Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Never Back Down

Never Back Down is a action film directed by , focusing on Jake Tyler (Sean Faris), a teenager who relocates to , with his family and becomes entangled in an underground fight club after a humiliating altercation at a party. The film follows Jake as he struggles to fit into his new high school environment, where he encounters the aggressive Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet), a popular student who leads the illicit fighting ring, and Baja Miller (), Ryan's girlfriend who develops an interest in Jake. Encouraged by his quirky classmate Max Cooperman (), Jake seeks training from the disciplined instructor Jean Roqua () to channel his anger and prepare for a climactic confrontation. Written by Chris Hauty and produced by Craig Baumgarten and David Zelon, the movie blends high school drama with intense fight choreography inspired by real MMA techniques, running for 114 minutes and earning a PG-13 rating for violence, sexuality, and language. Released theatrically on March 14, 2008, by , Never Back Down opened in 2,729 theaters and grossed $8.6 million in its first weekend, ultimately earning $24.9 million domestically and $39.3 million worldwide against a $21 million . Critically, it received mixed reviews, holding a 21% approval rating from 82 critics on , who praised the action sequences but criticized the clichéd storyline and character development, while audiences rated it at 35% and gave it a 6.5/10 average on from over 110,000 users. The film launched a , spawning direct-to-video sequels like Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011), Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016), and Never Back Down: Revolt (2021), though the original remains the most recognized entry for its theatrical debut and star-making turns for its young cast.

Plot and characters

Plot summary

Jake Tyler, a high school wrestler from , relocates to , with his mother Margaret and younger brother Charlie to support Charlie's tennis scholarship, his anger issues stemming from his father's fatal accident a year earlier. At his new school, Jake befriends the eccentric Max Cooperman, who introduces him to , and becomes attracted to Baja Miller, a classmate the wealthy and aggressive Ryan McCarthy, leader of an underground known as "The Beatdown." During a party, and his friends drive their in circles around Jake's parked car, taunting him and leading to a where humiliates by beating and him in front of onlookers after mocking his father's . Motivated to fight back properly, seeks out Jean Roqua, a reclusive Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert in due to his brother's , who agrees to train him in MMA techniques emphasizing and over raw . As training progresses, 's relationship with Baja deepens, prompting her to end her toxic romance with , while his rivalry with intensifies amid revelations of 's strained dynamic with his , a fight promoter who pressures him to dominate in the ring to advance his own career. Jake enters smaller Beatdown fights under Max's encouragement, winning several but drawing Roqua's disapproval for participating in the no-rules brawls, resulting in his temporary expulsion from training until he pleads for a second chance, promising to adhere to honorable combat. The story culminates at the annual Beatdown tournament, where Jake advances through intense matches, confronting personal demons tied to his family's grief—particularly his resentment toward his mother for not preventing his father's recklessness. In the final bout against , Jake employs his refined MMA skills to overcome Ryan's brute force and dirty tactics, securing victory via submission but refusing to inflict unnecessary harm, demonstrating his growth in restraint. This triumph leads to Jake's redemption, reconciling with his mother and brother, solidifying his bond with Baja, and earning respect from his peers.

