42

Play trailer

42

PG-13

2013

2h 8m

Biography

History

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

196 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), legendary manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, defies major league baseball's notorious color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team. The heroic act puts both Rickey and Robinson in the firing line of the public, the press and other players. Facing open racism from all sides, Robinson demonstrates true courage and admirable restraint by not reacting in kind and lets his undeniable talent silence the critics for him.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

42 is an earnest, inspirational, and respectfully told biography of an influential American sports icon, though it might be a little too safe and old-fashioned for some.

Read Critics Reviews

Dwight Brown

National Newspaper Publishers Association

03/07/2017

This honorable and enlightening film pays due respect to Jackie Robinson -- a sports legend and courageous American hero.

Go to Full Review

Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

05/07/2014

3/4

A dramatization of what Robinson did and what it required, 42 will not disappoint.

Go to Full Review

Mary F. Pols

TIME Magazine

05/07/2014

It's not easy to play a stoic, but Boseman anchors the movie, and when he smiles, 42, already such a warm story of such cold times, gets even brighter.

Go to Full Review

Ross Anthony

Hollywood Report Card

Jan 12

3/4

Solid cinematography, paced well, and propelled with the heart of a truly great, heroic story, this a film about character that seeks to help you define yours. Whether or not they like baseball, everyone in America should see it.

Go to Full Review

Alex Bentley

CultureMap

Jan 7

Helgeland and crew have succeeded in doing exactly what should have been done long ago: honoring the bravest baseball player America has ever known.

Go to Full Review

Mike McGranaghan

Aisle Seat

Dec 3

3/4

Even if it isn't the most in-depth telling of Robinson's extraordinary journey, it is nonetheless a marvelously entertaining tribute to a very important man.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

RiLO W.

@RiLO- May 5

AMAZING, Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford delivered!! A truly inspiring story brought to the big screen. If you’re a baseball fan you will definitely love this one, even if not phenomenal movie. 👍

See more

Cameron C.

@RT89680683 Apr 27

Chadwick bosemans acting is amazing, he really makes you empathize for Jackie and what he had to go through. Harrison Ford is amazing in the movie as well.

See more

Austen T

@AustenReviews Apr 24

One of the best Baseball movies out there since the Sandlot.

See more

Blake- N

@PBSAniDom Apr 18

"42" is a powerful true-story sports drama about Jackie Robinson breaking MLB’s color barrier. It balances emotional storytelling with historical weight without over-dramatization. Chadwick Boseman delivers a grounded, compelling performance capturing Robinson’s strength under immense pressure, while Harrison Ford stands out as Branch Rickey, adding depth and conviction. Beyond baseball, the film highlights courage, dignity, and the harsh reality of racism in 1940s America. The pacing is steady, and the game scenes are engaging even for non-sports fans. While it follows a familiar biopic structure, its emotional impact and importance elevate it above standard sports films. A respectful, inspiring tribute to a legend. 9/10

See more

Stephen C

@bob25009 Feb 9

Based on a true story in 2 hours and 8 minutes. Rated PG-13 for Language and Thematic Elements.

See more

Peyton W

@CCHS_Football_2834 Feb 9

DO NOT WATCH THIS AT SCHOOL!!!! this movie is so good

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Brian Helgeland

Director

Chadwick Boseman

Jackie Robinson

Harrison Ford

Branch Rickey

Nicole Beharie

Rachel Robinson

Christopher Meloni

Leo Durocher

Ryan Merriman

Dixie Walker

Race

64%

77%

Race

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Race

Marshall

80%

84%

Marshall

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Marshall

Lincoln

89%

80%

Lincoln

Watchlist

Hitchcock

59%

60%

Hitchcock

Watchlist

The Founder

80%

82%

The Founder

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Founder

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

40 Fresh Movies and Netflix Originals Streaming in November

Rank Harrison Ford’s 10 Best Movies

10 Certified Fresh Biopics of Groundbreaking African-Americans

Best Baseball Movies of All-Time

24:02

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), legendary manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, defies major league baseball's notorious color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team. The heroic act puts both Rickey and Robinson in the firing line of the public, the press and other players. Facing open racism from all sides, Robinson demonstrates true courage and admirable restraint by not reacting in kind and lets his undeniable talent silence the critics for him.

Director: Brian Helgeland
Producer: Thomas Tull
Screenwriter: Brian Helgeland
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Legendary Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Language)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 12, 2013, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 3, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $95.1M
Runtime: 2h 8m
Sound Mix: Datasat, SDDS, Dolby Digital