Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' Battles Its Way to Your Home Screen Sooner Than You Think

The highly anticipated and critically acclaimed film One Battle After Another is making its digital debut sooner than many expected, bringing Paul Thomas Anderson's latest epic right to your living room while still commanding screens at the multiplex.

TL;DR

• Paul Thomas Anderson's Oscar-contending film, One Battle After Another, arrives on digital platforms November 14, 2025.
• Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, and Teyana Taylor, the movie is a major awards season frontrunner.
• For physical media collectors, the 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD editions hit shelves January 20, 2026.

Picture this: You’ve just settled onto your couch, remote in hand, ready to dive into a new movie. Now, imagine that movie is Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest, the much-talked-about One Battle After Another, and it’s available for you to watch from the comfort of your home. If that sounds good, get ready, because the critically lauded film is making its digital premiere this week, even as it continues its strong theatrical run.

It’s a fascinating, modern-day cinematic battle — the big screen versus the small screen — and for this particular film, both are winning. With its blend of "epic screwball adventure" and thematic richness, One Battle After Another has captured the attention of both critics and audiences, racking up praise and awards buzz since its September theatrical debut. Now, the choice is yours: experience its sweeping visuals in 70mm or enjoy the immersive story from your own space.

The Evolving Release Landscape: Digital Premiere Paves the Way for Home Viewing Flexibility

The wait for Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another to hit your favorite digital platforms is officially over. Warner Bros. has confirmed the film will be available for purchase and rental on premium video-on-demand (PVOD) starting Friday, November 14, 2025. You'll find it on major digital storefronts like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and YouTube. To own it, you can expect to pay around $24.99, or rent it for a 48-hour window for about $19.99.

While an early digital release might seem quick for a film still playing in cinemas and generating awards buzz, it’s a strategic move in today's dynamic film market. Studios are increasingly using PVOD to capture audience segments who prefer home viewing, especially for acclaimed adult dramas that benefit from a broad reach. This strategy allows the film to quickly tap into additional revenue streams, balancing the traditional theatrical window with the growing demand for immediate home access.

But that’s not all for home viewing options! Physical media enthusiasts can mark their calendars for January 20, 2026, when One Battle After Another arrives on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD. This release date is notably just two days before the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards are announced, setting the stage perfectly for an awards season re-watch. And for the ultimate collector, a special collectible steelbook in 4K UHD is slated for spring 2026, promising exclusive special features curated by Anderson himself.

Unraveling the Gripping Story: A Revolutionary's Past Catches Up

So, what exactly is all the buzz about? One Battle After Another plunges viewers into a politically charged action thriller inspired by Thomas Pynchon's 1990 novel, Vineland. The film centers on Bob Ferguson, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, a former revolutionary now living a life of "stoned paranoia" off the grid with his spirited and self-reliant daughter, Willa (newcomer Chase Infiniti).

Their quiet existence is shattered when Bob’s long-lost nemesis, played by Sean Penn, resurfaces after 16 years. When Willa disappears, Bob is forced back into his former life, scrambling to find her and confronting the long-buried consequences of his radical past. He enlists the help of old friends, including characters played by Benicio del Toro and Regina Hall, in a high-stakes search that promises a wild ride.

The New York Times described the film as "a carnivalesque epic about good and evil, violence and power, inalienable rights and the fight against injustice," a sentiment echoed by Rotten Tomatoes critics. It's a complex narrative that blends action set pieces with profound thematic depth, earning it the label of "Paul Thomas Anderson's most entertaining film yet, while also one of his most thematically rich," according to the Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus.