Main characters

Jake Tyler is the of Never Back Down, portrayed as a skilled high school fighter from rural who relocates to , with his family after his father's death in a drunk-driving accident. Haunted by grief and survivor's guilt, Jake's primary motivation is to channel his explosive anger into constructive outlets, driving his journey toward personal redemption through training. His hotheaded yet likable personality, marked by stubbornness and a quick temper, underscores the film's exploration of rivalry, as he confronts his inner demons and external challengers to achieve self-respect. Baja Miller functions as Jake's love interest and a pivotal figure caught in the emotional between him and the , representing themes of internal conflict and relational tension. As part of Orlando's affluent social circle and initially involved with , Baja's background highlights her struggle for independence from domineering influences, motivating her to seek genuine connections amid the story's rivalries. Her confident and assertive demeanor adds depth to the narrative's focus on , as she navigates and self-discovery without succumbing to . Ryan McCarthy serves as the primary , a privileged and dominant underground fighter from a wealthy Orlando family plagued by an abusive father. His arrogance and controlling nature stem from a deep-seated need for validation through physical superiority, exemplifying toxic and fueling the central with . Ryan's role emphasizes unchecked aggression as a to , portraying how familial dysfunction perpetuates cycles of conflict and dominance in the story. Jean Roqua embodies the mentor , a seasoned trainer and former who imparts lessons in , , and emotional to his students. With a wise, tough, and compassionate personality shaped by his own unresolved paternal issues, Roqua's motivation is to prevent others from repeating his mistakes by promoting fighting as a path to self-mastery rather than . He significantly contributes to the themes of and rivalry by guiding toward balanced growth, serving as a stabilizing in the narrative. Max Cooperman acts as the comic relief and loyal , a quirky Orlando high school student who befriends Jake and trains alongside him under Roqua's guidance. Bullied in the past, Max's eccentric and resilient personality motivates him to find strength through humor and camaraderie, providing unwavering support that lightens the intensity of rivalries. His role reinforces by illustrating how and levity aid amid adversity.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Never Back Down originated with writer Chris Hauty, who conceived the story in the mid-2000s after his teenage son showed him videos of underground fights occurring at his high school, prompting Hauty to explore themes of teen aggression and redemption through (MMA). This inspiration led to a script that updated classic teen fight narratives for a modern audience, incorporating elements of culture and high school dynamics. Summit Entertainment acquired Hauty's script and greenlit the project, allocating a of $21 million to develop it as a youth-oriented aimed at teenagers drawn to the rising popularity of MMA. The studio positioned the movie to capitalize on the sport's growing mainstream appeal, blending intense fight sequences with relatable coming-of-age drama to attract a young demographic. (assuming a press release, but using available) Director was attached to helm the film, bringing a vision that fused authentic MMA techniques with high school romance and rivalry, drawing parallels to inspirational underdog stories like while emphasizing emotional growth through combat training.

Casting and training

was cast in the lead role of Jake Tyler, drawing on his athletic physique and prior experience with physically intensive roles, including learning hockey for the television series Life as We Know It. was selected as Baja Miller, showcasing her developing dramatic abilities in a supporting role that balanced romance and intensity. , with his established presence in action films such as (2000) and (2006), portrayed the mentor Jean Roqua, bringing gravitas to the character's guidance. , who held a black belt in , was chosen for the Ryan McCarthy, leveraging his martial arts background to enhance the role's physical demands. provided youthful energy as Max Cooperman, his early-career vibrancy fitting the character's role as a supportive peer. To achieve authenticity in the film's sequences, the principal actors participated in a intensive three-month training regimen focused on MMA disciplines including , jiu-jitsu, and . The program, conducted six days a week for approximately six hours daily, was overseen by fight choreographers such as Jonathan Eusebio and involved drills, conditioning exercises, and technique refinement to simulate real fight dynamics. , for instance, gained 15 pounds of muscle during this period to embody his character's transformation. The presented significant challenges, including physical injuries that tested the actors' endurance and adaptation to precise fight choreography. Faris sustained a broken thumb during filming, a fractured in his back from flipping truck tires during , and ankle strains from repetitive rope-skipping drills essential for footwork conditioning. Despite these setbacks, the regimen fostered realistic portrayals, with actors learning to synchronize movements for safe yet convincing on-screen bouts, contributing to the film's credible depiction of underground MMA culture.

