Is Race Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Race is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 134 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Race Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2016, Race emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Based on the story of Jesse Owens, the athlete whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy. Unlike standard genre fare, Race attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Race features a noteworthy lineup led by Stephan James . Supported by the likes of Jason Sudeikis and Eli Goree , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Race (2016) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Race Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Race is a Drama, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Based on the story of Jesse Owens, the athlete whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Race Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Race resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Race reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Race Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Race draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Race adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Race?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Race Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $24.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Race Budget
The estimated production budget for Race is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Race
- Stephan James – Jesse Owens
- Jason Sudeikis – Larry Snyder
- Eli Goree – Dave Albritton
- Shanice Banton – Ruth Solomon
- Carice van Houten – Leni Riefenstahl
Top Highlights
Stephan JamesJesse Owens
Jason SudeikisLarry Snyder
Eli GoreeDave Albritton
Shanice BantonRuth Solomon
Carice van HoutenLeni Riefenstahl
Jeremy IronsAvery Brundage
William HurtJeremiah Mahoney
David KrossCarl "Luz" Long
Jonathan HigginsDean Cromwell
Tony CurranLawson Robertson
Where to Watch Race Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Hungama Play
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Race is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, Race stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2016 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Race movie hit or flop?
Race is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, History movies.
Is Race worth watching?
Yes, Race is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, History cinema.
Where can I watch Race online?
Race is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hungama Play, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Race
Wow, Hopkins directed this and, honestly, at best he's directed a lot of guilty pleasure movies. You know, the movies that you know are bad but you like them anyway. This one is actually, well, good. It's a legit good film and that is odd for Hopkins. Anyway, the failing is the Nazi thing. The discrimination in America plays, because that was really the principal challenge that Owens needed to overcome to even make it to the Olympics in the first place. That was a struggle in and of itself. But, when it came to Germany it should have been more of a focus on him, and how he beat the "master race" and, instead, it was a little too focused on the Nazis. And, honestly, everyone knows who the Nazis are and what they did. We aren't watching the movie because of that, we are watching the movie because of what Owens did. However, despite that, the movie works with a strong opening act that dealt in an albeit heavy-handed but still absolutely dramatically compelling story about Owens. The only fault is that it loses focus in Germany.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