A Box Office Campaign: Nearing the Coveted $200 Million Milestone

From its opening weekend, One Battle After Another demonstrated its theatrical strength. The film premiered to an estimated $22.4 million in North America, topping the box office charts. Source: [Exhibitor Relations via The Albia Newspapers, "Paul Thomas Anderson's action thriller 'One Battle After Another' stormed to the top of the North American box office on its debut weekend," November 10, 2025]. Despite fierce competition, it has maintained a strong hold, reaching a domestic total of $69.35 million after its seventh weekend. Source: [Box Office Mojo via Koimoi, "One Battle After Another Worldwide Box Office: 7th Weekend Update," November 10, 2025].

Globally, the film has amassed $127.4 million internationally, pushing its worldwide cumulative to an impressive $196.75 million. Source: [Koimoi, "One Battle After Another Worldwide Box Office: 7th Weekend Update," November 10, 2025]. This places it tantalizingly close to the $200 million mark, which many industry analysts consider its break-even point against a production budget that ranged from $130 million to $175 million, plus an estimated $70 million for marketing. While the digital release might slightly impact its final theatrical numbers, it offers a crucial push towards profitability. Koimoi reports the movie is "tracking to earn between $200 million and $215 million in its global run."

For context, One Battle After Another has already surpassed the domestic haul of Martin Scorsese's 2023 epic, Killers of the Flower Moon, which ended its domestic run at $68 million. While PTA's film might not hit the half-billion dollar highs of DiCaprio’s earlier blockbusters like The Revenant, its performance is considered a significant achievement for an original, R-rated drama in today’s landscape.

"There is more action in the first hour of this than in every other film you’ve ever directed put together. Everything is really incredible. This is such a concoction of things that are so bizarre, and at the same time, so relevant, that I think they have become increasingly more relevant than perhaps even when you finished the screenplay and assembled your cast and crew and began production."

— Steven Spielberg, legendary director, praising One Battle After Another. Source: [CBR, "One Battle After Another Has Been a Hit With Critics," November 10, 2025].

Example: Navigating the Digital vs. Theatrical Trade-off Imagine you're a studio executive weighing the options for a critically acclaimed film like One Battle After Another. On one hand, you want to maximize its theatrical run and capitalize on awards season prestige, encouraging audiences to see it on the biggest screen possible. On the other hand, a substantial portion of your audience now expects prompt home access. Releasing the film on PVOD while it's still in cinemas represents a calculated trade-off. It allows the studio to tap into immediate digital revenue, satisfying a segment of viewers, while simultaneously benefiting from ongoing word-of-mouth and awards season pushes that might still drive some to the theaters, especially for premium formats like 70mm.

Awards Season Contender: A Frontrunner for Oscar Glory

The whispers of Oscar gold for One Battle After Another have grown into a roar. The film has been widely praised, earning a "certified fresh" 94% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences not far behind at 85%. Legendary director Steven Spielberg was quoted saying the film contains "more action in the first hour of this than in every other film you’ve ever directed put together," highlighting its unique blend of intensity and relevance. Michael Mann also lauded the film, suggesting it "perfectly captures the climate of modern America."

Paul Thomas Anderson himself is a major focus of this awards season. Despite a stellar career with nine to eleven prior Oscar nominations across writing, directing, and Best Picture categories, Anderson has yet to win an Academy Award. Many believe this year could finally be his moment to cinch a victory. The cast is also generating significant buzz, with Leonardo DiCaprio and newcomer Chase Infiniti being touted as frontrunners in the lead acting categories. Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Regina Hall are also strong contenders for supporting acting nominations, facing stiff competition but standing out for their compelling performances.

The film's awards journey is already underway, leading this year's Gotham Awards nominations with six nods. Intriguingly, it's also set to compete in the "Musical or Comedy" category at the Golden Globes, an unusual but potentially strategic move for an action thriller. This broad recognition across different awards bodies underscores its widespread appeal and critical impact.

What to Expect from Your Home Viewing Experience

When you settle in to watch One Battle After Another, prepare for an substantial cinematic journey. The film clocks in at 162 minutes, or approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes, so it's a good idea to have your snacks ready. It carries an R-rating, indicating mature themes, violence, and language, consistent with its intense narrative.