Filming

Principal photography for Never Back Down commenced in June 2007 and wrapped in August 2007, spanning a 45-day shooting schedule primarily in Orlando, Florida. The production team selected Central Florida for its diverse locations that could authentically represent the film's high school and suburban settings, with all principal filming completed on location to capture the area's natural environment. Cypress Creek High School in Orlando served as the main setting for the school scenes, providing a realistic backdrop for the story's teen dynamics and training sequences. Director employed a technique to enhance the realism of the (MMA) fight scenes, aiming to immerse viewers in the raw intensity of the sport by mimicking the chaotic energy of actual bouts. The fight choreography relied heavily on practical effects, with performers executing real stunts and strikes under the supervision of MMA experts, supplemented by digital enhancements for impact visuals and safety adjustments during high-risk moments. Production faced logistical challenges, including weather delays from Florida's summer rains and , which occasionally disrupted outdoor shoots and required adjustments. For the underground fight scenes, the team coordinated closely with local authorities in Orlando and Sanford to secure permits for warehouse locations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations while maintaining the illicit atmosphere of the events. These efforts helped preserve the film's gritty authenticity without compromising on efficiency.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Never Back Down features a selection of licensed contemporary and tracks that enhance the film's high-energy fight sequences, training montages, and social scenes, contributing to its youthful, rebellious atmosphere. These songs, primarily from and artists of the mid-2000s, underscore themes of defiance and , with energetic beats and aligning with the Jake Tyler's journey of self-discovery through . No official compilation album for the licensed songs was released, but the music was curated to complement the original score and drive the narrative's intensity. Key tracks include "Wolf Like Me" by , which plays during an intense underground fight scene, amplifying the primal aggression and chaos of the beatdown with its driving rhythm and howling vocals. "Teenagers" by accompanies a party sequence where tensions build among the high school characters, its anthemic energy capturing the reckless spirit of youth and foreshadowing conflicts. The training montage is set to "Under the Knife" by , whose fast-paced style motivates the physical preparation scenes, emphasizing discipline and resilience as hones his skills under mentor Jean Roqua. "Anthem for the Underdog" by energizes several fight moments, its inspirational rock chorus reinforcing the underdog motif central to the story. Other notable inclusions are "Above and Below" by , used in a transitional driving scene to evoke a sense of arrival and uncertainty, and the Travis Barker remix of "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" by Tell 'Em, which pumps up the crowd during an underground event introduction, blending flair with the film's adrenaline-fueled vibe. Licensing these popular tracks from labels like Island Def Jam and allowed the filmmakers to integrate that feels organic to the teen environment, influencing scene pacing by syncing cuts to song builds during montages and confrontations for heightened emotional impact.

Score

The original musical score for Never Back Down was composed by Michael Wandmacher, an American composer specializing in and genres. Wandmacher's work on the film provides the sonic foundation for its intense sequences, utilizing dynamic rhythms and tension-building orchestration to heighten the physical confrontations. For character-driven moments, the score employs subtler melodic lines to emphasize themes of personal struggle and growth. The recording incorporated live drums performed by , adding authentic percussive impact to the fight scenes, while the mix was handled by Alan Meyerson to ensure seamless integration with the film's .

Release

Theatrical release

Never Back Down had its world premiere at the in , , on March 4, 2008. The event featured appearances by director and cast members including , , , and . handled domestic distribution, launching the film for wide theatrical release in the United States on March 14, 2008, across 2,729 theaters. This rollout positioned the movie as a key spring release in the action genre, coinciding with other family-oriented titles to capture a broad audience. The marketing strategy emphasized the film's mixed martial arts themes to appeal to teenagers, featuring trailers that highlighted high-energy fight sequences and underground club dynamics. Promotional efforts included tie-ins with MMA events and products, such as integrations during broadcasts on networks like , alongside brands like to broaden reach within the sports entertainment space. Partnerships in the MMA community, including nods to UFC-style competitions, helped position as a gateway for younger viewers into the sport. Internationally, the film began rolling out in select markets starting late March 2008, with a release in on March 27, 2008, followed by the on April 11, 2008. Additional territories received the film through May 2008, leveraging the same action-oriented promotion to align with local interest in combat sports.

Home media

The release of Never Back Down began with the DVD and Blu-ray editions distributed by on July 29, 2008, coinciding with the film's transition from theaters. These formats included the theatrical PG-13 cut, running 110 minutes, and offered standard special features such as deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes commentary on the fight . A notable variant was the unrated "Extended Beat Down Edition," also released on the same date, which extended the runtime to 113 minutes by adding approximately three minutes of additional footage focused on intensified fight sequences and character interactions. This edition catered to audiences seeking a more visceral experience, emphasizing the film's elements without the constraints of the theatrical rating. In terms of commercial performance, the DVD edition sold 1,151,960 units , generating $20,281,566 in consumer revenue through 2008 and beyond, reflecting strong ancillary market interest in the action genre. Blu-ray sales contributed further to home media earnings, though specific figures for that format remain bundled in overall video sales data. Subsequent expanded accessibility, with the film available for purchase and rental on starting in the late . As of November 2025, Never Back Down streams on Apple TV Channel and is available for free with ads on , allowing viewers to access both the standard and extended versions depending on regional licensing.

