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A Surprising Comeback for Channing Tatum’s “Fighting” on Paramount+
Channing Tatum has long been known for his versatility as an actor, and his latest film, Roofman, has proven to be a standout in his career. Having spent 27 days in the top ten, this true crime action comedy, which released in 2025, is currently topping the Paramount+ streaming charts in the U.S. Critics have praised it as a “career-best performance” from Tatum, with reviews highlighting its unique blend of humor, suspense, and action. While Roofman may not be in the running for major awards this year, its widespread praise shows that Tatum continues to deliver compelling performances.
However, Roofman isn’t the only Tatum-led movie gaining attention on Paramount+. Another film from his early career, Fighting, is also making a comeback. At the time of writing, this 2009 sports drama is one of the ten most-streamed movies on Paramount+ in the U.S. Despite being largely forgotten since its initial release, Fighting is now finding new life with audiences who are rediscovering its strengths.
The Story Behind Fighting
Directed by Dito Montiel and co-written by Montiel and Robert Munic, Fighting stars Tatum as Shawn MacArthur, a street hustler with a natural talent for fighting. The film also features Terrence Howard, Brian White, and Luis Guzmán in supporting roles. While Tatum’s performance was praised, the film itself received mixed reviews upon its release.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Fighting earned a 40% critics’ score and a 36% audience score. The site’s consensus read: “Though Fighting has a likable lead performer, and the fight scenes are impressive, the paper-thin plot ultimately unravels.” The film’s storyline follows Shawn, who makes a living selling counterfeit goods in New York but finds himself drawn into the world of bare-knuckle brawls. With the help of con-man Harvey Boarden (played by Terrence Howard), he rises through the ranks of the underground fighting circuit, only to face a final challenge that could change his life forever.
A Box Office Disappointment
Despite its potential, Fighting was a commercial failure when it first came out. It faced stiff competition in the 2009 box office, and its $25 million production budget didn’t translate into significant returns. The film grossed $32.8 million worldwide, with $23.1 million coming from the U.S. and $9.7 million from international markets. This was far below what was needed to break even, and it didn’t even make the list of the 125 highest-grossing films of 2009.
The film’s poor reception and financial performance led to it being largely overlooked for many years. However, with the rise of streaming platforms like Paramount+, Fighting is now getting a second chance to find an audience.
Why Is Fighting Gaining Popularity Again?
There are several reasons why Fighting might be experiencing a resurgence in popularity. One possibility is that Tatum’s recent success with Roofman has sparked renewed interest in his earlier work. Fans who enjoyed his performance in Roofman may be curious to see how he performed in earlier roles.
Another factor could be the growing trend of rewatching older films on streaming services. As more people turn to platforms like Paramount+ for entertainment, they often explore titles that were previously overlooked. Fighting may be benefiting from this shift in viewing habits.
Additionally, the film’s fight scenes and Tatum’s physical performance could be drawing in viewers looking for action-packed content. While the plot may not be the strongest, the film’s intensity and Tatum’s dedication to his role may be enough to keep audiences engaged.
Final Thoughts
Although Fighting may not have been a hit when it first came out, it’s clear that it still has a place in Channing Tatum’s filmography. Its current popularity on Paramount+ suggests that there is still an audience for this type of story, and it may serve as a reminder of Tatum’s early work before he became a household name.
As streaming continues to shape the way people consume media, films like Fighting may find new life and appreciation. For now, fans can enjoy watching Tatum’s performance in Fighting while also keeping an eye on his future projects.