Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Leonardo DiCaprio anchors the all-star ensemble of One Battle After Another, the Warner Bros. political suspense film that has become a frontrunner in the 2026 awards circuit. Helmed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the motion picture secured the Best Picture honor at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards and continued its triumphant run at the Golden Globe Awards, grabbing accolades for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, along with wins for Director and Screenplay. It further collected various BAFTA awards, notably Best Film and Best Director, cementing its standing as a critical darling.
A cinematic interpretation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, the film crafts an intense, satirical portrayal of America amid political turmoil, trailing DiCaprio’s former revolutionary as he strives to save his daughter from an oppressive authority. Subsequent to the Critics Choice victory, Anderson expressed that the recognition was “wonderful news,” applauding his actors and longstanding partners for realizing the ambitious endeavor.
Here, Hollywood Life provides all the specifics you need to understand regarding One Battle After Another.
What’s the Story Behind One Battle After Another?
The film’s synopsis describes, “Bob exists as a faded revolutionary engulfed in drug-induced paranoia, living remotely with his resilient and independent daughter, Willa. The reappearance of his sinister adversary and Willa’s subsequent disappearance prompt the ex-radical to desperately seek her, with both parent and child grappling with their histories.”
The film centers on the activists of the radical leftist organization French 75, who are resisting a repressive, near-future America, where an overbearing police force singles out immigrants and objectors. Even with the somber, dystopian environment, One Battle After Another manages to weave in enough humor to evoke laughter from viewers.
Who Stars in One Battle After Another?
Alongside Leonardo, who embodies Bob Ferguson / “Ghetto” Pat Calhoun, the supporting cast of One Battle After Another includes Sean Penn as Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, Chase Infiniti as Willa Ferguson / Charlene Calhoun, Teyana Taylor as Perfidia Beverly Hills, Benicio del Toro as Sergio St. Carlos, Regina Hall as Deandra, Jena Malone as the greeting voice, Tony Goldwyn as Virgil Throckmorton, Alana Haim as Mae West and others.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
When Did One Battle After Another Hit Theaters?
The picture has already been released! As of September 26, 2025, One Battle After Another can be viewed at movie theaters across the U.S.
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
When Will One Battle After Another Be Ready To Stream?
One Battle After Another has already premiered on streaming platforms. It became available exclusively on Max (previously HBO Max) beginning December 19, 2025, succeeding its theatrical debut in September 2025.
In addition to Max, the movie can also be digitally rented or bought through services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and more.