For those planning to purchase the 4K UHD physical release, you can look forward to top-tier technical specifications. The film will be presented in native 4K (2160p) with HDR10 for stunning visuals, an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, and immersive audio options like Dolby Atmos and Dolby TrueHD 7.1. These details promise a high-quality viewing experience that will do justice to Anderson's visual grandeur, even on your home screen.

What about streaming on a subscription service? While Warner Bros. hasn’t made an official announcement for its HBO Max release, typical patterns suggest it could arrive around December 14, 2025. This would place it roughly 77 days after its theatrical debut, aligning with how recent Warner Bros. titles like Superman and Mickey 17 have transitioned to the streaming platform. So, keep an eye out for an official announcement around then if you prefer to wait for it to be included with your subscription.

Practical Takeaways for Your Movie Viewing Journey

• Act Fast for Digital Access: If you're eager to watch One Battle After Another without leaving home, mark November 14, 2025, on your calendar to rent or buy it on popular digital platforms.
• Physical Media for the Win: Collectors should consider the 4K UHD, Blu-ray, or DVD release on January 20, 2026, especially the collectible steelbook coming in spring 2026 for its exclusive Paul Thomas Anderson-curated special features.
• Engage with the Awards Season Buzz: With significant Oscar and Golden Globe nominations expected, watching the film now will give you plenty to discuss as awards season heats up.
• Prepare for an Epic Ride: At 162 minutes and rated R, this is a substantial and intense film experience. Plan accordingly for an immersive viewing.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About 'One Battle After Another' at Home

When can I watch One Battle After Another at home?

You can purchase or rent One Battle After Another digitally via PVOD (Premium Video On Demand) starting Friday, November 14, 2025, on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home. The 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD editions will be available on January 20, 2026.

What is One Battle After Another about?

The film follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former revolutionary living off-grid with his daughter, Willa (Chase Infiniti). When an old nemesis (Sean Penn) resurfaces and Willa disappears, Bob is drawn back into his past to find her, seeking help from old friends (Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall).

Will One Battle After Another be available on HBO Max?

While an official HBO Max streaming date hasn't been confirmed, based on Warner Bros.' typical release patterns, it's estimated to arrive on the platform around December 14, 2025.

Is One Battle After Another worth watching?

Absolutely! The film boasts a 94% "fresh" rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85% audience score. It's an R-rated, critically acclaimed action thriller with a stellar cast and is considered a strong contender for the upcoming Academy Awards.

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter, "One Battle After Another Gets a Digital Release Date Amid Its Theatrical Run," November 10, 2025.
• Forbes, "Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘One Battle After Another’ New On Streaming This Week," November 8, 2025.
• Koimoi, "One Battle After Another Worldwide Box Office: 7th Weekend Update," November 10, 2025.
• CBR, "One Battle After Another Has Been a Hit With Critics," November 10, 2025.
• ScreenRant, "One Battle After Another VOD Release Date Announced," November 10, 2025.
• Collider, "'One Battle After Another' Is All Set to Pass the $200 Million Mark Worldwide," November 10, 2025.
• The Albia Newspapers, "Paul Thomas Anderson's action thriller 'One Battle After Another' stormed to the top of the North American box office on its debut weekend," November 10, 2025.
• Blu-ray.com, "Warner Bros. unveils the 4K Blu-ray release date of One Battle After Another, UPDATE: Digital release date has been revealed," November 10, 2025.
• FandomWire, "When Is One Battle After Another Coming to HBO Max for Streaming?," November 10, 2025.
• JoBlo.com, "Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another leads this year’s Gotham Awards nominations with six nods," October 27, 2025.
• JoBlo.com, "One Battle After Another to compete as Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes?," October 27, 2025.
• JoBlo.com, "Michael Mann thinks One Battle After Another perfectly captures the climate of modern America," October 13, 2025.