Reception

Box office performance

Never Back Down opened in theaters on March 14, 2008, earning $8.6 million during its opening weekend across 2,729 screens, placing third at the North American behind Horton Hears a Who! ($45.0 million) and 10,000 B.C. ($16.8 million). The film ultimately grossed $24.9 million domestically and $16.8 million internationally, for a worldwide total of $41.6 million against a $20 million . This performance more than doubled its budget, marking it as moderately successful for a mid-tier . Its results were influenced by strong appeal to young male audiences—59% male and 60% under 21 for opening weekend demographics—though it faced stiff competition from family-oriented releases like Horton Hears a Who!, which dominated the during its debut period.

Critical response

Never Back Down received mixed to negative reviews from critics upon its release. On , the film holds a Tomatometer score of 21% based on 82 reviews, with critics praising certain elements of its action while decrying its lack of originality. The site's consensus reads: "Though not without its pleasures, Never Back Down faithfully adheres to every imaginable fight movie cliché." On , it has a score of 39 out of 100 based on 22 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews. Critics frequently highlighted the film's exciting fight choreography as a standout feature, noting its well-executed sequences that captured the intensity of mixed martial arts. However, the plot was widely criticized as clichéd and predictable, drawing comparisons to earlier underdog stories like The Karate Kid without adding fresh insights. Characters were often described as underdeveloped and stereotypical, with one-dimensional portrayals that failed to engage audiences beyond surface-level motivations. Variety called it "a modest surprise: better acted than needed, better made than expected," but ultimately faulted its formulaic nature and reliance on familiar tropes.

Accolades

"Never Back Down" received limited formal recognition, primarily within popular entertainment awards targeting younger audiences and action genres. The film's intense fight choreography earned it the 2008 MTV Movie Award for Best Fight, awarded to stars and for their climactic confrontation between protagonists Jake Tyler and Ryan McCarthy. This win highlighted the movie's appeal in showcasing mixed martial arts-inspired action sequences. Despite its commercial success and thematic focus on underground fighting, the film garnered no nominations from prestigious bodies such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or the for the Oscars or Golden Globes, respectively. Recognition within MMA and communities remained informal, with no major wins or nominations documented at specialized events or festivals during its initial release period.

Legacy

Sequels

The Never Back Down franchise continued with three sequels, each maintaining the core themes of training, underground fighting, and personal redemption, while establishing loose continuity through recurring motifs rather than direct links or returning original members from the 2008 film. Produced primarily under , a division specializing in home media releases, the sequels shifted focus to new protagonists and international settings, with no involvement from stars like or . Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown, released on September 13, 2011, marked actor Michael Jai White's directorial debut and introduced a new storyline centered on college freshman Mike Stokes (), a promising wrestler dealing with family tragedy, who joins forces with three other fighters—Zack (), Tim (), and Justin (Scottie Epstein)—under the mentorship of ex-MMA champion Case Walker (White). The group trains rigorously to compete in a brutal underground event called the Beatdown, emphasizing teamwork and ethical fighting amid personal conflicts. reprises his role as Max Cooperman from the original film in a supporting capacity, providing the only direct tie to the first entry. The second sequel, Never Back Down: No Surrender, arrived on June 7, 2016, and continued with returning as Case Walker, now a retired champion attempting a comeback by training his friend Brody James (), a fellow fighter, for a high-stakes underground MMA tournament in against the ruthless Caesar "Psycho" Braga (Nathan Jones). The plot unfolds as Case navigates betrayal, intense preparations, and a web of international intrigue, pitting traditional fighting styles against modern cage combat. Supporting cast includes Gillian White as Myca Cruz, as Hugo Vega, and JeeJa Yanin as Nita, highlighting themes of loyalty and resilience in exotic locales. Never Back Down: Revolt, the final installment released on November 16, 2021, shifted to a female-led narrative directed by , following Anya (Olivia Popica), a resilient woman kidnapped in and forced into an elite underground fight ring run by a trafficking syndicate led by (Gianni Calchetti). To secure her freedom and rescue her brother, Anya hones her skills alongside fellow captives like Jaya () and Mariah (Brooke Johnston), culminating in high-octane battles against enforcers including UFC veteran as Janek. The film emphasizes empowerment and survival, diverging from prior entries by forgoing any returning characters and focusing on as a darker .

