Can Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro recapture their boxing glory in Grudge Match?

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2013, two legends of cinema boxing reunited for a final, comedic showdown. Playing retired rivals forced back into the ring, the film leaned heavily on the stars' iconic pasts. Yet, despite the star power, the project faced a critical drubbing, leaving audiences and reviewers deeply divided on its legacy.

Directed by Peter Segal, the 2013 film Grudge Match centers on Henry 'Razor' Sharp and Billy 'The Kid' McDonnen, two Pittsburgh boxers whose careers were defined by a single rivalry. Years after their prime, the two are lured back into the ring for a viral publicity stunt orchestrated by promoter Dante Slate Jr. The narrative mirrors the real-life legacies of its leads, Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro, who previously starred in the quintessential boxing films Rocky and Raging Bull.

The production process was physically demanding, with both actors training under Bob Sale. Stallone reportedly dropped to 168 pounds, his lowest weight since 1981. Filming took place in New Orleans and Pittsburgh, wrapping in March 2013. Despite the high-profile casting, the film struggled at the box office, grossing $45 million worldwide against a $40 million budget. Its opening weekend performance was particularly muted, earning $7 million and landing in 11th place.

Critical reception was largely negative. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 31% approval rating, with critics often describing the plot as clichéd and overcooked. Reviewers like Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian expressed frustration that the film tarnished the memories of the actors' earlier, more serious work. Conversely, audiences polled by CinemaScore were more forgiving, awarding the film a 'B+' grade. While some critics found the supporting performances by Alan Arkin and Kevin Hart to be the film's only highlights, the project remains a curious footnote in the careers of two of Hollywood's most celebrated actors.

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