--- title: "Warrior" year: 2011 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/warrior" fi1m_id: "warrior" imdb_id: "tt1291584" tmdb_id: 59440 wikidata_id: "Q1415964" fi1m_score: 80 critics_score: 73 critics_reviews: 19 published: "2026-09-15" updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:09.696984+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Warrior (2011) Directed by Gavin O'Connor · 2h 20m · MPA PG-13 · Drama, Action ## Identity Warrior - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/warrior - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** warrior - **IMDb ID:** tt1291584 - **TMDB ID:** 59440 - **Wikidata ID:** Q1415964 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1291584/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/59440, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1415964 **Fi1m score: 80** · Critics 73 from 19 reviews *In a sentence:* A family argument probably benefits from having referees > Gavin O’Connor’s *Warrior* earns its tears through Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte, even when the writing takes familiar shortcuts. The fighting is forceful, but the performances make this family drama worth the bruising. ## Synopsis Brendan Conlon (Joel Edgerton) and Tommy Conlon (Tom Hardy) are estranged brothers entering a mixed martial arts tournament. Behind the prospect of victory sit money troubles and a family conflict involving their father, Paddy (Nick Nolte). As the brothers prepare to compete, the story follows both men, giving each reasons to fight and grievances that extend beyond the contest. Neither comes to the competition free of the family’s past. Gavin O’Connor directs this drama of competition and damaged family relationships, with Jennifer Morrison as Tess Conlon and Frank Grillo as Frank Campana. ## Review For all its familiar plotting, *Warrior* is a moving and forceful family drama. Gavin O’Connor puts estranged brothers Brendan and Tommy Conlon into a mixed martial arts tournament and gives us reasons to care about both. The expected sports-film business is present: hardship, determination and the promise that a contest might settle something beyond the result. O’Connor spends enough time with the men beforehand to make the violence matter, and most of the 140 minutes earn their place. Joel Edgerton’s Brendan provides the steadier performance, and the film needs his restraint beside Tom Hardy’s Tommy. Hardy gives anger a physical weight; even away from combat, he seems prepared for someone to come at him. Edgerton gives Brendan enough stubbornness to prevent that restraint from looking like simple virtue. The balance matters because O’Connor does not let either actor become a supporting player in the other’s story. Nick Nolte, as their father Paddy, makes the family history feel present without needing to explain every injury it has caused. Nolte lets Paddy’s weakness remain uncomfortable, even when the script is plainly seeking our sympathy. We were moved by his exposed need for sympathy beside Hardy’s anger. The acting makes it possible to feel for Paddy without deciding that his children ought to make things easier for him. Masanobu Takayanagi’s naturalistic cinematography is important here: the fighters look vulnerable enough for the blows to register as damage. The images give the action a harsh physical immediacy without making the family scenes seem to belong to another film. Dan Leigh’s production design keeps the surrounding blue-collar world ordinary and credible, so the pressure to compete has somewhere recognisable to come from. These choices give O’Connor useful support when the screenplay starts asking us to accept convenient developments. The editing, credited to Aaron Marshall, Matt Chessé, John Gilroy and Sean Albertson, gives the fights an urgency that the familiar tournament structure cannot supply by itself. The cutting keeps the combat readable, allowing the impacts to register even when the pace accelerates. Mark Isham’s music is less restrained about the emotions, pressing them when the performances have already made them clear. That insistence is not fatal, but there are passages where less encouragement would have helped. The weakness is the screenplay by O’Connor, Cliff Dorfman and Anthony Tambakis, which piles familiar sports-drama devices onto an already troubled family. Coincidence does too much of the organising, and the heightened emotion sometimes asks the actors to lend credibility to situations the writing has not earned. The performances carry those passages, but the effort is occasionally visible. At 140 minutes, there is also room for some of the domestic exchanges to be shorter. As a sports drama, *Warrior* follows a recognisable route and makes little effort to conceal it. Its distinction is how long it sustains our concern for two people whose interests cannot comfortably fit the same competition. The physical force of the fights would be tiring without that divided sympathy, and O’Connor is right to spend time establishing it. See it for Edgerton, Hardy and Nolte, and allow the script a few conveniences. *Fi1m score 80, published 15 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics respond warmly to Warrior, finding its family drama persuasive despite a familiar sports-film plot. Praise centres on Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton as the estranged brothers, with Nick Nolte also frequently singled out for giving the emotional scenes weight. The fights draw near-consistent approval for their choreography and physical force; favourable reviews see the violence as an expression of the characters’ troubles, making it possible to care about both brothers. The divide is over how much contrivance and sentiment those performances can carry, with responses ranging from enthusiastic approval to firm rejection. Even admirers acknowledge predictability, while more reserved reviews find the family story increasingly crowded out by tournament action. Total Film argues that the relentless fights overshadow the relationships; the Los Angeles Times finds the drama excessively manipulative despite the cast and Gavin O’Connor’s skill with emotional material. ## Straight answers **Is Warrior worth watching?** *Warrior* is worth watching for anyone who can take a familiar sports-drama route in exchange for three strong performances, and we scored it 80. Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte make the family quarrel matter more than the tournament does. The screenplay leans on coincidence and the 140 minutes could lose a few domestic scenes, but the acting carries it. **How long is Warrior, and what is it rated?** *Warrior* runs 2h 20m and is rated PG-13 by the MPA in the US. It is a drama and action film. **Where can I watch Warrior in the US?** *Warrior* is streaming on The Roku Channel and Amazon Prime Video in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from $3.99. It leaves The Roku Channel on 1 October. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is Warrior, and is it suitable for children?** *Warrior* is a 12A, so it is not for young children but suits most teenagers. The mixed martial arts fights are forceful and shot so the blows register as real damage, and the family scenes carry sustained anger and an alcoholic father's discomfort rather than anything frightening. Squeamish viewers will find the combat hard going, though it stays within the certificate. **How does Warrior compare to The Wrestler?** *Warrior* is the more conventional of the two, a tournament drama with two brothers to root for, where [*The Wrestler*](https://film.one/film/the-wrestler) follows one ageing man and is the more intimate and tender film. Both press their second-chance stories harder than they need to. Choose *Warrior* for the fights and the three-way family performance, *The Wrestler* for Mickey Rourke and the quieter hurt. ### Reviews we read (26) - **The AV Club**, Alison Willmore (A-): It is a man-weepie of the highest Hollywood order and a would-be Rocky for an empire in decline that proves irresistible. The naturalistic camerawork and brutal MMA setting belie its focus on bruised American masculinity and economic desperation. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/warrior-1798169522) - **RogerEbert.com**, Roger Ebert (3.5/4): The critic praises the film as a rare fight movie where audiences root for both brothers in the ring, combining a rags-to-riches structure with deep family drama. Strong performances, especially from the leads and Nick Nolte, elevate the action and emotional stakes. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/warrior-2011) - **Vulture** (85/100, inferred): The critic calls the picture a slam dunk despite its corny plot, praising its gripping quality and rich classical Hibernian gloom. The brutality extends the brothers’ inner turmoil, making the violence truly cathartic. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2011/09/movie_review_warrior.html) - **Empire**, Dan Jolin (80/100, inferred): The film balances brutal MMA action with family drama between estranged brothers, delivering thrilling matches and an uplifting climax. It is predictable but powerful and moving. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/warrior-2-review/) - **Radio Times**, Alexia Skinitis (4/5): This rousing mix of sports and family drama makes an impact with its thrilling pace and emotional finale. The intense performances by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton are singled out as making the film powerful. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-hnvgct/warrior/) - **Slant Magazine**, Nick Schager (80/100, inferred): O’Connor lays claim to being the finest sports-drama director with a deft knack for melding interpersonal drama with athletic competition. The first half considers its protagonists with empathy, and the MMA clashes deliver visceral wallops that leave viewers wanting more. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/warrior/) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Kirk Honeycutt (80/100, inferred): The critic finds it a sturdy, visceral entertainment that disguises an emotionally raw family drama as a brutal fight film. Superior to The Fighter, it rivets viewers with its male characters heading toward a tournament. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/warrior-film-review-220959/) - **Evening Standard** (75/100, inferred): Warrior transcends typical sports-film flaws through strong performances and well-orchestrated fights. It carries viewers along despite some drawn-out scenes and length. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/warrior-review-7426780.html) - **Time Out**, Anna Smith (65/100, inferred): The film benefits from strong performances and well-choreographed fights but leans on clichés and coincidence in the plot. The cast, particularly the brothers and their father, is highlighted as a major strength. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/warrior) - **Little White Lies**, Adam Woodward (3/3/3): The critic finds it a rousing but sickly sentimental tale of sibling bonds. The barnstorming fight scenes are singled out for praise. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/warrior) - **Total Film** (60/100, inferred): Hardy and Edgerton deliver complex performances in a story of brothers in an MMA tournament. Relentless fights overshadow the family dynamics and leave the conclusion unsatisfying. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/warrior-1-review/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (40/100, inferred): The critic finds the film overly melodramatic and piled with contrivances in its testosterone-fueled family drama within the MMA world, though it acknowledges director Gavin O’Connor’s skill with emotional material. Strong performances help but the story feels excessively manipulative. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-warrior-20110909-story.html) - **The Independent** (30/100, inferred): The film targets adolescent boys with its cage-fighting focus and features estranged brothers in a tournament. The 140-minute runtime feels excessive and sadistic. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/warrior-12a-2359698.html) - **Screen Daily** (**): Compelling performances are undercut by an increasingly conventional family drama and ordinary sports-movie tropes. The strong early character work and authentic blue-collar milieu are noted before the film shifts to predictable action. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/warrior/5030662.article) - **The Guardian**, Philip French: A topical martial arts tale recalling Rocky and On the Waterfront leaves the critic feeling bruised. It is a crude, populist epic that makes the audience feel they are taking a beating in the cage with the fighters. