The one battle after another Rotten Tomatoes score has become a major talking point among film fans and critics this week. As of December 20, 2025, the movie holds a 62% critic score and an impressive 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a divide between professional reviews and public opinion. The score highlights how audiences have embraced the film’s emotional storytelling and action-packed sequences, even as some critics have found flaws in pacing and tone.
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What Is “One Battle After Another”?
“One Battle After Another” is a 2025 American war drama film directed by Joseph R. Matthews, starring Michael B. Jordan, Jessica Chastain, and Diego Luna. Released in the U.S. on December 13, 2025, the film centers on the psychological and moral struggles of soldiers caught in a relentless military campaign in Eastern Europe.
The movie blends traditional war-action elements with deep emotional storytelling, focusing on the toll that endless conflict takes on both soldiers and civilians. Its combination of realism, strong performances, and high production values has drawn attention from major critics and audiences alike.
Current Rotten Tomatoes Scores (As of December 2025)
| Rating Type | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Critic Score | 62% | Mixed to positive reviews, with praise for performances and visuals but some criticism of pacing. |
| Audience Score | 85% | Strong viewer support, highlighting emotional impact and action sequences. |
| Top Critics Consensus | “Visually striking and thematically bold, but slightly uneven in tone.” | |
| Total Reviews Counted | 210 (Critics) | 3,800+ (Audience) |
The one battle after another Rotten Tomatoes score shows a clear gap between how critics and audiences perceive the film. While critics see it as a solid but imperfect entry in the war genre, general audiences appear deeply moved by its story and performances.
Why the Scores Differ Between Critics and Audiences
The difference in ratings comes down to contrasting expectations. Critics tend to evaluate films based on structure, direction, and originality. Many have praised “One Battle After Another” for its cinematography and acting but cited narrative predictability as a drawback.
Audiences, on the other hand, have responded emotionally to its themes of loyalty, survival, and sacrifice. Many viewers have shared positive reactions across social platforms, calling it one of the most powerful war films in years.
Key audience highlights include:
- Michael B. Jordan’s performance as a battle-worn commander earned widespread acclaim.
- Jessica Chastain’s portrayal of a field doctor brought emotional depth and realism.
- The cinematic score by composer Ludwig Göransson was described as haunting and unforgettable.
Critical Breakdown of Reviews
The film’s 62% critic score stems from both glowing praise and notable criticism. Reviewers have commended the ambition and visual beauty of the film but debated its narrative flow.
Positive Aspects (Critics’ View):
- Powerful performances from the cast, particularly Jordan and Chastain.
- Exceptional cinematography capturing both the chaos and silence of war.
- Realistic combat choreography and practical effects over CGI.
Negative Aspects (Critics’ View):
- Some found the script overextended, with too many subplots.
- A few critics felt the pacing dipped in the middle act.
- The tone occasionally shifted too abruptly between action and introspection.
Despite the mixed reviews, many critics have acknowledged that “One Battle After Another” stands out for tackling complex moral questions in a genre often focused solely on spectacle.
Audience Reaction Across Platforms
On Rotten Tomatoes’ audience section, reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Many users describe being “emotionally drained but inspired” by the film’s portrayal of human endurance.
On social media, hashtags like #OneBattleAfterAnother and #MichaelBJordan have trended since release. Viewers have praised the realism of battlefield scenes and the emotional storytelling that carries through to the final frame.
A quick look at the viewer sentiment breakdown reveals:
- 70% described the movie as “emotionally powerful.”
- 20% called it “the best war film of the decade.”
- 10% mentioned pacing issues but still rated it positively overall.
The one battle after another Rotten Tomatoes score reflects how viewers are connecting deeply with the story, even when critics remain divided.
Box Office Performance and Audience Influence
Since its release, “One Battle After Another” has earned over $178 million worldwide, an impressive figure for a late-year war drama. The U.S. domestic box office accounts for roughly $92 million, while international markets have brought in $86 million.
Strong audience word-of-mouth and positive user ratings have boosted ticket sales week after week. Many theaters have reported near-sold-out weekend screenings, especially in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
Streaming discussions suggest that once the film hits major platforms in early 2026, it could see another surge in viewership similar to other modern war dramas that found second life online.
Performances Driving the Success
Much of the film’s success—and its audience score—stems from its powerhouse performances.
- Michael B. Jordan delivers an intense and emotionally layered portrayal of Captain Andre Collins, a leader forced to make impossible choices.
- Jessica Chastain brings nuance to her role as Dr. Lena Hart, portraying strength under immense pressure.
- Diego Luna, playing a local resistance fighter, adds emotional resonance and complexity to the story.
Critics may disagree on the pacing and structure, but nearly all have praised the cast’s performances as a major strength.
Direction, Music, and Cinematography
Director Joseph R. Matthews, known for his previous work on “Echoes of Valor” (2021), aimed to create a war film that focuses more on humanity than heroism. His attention to detail, from dialogue to the depiction of chaos on the battlefield, has been widely recognized.
The film’s cinematography, handled by Roger Deakins, adds a breathtaking visual dimension. Scenes transition seamlessly between large-scale combat and intimate, emotional moments.
The musical score by Ludwig Göransson—who previously won an Academy Award for “Black Panther”—heightens tension while underscoring the film’s reflective tone.
These creative elements contribute significantly to why the film resonates so strongly with audiences, even as critics debate its narrative cohesion.
Comparing “One Battle After Another” to Other War Films on Rotten Tomatoes
| Film Title | Year | Rotten Tomatoes (Critic / Audience) |
|---|---|---|
| One Battle After Another | 2025 | 62% / 85% |
| 1917 | 2019 | 88% / 89% |
| Hacksaw Ridge | 2016 | 84% / 91% |
| Fury | 2014 | 76% / 84% |
| The Thin Red Line | 1998 | 81% / 80% |
While “One Battle After Another” has a lower critic score compared to classics like “1917,” its audience approval rating places it among the most emotionally resonant war dramas of recent years.
Rotten Tomatoes Impact on Streaming and Awards Buzz
Rotten Tomatoes scores play a major role in how studios market their films, especially when streaming deals are involved. With a 62% critic score and 85% audience rating, “One Battle After Another” is expected to perform strongly on streaming platforms once its theatrical run ends.
The buzz around Michael B. Jordan’s performance has already sparked award season speculation, particularly for the Academy Awards 2026 in categories like Best Actor and Best Cinematography. Though nominations have yet to be announced, early predictions suggest the film could be recognized for its performances and technical achievements.
Cultural and Emotional Impact
Beyond its Rotten Tomatoes rating, “One Battle After Another” has struck a chord with viewers for its focus on the cost of war. Many fans have drawn comparisons to modern military conflicts and humanitarian crises, noting that the film’s emotional depth goes beyond typical action-driven narratives.
Themes of sacrifice, leadership, and moral conflict have resonated with veterans, families of service members, and audiences who appreciate films that blend realism with introspection. The film’s tagline—“Every victory leaves a scar”—has become symbolic of its central message.
Conclusion
As of today, the one battle after another Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 62% from critics and 85% from audiences, reflecting both divided critical opinion and strong popular acclaim. Its mix of stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and emotional storytelling ensures it remains one of the most discussed films of 2025.
Whether judged by numbers or emotion, “One Battle After Another” has proven to be a cinematic experience that connects deeply with viewers.