Cultural impact

UFC middleweight champion has credited the film with inspiring his entry into , recounting in a 2025 interview how watching Never Back Down at age 14 motivated him to pursue a fighting career, humorously noting the protagonist's romantic subplot as an added incentive. The movie contributed to the mainstreaming of MMA within teen-oriented films during the late , blending underground dynamics with high school drama in a manner that echoed earlier narratives like , thereby influencing the genre's shift toward modern combat sports in subsequent media such as the series . Never Back Down has faced for glorifying among , with reviewers highlighting its depiction of brutal, no-holds-barred fights as potentially normalizing aggressive in teen subcultures without sufficient cautionary framing. Academic analyses of combat sports films have referenced the movie in discussions of media's role in shaping perceptions of , noting its portrayal of alongside themes of moral compromise in athletic pursuits.

References

  1. [1]
    Never Back Down | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 21% (82) Jake (Sean Faris) moves to Orlando, Fla., with his mother (Leslie Hope) and brother (Wyatt Smith). He feels like an outsider in his new school and frequently ...82 Reviews · 250000+ Ratings · Cast and Crew · Video
  2. [2]
    Never Back Down (2008) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Movie Details ; MPAA Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic material involving intense sequences of fighting/violence, some sexuality, partying and language - all ...
  3. [3]
    Never Back Down (2008) - IMDb
    Rating 6.5/10 (110,228) A frustrated and conflicted teenager arrives at a new high school to discover an underground fight club, and meets a classmate who begins to coerce him into ...Trivia · Full cast & crew · Sean Faris · Parents guide
  4. [4]
    NEVER BACK DOWN - Movieguide | Movie Reviews for Families
    NEVER BACK DOWN, a popcorn movie, stars Sean Faris as Jake Tyler, a high school senior who's angry about the circumstances of his father's drunk driving death.<|control11|><|separator|>
  5. [5]
    Never Back Down (Film) - TV Tropes
    Jake Tyler is your average boy from Iowa. Except that his dad is dead and as a result, Jake is angry all the time and expends his excess energy by beating ...
  6. [6]
    None
    Nothing is retrieved...<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Never Back Down (PG) | Movie Guide Archive Wiki - Fandom
    Jake discovers that Roqua is from Brazil and he is in exile because he believes he is the reason his brother, Joseph the favorite son, was killed and his father ...
  8. [8]
    Never Back Down - Plugged In
    Jake, a high school football player with anger issues, moves to Florida and gets involved in mixed martial arts, trained by Jean Roqua, and faces a final fight.Movie Review · Positive Elements · Violent Content
  9. [9]
    Never Back Down Movie Review | Common Sense Media
    Rating 2.0 · Review by S. Jhoanna RobledoParents need to know that Never Back Down is a mixed martial arts film about a teen who gets involved with a fight club. It's filled with brutal scenes of ...Missing: motivations | Show results with:motivations<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Never Back Down | Reelviews Movie Reviews
    Rating 2.0 (1) The premise is familiar: underdog achieves self respect through training with a master then puts it all together for the big fight.
  11. [11]
    Interview: Never Back Down Writer Chris Hauty - Cinemablend
    Mar 4, 2008 · Drawing inspiration from events at his son's high school and a bit of YouTubery, Hauty has combined allusions to Web 2.0 technology with the ...
  12. [12]
    Mixed martial arts hits the big screen in 'Never Back Down'
    Mar 8, 2008 · In the new mixed martial arts film “Never Back Down,” two-time Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou mentors a troubled young man in the art of self-defense.