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/sep/25/warrior-review-tom-hardy) - **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (Critic's Pick): The review highlights the film's blend of brutal MMA action with a tender story of brotherly love and family reconciliation. It commends the physical and emotional performances of Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton as the estranged siblings. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/09/movies/warrior-directed-by-gavin-oconnor-review.html) - **The Telegraph**: Warrior looks like the Tom Hardy show but features equally weighted parts for the estranged brothers. Edgerton emerges as the movie’s true centre in a restrained performance, though the film is emotionally blatant. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8782632/Warrior-review.html) - **The Times**: Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton put in strong performances but this story of brotherly combat isn’t quite a knockout. The three central performances are big and bold, but the film relies on clichés and the tournament feels tawdry. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/article/warrior-9xm2tp8h753) - **Variety**, Joe Leydon: The review calls it an improbably effective mix of raw emotions and exciting fights, praising the realistic character backstories and powerful lead performances from Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte. It notes the satisfying emotional payoff in the climactic match. [Read](https://variety.com/2011/film/reviews/warrior-1117945782/) - **HeyUGuys**, Emma Thrower (5/5): The critic calls it an exceptionally truthful and powerful film that knocks The Fighter out of the park. Tom Hardy's magnetic, authentic performance and the intense, well-crafted fight scenes stand out as the elements that make viewers deeply invest in both brothers. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/warrior-review/) - **Collider**, Bill Graham (A-): The critic praises the strong performances and well-choreographed fights as highlights of this MMA drama, which overcomes its clichés with raw emotion and a story of redemption and forgiveness. [Read](https://collider.com/warrior-review/) - **Den of Geek**, Ryan Lambie (4/5): The critic calls Warrior a great piece of entertainment whose electrifying fights stand out despite some dramatic faltering later on. The standout praise goes to the razor-sharp editing, camera work, and sound design that convey the violence and danger in the ring. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/warrior-review/) - **Digital Spy**, Ben Rawson-Jones (4/5): The review finds the film contrived and predictable yet one of the more engrossing cinematic experiences of the year thanks to its raw emotion and thrilling climax. It singles out the potent, emotive lead performances by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, along with Nick Nolte's powerful supporting turn, for particular praise. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a340636/warrior-review/) - **The Playlist**, The Playlist Staff (B): The review describes the film as silly, over-familiar and ludicrous in its sports-movie tropes but enormously effective thanks to grounded characters, strong lead performances and visceral fights. It works like gangbusters despite the clichés and contrived plot. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/empire-big-screen-11-review-warrior-is-silly-over-familiar-enormously-effective-20110812/) - **Eye for Film**, Owen Van Spall (60/100, inferred): The critic notes the film is derivative of other fight dramas like The Fighter with a predictable plot but praises the capable cast and visceral, well-shot combat sequences that keep it engaging. The resolution feels unearned due to contrived elements and limited brotherly interaction. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/warrior-film-review-by-owen-van-spall) - **The Wrap**, Steve Pond: The film packs a punch but doesn't quite go the distance. The critic praises the stirring and taut fight sequences and the cast's classic-Hollywood intensity while noting that the resolution falls flat. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/warrior-packs-punch-doesnt-quite-go-distance-30766/) ## Details - **Director:** Gavin O'Connor - **Director:** Gavin O'Connor - **Screenplay:** Gavin O'Connor, Anthony Tambakis, Cliff Dorfman - **Story:** Gavin O'Connor, Cliff Dorfman - **Cinematography:** Masanobu Takayanagi - **Editor:** Matt Chessé, Aaron Marshall, John Gilroy, Sean Albertson - **Music:** Mark Isham - **Production design:** Dan Leigh - **Costume design:** Abigail Murray - **Producer:** Greg O'Connor, Gavin O'Connor - **Cast:** Joel Edgerton as Brendan Conlon; Tom Hardy as Tommy Conlon; Nick Nolte as Paddy Conlon; Jennifer Morrison as Tess Conlon; Frank Grillo as Frank Campana; Kevin Dunn as Principal Zito; Maximiliano Hernández as Colt Boyd; Bryan Callen as Bryan Callen - **Runtime:** 2h 20m - **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13 - **Release (the US):** 9 September 2011 - **Genres:** Drama, Action - **Budget:** $25 million - **Box office:** $23 million ## Where to watch in the US - The Roku Channel: add-on, hd, leaving 2026-10-01 - Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $3.99, uhd *Checked 2026-09-15.* Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CL, CO, ES, FR, GB, IN, IT, JP, MX, NL, NZ, SE, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2012: Best Supporting Actor (nominated) ## If you liked this - *The Set-Up* (1949): A shorter, harsher fight drama about the price of staying upright - *Rocco and His Brothers* (1960): Boxing and family loyalties become painfully entangled, with more room for the brothers - *Girlfight* (2000): For another fighter whose anger makes more sense once home comes into view - *The Wrestler* (2008), Fi1m 85: Another battered athlete whose hardest conversations happen away from the crowd — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-wrestler.md) - *Tokyo Sonata* (2008): A family under financial pressure, where shame makes ordinary conversations difficult --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/warrior