The one battle after another Rotten Tomatoes score has become one of the biggest discussion points in the film world this month. As of December 20, 2025, the movie holds a 64% critic score and a strong 87% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The difference between the two ratings highlights a growing divide between professional film critics and the general public, who have embraced the movie’s raw emotion, intense performances, and realistic portrayal of the human cost of war.
Overview of “One Battle After Another”
Released in U.S. theaters on December 13, 2025, One Battle After Another is a high-intensity war drama directed by Joseph R. Matthews and distributed by Lionsgate Studios. The film stars Michael B. Jordan, Jessica Chastain, and Diego Luna in powerful lead roles.
The story centers on Captain Andre Collins (played by Jordan), a U.S. Army officer leading his platoon through a string of relentless missions in a fictionalized Eastern European conflict. As the fighting escalates, the soldiers are forced to confront not only the physical dangers of war but also the emotional and moral consequences of their choices.
The movie’s haunting realism and character-driven storytelling have captured the attention of audiences nationwide, contributing to its growing popularity despite mixed critical reviews.
Rotten Tomatoes Scores as of December 2025
| Category | Score | Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Critics’ Score | 64% | Mixed to positive. Praise for acting and cinematography, some concerns over pacing. |
| Audience Score | 87% | Strongly positive. Viewers call it emotionally charged and visually stunning. |
| Total Reviews Counted | 225 Critics / 4,300+ Audience Reviews | High engagement across the U.S. and international markets. |
| Average Rating | 6.5/10 (Critics) | 4.3/5 (Audience) |
The one battle after another Rotten Tomatoes score illustrates how critics and general audiences can view the same film through different lenses. Critics focus on narrative precision and originality, while moviegoers value emotional connection and authenticity.
Critics’ Response to “One Battle After Another”
Film critics have recognized the movie’s ambition and technical craftsmanship but expressed mixed feelings about its pacing and length. Many reviewers have called the film “visually breathtaking” and “emotionally sincere,” while others felt the storyline stretched too long.
Highlights from the critical response include:
- Michael B. Jordan’s commanding presence and emotional depth received near-universal praise.
- Jessica Chastain’s portrayal of field surgeon Dr. Lena Hart was noted for its emotional realism.
- The cinematography by Roger Deakins was hailed as one of the film’s strongest aspects, capturing both chaos and calm with stunning precision.
- The film’s pacing, especially during the second act, was cited as a minor weakness by several critics.
Despite the critiques, most reviewers agree that “One Battle After Another” stands as one of the more ambitious war films in recent years. The film’s unflinching approach to depicting the cost of conflict has set it apart from more conventional war dramas.
Audience Reaction: Emotion Over Analysis
While critics have been divided, audiences have embraced the film wholeheartedly. Thousands of user reviews on Rotten Tomatoes describe the movie as “gripping,” “authentic,” and “emotionally draining in the best way possible.”
Social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have been flooded with posts praising both the performances and the soundtrack. Many U.S. viewers have expressed appreciation for how the movie portrays soldiers as human beings struggling with impossible choices rather than as action stereotypes.
Audience highlights include:
- The bond between Jordan’s and Luna’s characters struck a deep emotional chord.
- The ending scene, described by many as “heart-stopping,” left viewers speechless.
- The film’s score by Ludwig Göransson was called one of the year’s best.
The high audience score of 87% shows that the film has achieved strong word-of-mouth appeal. The connection between the characters and viewers has helped keep the movie in theaters for multiple weeks with steady ticket sales.
Box Office and Release Performance
In its first full week of release, One Battle After Another earned approximately $93 million domestically and $89 million internationally, totaling $182 million worldwide by mid-December.
Its strong showing is especially notable given that it competes with holiday blockbusters and family releases. The film’s adult-oriented themes and realistic tone have resonated particularly with viewers aged 25 to 55, many of whom have described it as “the most honest war film since 1917.”
