  • Jason Statham's natural toughness and charisma as lead
  • Pure adrenaline-fueled entertainment without pretension

Detractors panned

  • Paper-thin plot filled with clichés and logic gaps
  • Uninspired, derivative script with terrible dialogue
  • Muddled editing and incoherent action photography

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive70

Solid practical stunts, explosive set pieces

PacingDivisive65

Fast-paced, non-stop mayhem but repetitive

TensionDivisive55

Race stakes keep pulse up, but predictability undercuts

ActingDivisive50

Statham's one-note tough guy; Joan Allen miscast or sleepwalking

Plot and story20

Thin, predictable revenge setup full of holes

Characters20

Bland stereotypes never developed beyond one dimension

Originality15

Recycled from Twisted Metal, Mario Kart, and earlier films

Dialogue15

Cheesy one-liners and worst dialogue in years

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 12 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 8 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Death Race like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrilling
Heaviest: throughout
Dry humor
Register
Brutal · 7% of filmsAdventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its violent, dystopian premise completely straight, treating the absurdly over-the-top car combat with full earnestness.
The rideThe film sustains high tension and action set pieces from start to finish, with little variation in pressure.
StructureThe story follows a straightforward chronological structure: setup in the outside world, imprisonment, three-day race, and escape.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you exhilarated by the explosive action and satisfied by the hero's hard-won freedom.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeJensen is forced to impersonate a dead champion and race for his freedom, but the real monster is the corrupt prison warden who framed him. His journey also involves reclaiming his life for his daughter, giving it a rebirth arc.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% (this title) · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalOppression · 4% of filmsViolence · 4% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a man forced to kill or be killed, with the prison system as an oppressive power that exploits inmates for entertainment.
StanceThe film focuses on one man's fight to survive but does not take a clear moral position on the violence; it presents the brutal world as a given.

The world

Near futureInstitutionalIn transitScience fiction
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score · Paul Haslinger
Settinga dystopian prison where inmates race to the death
MusicA driving industrial-electronic score that matches the film's relentless pace.

Content guide

Is Death Race okay for kids?

R

Death Race is rated R: “Rated R for strong violence and language” (MPAA). As of September 28, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (90/100), sexual content at mild (34/100), language at severe (83/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (40/100) and frightening material at intense (68/100). Overall it is heavier than 75% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany18
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • JapanR18+
  • Brazil16
  • Denmark15
  • Greece15
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands16
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 85% of all filmsHeavier than 75% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 85%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 30%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 79%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 50%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 62%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence, language, and frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Death Race have?

MovieCove's classifier found 3 depicted content warnings in Death Race: Gore or body horror (severe), Gun violence (severe), Sexual harassment or grooming (mild). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGore or body horrorGun violence
MildSexual harassment or grooming

Cast and crew

Who is in Death Race?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Jason Statham
as Jensen Ames
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Joan Allen
as Hennessey
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ian McShane
as Coach
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tyrese Gibson
as Machine Gun Joe
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Natalie Martinez
as Case
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Max Ryan
as Pachenko
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jason Clarke
as Ulrich
newcomer then · star now
Frederick Koehler
as Lists
Jacob Vargas
as Gunner
Justin Mader
as Travis Colt
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Death Race?

Movies like Death Race include Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), Death Race 2000 (1975) and Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Paul W.S. Anderson, and half are films set in the near future.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Death Race?

635 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: dystopian. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.