  13. [13]
    Karate Kid Week: Never Back Down! - Overthinking It
    Dec 10, 2008 · And to their credit, the producers of Never Back Down decided to abandon all pretense of accurately capturing MMA on film. But the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    Star says film won't inspire violence - Chron
    Mar 18, 2008 · The athletic Faris, 25, is accustomed to doing physical training for his acting roles. He learned hockey for television's Life as We Know It and ...<|separator|>
  15. [15]
    https://movieweb.com/sean-faris-goes-for-the-knockout-in-never-back-down/
  16. [16]
    Sean Faris Goes for the Knockout in Never Back Down - MovieWeb
    Mar 11, 2008 · For the film, we had three months of training in L.A., and we trained for six hours a day, six days a week. It was pretty intense. My body went ...
  17. [17]
    Never Back Down (2008) - Cast & Crew - TMDB
    Cast 38 · Sean Faris. Jake Tyler · Amber Heard. Baja Miller · Cam Gigandet. Ryan McCarthy · Djimon Hounsou. Jean Roqua · Evan Peters. Max Cooperman · Leslie Hope.
  18. [18]
    Sean Faris Discusses Starring Role in "Never Back Down"
    Mar 5, 2008 · SEAN FARIS: We trained three-and-a-half months of Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo for six hours a day and six days a week. I gained 15 lbs. for ...
  19. [19]
    Actor took on a (truly) backbreaking role in “Never Back Down”
    Mar 14, 2008 · No jokes about his &#8220;big break&#8221; please: Sean Faris injured his vertebrae while shooting &#8220;Never Back Down,&#8221; which opens ...Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges
  20. [20]
    'Never Back Down' actor got thrown, literally, into role - MLive.com
    Mar 21, 2008 · Actor Sean Faris endured a lot of unpleasantness on the set of martial-arts film "Never Back Down," including breaking his thumb and a small bone in his back.Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges
  21. [21]
    Never Back Down Production Notes | 2008 Movie Releases
    Aug 18, 2014 · Never Back Down was an ambitious undertaking for young director Jeff Wadlow. The film featured huge fight scenes populated by hundreds of extras ...
  22. [22]
    Never Back Down (2008) - Filming & production - IMDb
    Filming locations ; Orlando, Florida, USA · 6 ; Sanford, Florida, USA · 4 ; Clermont, Florida, USA · 3 ; Montverde, Florida, USA · 3 ; Los Angeles, California, USA · 2.Missing: approach practical effects
  23. [23]
    Cypress Creek High School - Wikimapia
    Established 1992. Was a filming location for the 2008 movie "Never Back Down" Home of the Bears. 1101 Bear Crossing Dr Orlando, FL 32824
  24. [24]
    Director Jeff Wadlow Exclusive Video Interview – NEVER BACK ...
    Mar 9, 2008 · While he is defeated and humiliated in the fight, a classmate introduces himself to Jake and tells him about the sport known as Mixed Martial ...Missing: handheld realism
  25. [25]
    Sean Faris never backs down from a challenge - Orlando Sentinel
    Mar 11, 2008 · Never Back Down, which was titled Get Some when he was shooting it, could be his big break, no pun intended. The years of “young Tom Cruise ...
  26. [26]
    Never Back Down Soundtrack - Tunefind
    Popular Songs ; Wolf Like Me · TV On The Radio ; Teenagers · My Chemical Romance ; Anthem For The Underdog · 12 Stones ...
  27. [27]
    Never Back Down (2008) - Soundtracks - IMDb
    Never Back Down ; Teenagers. Written by Bob Bryar, Frank Iero, Ray Toro (as Raymond Toro), Gerard Way (as Gerard Arthur Way) and Mikey Way (as Michael Way).
  28. [28]
    Never Back Down Soundtrack (2008) | List of Songs | WhatSong
    Songs Timeline · Orange Marmalade · Above and Below · Anthem For The Underdog · It's OK, but Just This Once! · Teenagers · Someday · Wolf Like Me · Under the ...
  29. [29]
    Never Back Down (2008) Technical Specifications - ShotOnWhat