Box office analysts predict that continued audience enthusiasm, paired with strong streaming interest after its theatrical run, could push the total revenue past $250 million by early 2026.
Behind the Camera: Vision and Production
Director Joseph R. Matthews has stated that his goal was to create a war film that focused more on the human element than on spectacle. His previous work, Echoes of Valor (2021), already demonstrated his ability to blend action with introspection.
The film’s cinematography, handled by Roger Deakins, gives every battle scene both scale and intimacy. The muted color palette, heavy use of natural light, and long takes create a sense of realism that immerses viewers completely.
Composer Ludwig Göransson’s score adds emotional weight, using a mix of orchestral and electronic tones to reflect both chaos and vulnerability.
Production took place primarily in Romania and Poland, using real landscapes and minimal CGI to heighten authenticity.
Character Focus and Story Themes
At its core, One Battle After Another explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, trauma, and redemption.
- Michael B. Jordan plays Captain Collins, a man torn between duty and humanity. His performance captures both command and vulnerability.
- Jessica Chastain’s Dr. Hart serves as the film’s moral compass, representing compassion amid chaos.
- Diego Luna portrays a resistance fighter whose story intertwines with Collins’s mission, adding layers of emotional complexity.
The characters’ interactions bring depth to the movie, allowing audiences to connect with the psychological realities of war. Rather than glorifying battle, the film portrays it as an endless cycle—hence the title One Battle After Another.
Comparing Ratings with Other Modern War Films
| Film | Year | Rotten Tomatoes (Critic / Audience) | Box Office (Worldwide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Battle After Another | 2025 | 64% / 87% | $182M |
| 1917 | 2019 | 88% / 89% | $384M |
| Hacksaw Ridge | 2016 | 84% / 91% | $180M |
| Fury | 2014 | 76% / 84% | $211M |
| The Outpost | 2020 | 92% / 92% | $20M |
While the one battle after another Rotten Tomatoes score doesn’t match that of 1917 or The Outpost, the film’s box office performance demonstrates strong audience engagement. Its combination of raw emotion and authenticity gives it staying power well beyond the initial release window.
Impact on Awards and Industry Discussion
The film’s reception has already placed it in early award season discussions. Industry observers have noted that Michael B. Jordan’s emotionally intense performance could earn nominations for Best Actor, while the cinematography and score may also receive recognition.
Its moral and psychological approach to war storytelling has drawn comparisons to films like Platoon and The Thin Red Line, both known for their introspective tone. Critics have noted that Matthews’s direction reflects a modern evolution of the war genre—one that prioritizes internal conflict as much as physical combat.
Cultural Resonance and Audience Reflection
Beyond the numbers, One Battle After Another has sparked thoughtful conversations about modern warfare and its emotional consequences. Veterans and military families have expressed appreciation for its honesty, noting that the film doesn’t glamorize violence but instead shows the lasting impact on those who serve.
Its central message—that every victory carries personal loss—has resonated deeply with viewers. Many have described leaving theaters in reflective silence, discussing how the movie humanizes war rather than sensationalizing it.
The growing audience score indicates that Americans are connecting with the film’s realism and heart, rather than just its action sequences.
Streaming and Long-Term Outlook
While still performing strongly in theaters, One Battle After Another is expected to debut on major streaming platforms in March 2026. With its high audience engagement, critics predict it will maintain strong viewership numbers once it transitions to digital release.
Streaming often boosts a film’s cultural presence, and this title’s emotional depth is likely to attract viewers who prefer home viewing. Based on the strength of the one battle after another Rotten Tomatoes score, it may continue to climb in audience approval as more people discover it.
Conclusion
As of December 2025, the one battle after another Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 64% from critics and 87% from audiences, reflecting both artistic ambition and emotional power. Its performances, cinematography, and realistic storytelling have made it one of the most talked-about films of the year.
The film’s message about the cost of courage and the endurance of the human spirit continues to move audiences, one battle after another.