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Fist Fight

Fist Fight

After school. Parking lot. It's on.

201791 minRMidcredits score: 27th percentile of all films
Director
Richie Keen
Starring
Charlie Day, Ice Cube, Tracy Morgan, Jillian Bell

When one school teacher gets the other fired, he is challenged to an after-school fight.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Fist Fight?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Fist Fight streaming on Paramount+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Fist Fight?

Fist Fight earns 4 badges, led by Award Winner and Fun.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Fist Fight worth watching?

Fist Fight's Midcredits score is the 27th percentile of all films, from 117K ratings across 6 sources. 33% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

27th percentile

Better received than 27% of films

29th percentile among Comedy28th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)30th
Approval (how many liked it)27th

55 /100

30th percentile of all films

32nd percentile among Comedy32nd percentile among 2010s

Critics 37 · Audience 57

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.8 — solid but not unanimous.

33% liked it

27th percentile of all films

28th percentile among Comedy27th percentile among 2010s
33% rated it 7–1067% rated it 1–6

Critics 25% · Audience 40%

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

Awards

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

96th percentile

116K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Comedy96th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 10% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$22M
Opening weekend$12M
Domestic gross$32M
Worldwide gross$41M

Returned 1.9× its budget — 89th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A broad, silly comedy that leans heavily on the chemistry of Ice Cube and Charlie Day, with a thin plot and uneven humor.

Fans praised

  • Ice Cube and Charlie Day deliver funny, energetic performances
  • Talent show scene and climax fight are standout set pieces
  • Delivers on its promise as a dumb, laugh-filled comedy

Detractors panned

  • One-joke premise stretched too thin across the runtime
  • Script is weak, predictable, and lacks genuine laughs
  • Early scenes are sour and unfunny, with excessive crudeness

What stands out

ActingDivisive65

Ice Cube and Charlie Day bring energy, but some find Day annoying as lead

HumorDivisive55

Silly gags land for some, fall flat for others; talent show scene frequently cited

EndingDivisive55

Fight climax is satisfying for fans, but not enough to rescue the film

CharactersDivisive45

Underwritten, with a protagonist who lacks sympathy

PacingDivisive45

90-minute runtime is ideal, but early stretches drag

DialogueDivisive40

Heavy on crude jokes and profanity, with some funny ad-libs

Plot and story30

Thin, predictable setup stretched to feature length

Originality30

Feels like a familiar 'one crazy day' comedy formula

Preferred by

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

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Fist Fight like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It is intense and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

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

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
ManicAbsurdCathartic
Heaviest: late
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Irreverent · 1% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film approaches its premise with knowingly absurd, cartoonish humor, never pretending to be serious.
The rideThe film is fast and chaotic, with the emotional peak being Campbell's final stand and the fight itself before a feel-good resolution.
StructureTold in chronological order over a single frantic day.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film delivers a silly, energetic comedy that leaves you grinning from its absurd finale and happy resolution.
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).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · 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% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% (this title) · 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%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Buddy comedy: A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).

11% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeA meek teacher is challenged to a fight by a feared colleague, leading to a day of escalating chaos and eventual confrontation that forces him to stand up for himself, played as a broad comedy that ends with the two becoming friends.

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 filmsSelfSelf-worth
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% (this title) · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · 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%

Self

Self-worth · 7% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Family bonds
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeCampbell must stop being a doormat and stand up for himself, which improves his family life and his standing among colleagues.
StanceThe film ultimately celebrates Campbell learning to stand up for himself, framed as a positive, rousing outcome.

The world

ContemporaryInstitutionalSuburbanUrbanStylized realism
PopOrchestral modernSupportive music · hybrid
SettingRoosevelt High School and its surrounding town on the chaotic last day of the school year
MusicThe soundtrack includes Big Sean's 'I Don't Fuck With You' for a key scene.

Content guide

Is Fist Fight okay for kids?

R

Fist Fight is rated R: “Rated R for language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug material” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (63/100), sexual content at intense (63/100), language at severe (86/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (65/100) and frightening material at mild (25/100). Overall it is heavier than 62% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany12
  • Ireland15
  • Brazil16
  • Denmarkt.o.11
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands12
  • Poland18
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 77% of all filmsHeavier than 62% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 40%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 78%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 82%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 12%

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

Heavy almost across the board: language, drug and alcohol content, sexual content, and violence. 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 Fist Fight have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Fist Fight?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Charlie Day
as Andy Campbell
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ice Cube
as Strickland
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.
Tracy Morgan
as Coach Crawford
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.
Jillian Bell
as Holly
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Christina Hendricks
as Ms. Monet
Dean Norris
as Principal Tyler
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Kumail Nanjiani
as Mehar
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Dennis Haysbert
as Superintendent Johnson
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
JoAnna Garcia Swisher
as Maggie
Alexa Nisenson
as Ally
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Fist Fight?

Movies like Fist Fight include Incoming (2024), Not Another Teen Movie (2001) and Strays (2023). Of the 12 closest matches, several are workplace comedies, and all are films about self-worth.

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

6 of these 12 share its world: high school. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Fist Fight?

496 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: workplace comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.