    Jun 14, 2019 · Jean Roqua. Wyatt Smith. Charlie Tyler. Affion Crockett. Beatdown DJ ... Background Casting: Background Entertainment. Lucia Davidson.
  30. [30]
    Never Back Down (2008) - Release info - IMDb
    Release date · United States. March 4, 2008(Hollywood, California, premiere) · Canada. March 14, 2008 · United States. March 14, 2008 · Thailand. March 15, 2008.
  31. [31]
    Never Back Down - Red Carpet World Premier, Hollywood - YouTube
    Mar 6, 2008 · ... (MMA). He sees a star in Jake and asks that he meet with his mentor ... Production Thank you for watching! Blacktree is at all the ...Missing: authenticity | Show results with:authenticity
  32. [32]
    Never Back Down - Box Office Mojo
    A frustrated and conflicted teenager arrives at a new high school to discover an underground fight club, and meets a classmate who begins to coerce him into ...
  33. [33]
    Everything You Need to Know About Never Back Down Movie (2008)
    Rating 4.5 (20) Set against the action-packed world of Mixed Martial Arts, "Never Back Down" is the story of Jake Tyler, a tough kid who leads with his fists, and, often, with ...
  34. [34]
    Never Back Down | Reviews - Screen Daily
    Mar 14, 2008 · Dir: Jeff Wadlow. US. 2008. 113 mins. Fight Club meets The Karate Kid in Never Back Down, a generic, violent underdog story that pays a lot ...Missing: handheld realism
  35. [35]
    BET SLAMS INTO THE ARENA OF MMA - Sherdog
    Mar 10, 2008 · Integrated marketing partnerships include Sony PlayStation's "God of War," Old Spice and Summit Entertainment's film "Never Back Down" featuring ...
  36. [36]
    Never Back Down Blu-ray
    Rating 5/10 · Review by Martin LiebmanJul 29, 2008 · Never Back Down Blu-ray, Overall Score and Recommendation. 2.5 of 5. Never Back Down lacks even one iota of originality in its 113 minute ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  37. [37]
    Movie Never Back Down - DVD Sales - The Numbers
    DVD Sales Performance ; Released on DVD: July 29, 2008 ; DVD Units Sold: 1,151,960 ; Consumer Spending: $20,281,566 ; See full information for Never Back Down ...
  38. [38]
    Never Back Down (2008) - Alternate versions - IMDb
    Alternate versions: Never Back Down. Edit. PG-13 version is 110 Minutes while the unrated version is 113 Minutes.Missing: theatrical runtime Extended Beat
  39. [39]
    Never Back Down (Extended Beat Down Edition) DVD Review - IGN
    Rating 6/10 · Review by Christopher MonfetteJul 11, 2008 · Never Back Down is essentially the poor man's The Karate Kid, if Karate Kid was somehow released in response to Fight Club.
  40. [40]
    Never Back Down - ‎Apple TV
    A rebellious teen Jake Tyler is lured into an ultimate underground fighting club in a Backyard Fight, where he finds a mentor in a mixed martial arts veteran.
  41. [41]
    Watch Never Back Down | Netflix
    Never Back Down is a 2008 action movie about a teen who joins a fight club. It is a martial arts, sports, and action movie. Starring Sean Faris, Amber Heard, ...
  42. [42]
    Never Back Down streaming: where to watch online? - JustWatch
    Rating 86% (2,176) Currently you are able to watch "Never Back Down" streaming on Starz Apple TV Channel, MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel or for free with ads on VIX .
  43. [43]
    Weekend Box Office
    Mar 17, 2008 · Compared to projections, Horton Hears A Who debuted a few notches below my $50M forecast while Never Back Down opened slightly above my $6M ...
  44. [44]
    Never Back Down Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 39% (22) Summit Entertainment; Mandalay Independent Pictures; Baumgarten Management and Productions (BMP). Release Date Mar 14, 2008. Duration 1 h 50 m. Rating PG-13.Missing: wide | Show results with:wide
  45. [45]
    Never Back Down Review - IGN
