Dwayne Johnson’s biggest career gamble, The Smashing Machine, is finally in theaters after its renowned premiere in Venice, where Dwayne Johnson cried and received a standing ovation. Like other A24 films, it will first be available on PVOD before being released on streaming between March and April 2026.
Directed by Denny Safdie, The Smashing Machine is a biopic that dives into Mark Kerr’s career highs and struggles with substance abuse. Many people have already dubbed it the best performance of Johnson’s career, and there has been considerable Oscar buzz for his latest work.
So let’s see if you need to rush to theaters now, or hold out for streaming later!
Why You Need to Watch The Smashing Machine in Theaters Before Streaming
The Smashing Machine will most likely not appear on streaming until 2026. It’s currently playing in theaters and will remain there for a month until it moves to rental platforms. Most releases are expected to be available on PVOD, on platforms like Apple, Amazon, and YouTube, after their big-screen release.
This puts its digital release window somewhere in November 2025. A24 films usually take four to five months before they land on a subscription streaming service. Earlier this year, Warfare followed the same pattern and was available to stream in September after its mid-April silver screen debut.
That timeline means you’ll be cutting close to the award season, because the next Academy Awards will take place in mid-March 2026. So, if Dwayne Johnson ends up being a major contender, viewers will regret not having watched this movie in theaters, ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night.
Where Will The Smashing Machine Stream After Its Theatrical Run?
A24 movies typically take four to five months before arriving on HBO Max. So, as stated earlier, The Smashing Machine should arrive on the platform in March or April 2026. If Dwayne Johnson secures an Oscar nomination, the film’s streaming debut could see a massive spike in viewership.
Here’s an overview of the movie:
But for those who hope to catch it before the awards night, theater or early PVOD is your best bet. So here’s the breakdown again: in theaters now, rentals and purchase in November 2025, and HBO Max by spring 2026.
The Smashing Machine is already shaping up to be one of the year’s most talked-about movies. So no matter where you watch it, just don’t miss out on the viewing experience. But would you wait for its HBO Max release, or catch it on the big screen?
The Smashing Machine is currently playing in theaters (USA).