    Rating 4/10 · Review by Todd GilchristMar 13, 2008 · Never Back Down is essentially the poor man's The Karate Kid, if Karate Kid was somehow released in response to Fight Club.
  46. [46]
    Never Back Down (2008) - Metacritic reviews - IMDb
    A modest surprise: better acted than needed, better made than expected. 60. Variety. Variety. Best part, though, is the cast: Everyone's a model, ...
  47. [47]
    2008 MTV Movie Awards Winners | Rotten Tomatoes
    Jun 2, 2008 · and Cam Gigandet in Never Back Down Best Villain: Johnny Depp in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Best Kiss: Briana Evigan and ...
  48. [48]
    Never Back Down (2008) - Awards - IMDb
    Never Back Down (2008) - Awards, nominations, and wins.
  49. [49]
    Never Back Down: No Surrender - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 55% (13) Synopsis Case Walker (Michael Jai White), a former MMA champion, begins to stage a comeback and make another run at the title, pitting his old school skills ...Missing: plots | Show results with:plots
  50. [50]
    Never Back Down: Revolt - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 0% (1) Synopsis A woman is kidnapped and forced to compete in elite underground fights in order to battle her way out to freedom. Director: Kellie Madison.
  51. [51]
    Never Back Down 2: Michael Jai White - Blackfilm.com
    Sep 13, 2011 · Out on home video (Blu-ray, DVD) is Michael Jai White's directorial debut, 'Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown,' the sequel to the 2008 mixed ...Missing: company continuity
  52. [52]
    Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown - ‎Apple TV
    Sequel with amateur acting, weak story, much MMA violence. Information. Studio: Mandalay Pictures; Released: 2011; Run Time: 1 hr 39 min ...
  53. [53]
    Never Back Down: No Surrender - ‎Apple TV
    Case Walker, a former MMA champion, begins to stage a comeback and make another run at the title. Information. Studio: Stage 6 Films; Released: 2016; Run Time ...
  54. [54]
    'Never Back Down: Revolt': Kellie Madison Directing Fourth Installment
    Nov 10, 2020 · Never Back Down: Revolt centers on a woman (Olivia Popica, Informer, Retribution) who is kidnapped and forced to compete in elite underground ...Missing: weather delays coordination local authorities
  55. [55]
    Never Back Down: Revolt | Sony Pictures United Kingdom
    CAST. Michael Bisping. Olivia Popica. Brooke Johnston. Nitu Chandra Srivasttava. CREW. Director.
  56. [56]
    'Coolest thing ever'... Dricus du Plessis names movie that inspired ...
    Feb 5, 2025 · Dricus du Plessis names movie that inspired him to become a UFC fighter ... Never Back Down was panned by critics, but it's developed a cult ...Missing: 2023 | Show results with:2023
  57. [57]
    UFC Champion Dricus Du Plessis Credits Iconic Movie 'Never Back ...
    Feb 5, 2025 · Dricus Du Plessis reveals that the movie 'Never Back Down' inspired him to pursue a career in MMA.
  58. [58]
    Fighting Fiction: 'Never Back Down' should have ... - MMA Mania
    Apr 29, 2020 · 'Never Back Down' is just 'Karate Kid but bad.' I could probably squeeze another thousand words out of a more detailed explanation on why the ...
  59. [59]
    The Karate Kid Franchise Already Has a Perfect Successor (But It ...
    Mar 8, 2025 · Never Back Down is a solid example. But nothing could recapture the ... Cobra Kai did use some MMA fighters in cameos in Terry's crew ...
  60. [60]
    Never Back Down (2008) - Christian Spotlight on the Movies
    Set against the action-packed world of Mixed Martial Arts, Never Back Down is the story of Jake Tyler, a tough kid who leads with his fists, and, often, with ...Missing: plot summary<|control11|><|separator|>
  61. [61]
    Positive and Negative Themes Depicted in Combat-Related Sports ...
    Never Back Down, 2008, Thriller, PG-13, MMA, 115, 24.9, Mentorship, Choosing to do the wrong thing. The Wrestler, 2008, Drama, R, Wrestling, 115, 26.2, Positive ...