42

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42

PG-13

2013

2h 8m

Biography

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

197 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.

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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.

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Dwight Brown

National Newspaper Publishers Association

Mar 7, 2017

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

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Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

May 7, 2014

3/4

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

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Mary F. Pols

TIME Magazine

May 7, 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.

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Matt Oakes

Silver Screen Riot

26 min ago

D+

Even in the decadent little movements of intimacy, over-sensationalization takes hold and bucks the viewer into a fatiguing stronghold.

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Ross Anthony

Hollywood Report Card

Jan 12, 2026

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.

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Alex Bentley

CultureMap

Jan 7, 2026

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

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Kyle M

@RT77296778 Sep 17, 2026

While "Moneyball" focused on statistics, this has joined the ranks as another one of the best, perfectly balanced baseball films at both stellar level with cheerful, earnest ambiance powered by strong performances, namely Boseman in his remarkable breakthrough and Ford exceptionally voicing the meaningful power that transpired on the field towards unity, with faithful emittance extracting the appropriate essences. (A)

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J H

@UpstateNYThriller Sep 11, 2026

7/10 History, Civil Rights Movie about Jackie Robinson. Good movie

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Alex B

@ALEXANDRIA123 Aug 25, 2026

Outstanding movie that displays professional baseball in troubled times in the 1940s. The director was courageous in his portrayal of these times, and the music only added the dynamic of this great movie. In this viewer’s opinion, all ages should have a chance to watch this movie and appreciate what America was and continues to made of!!

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Mitchell S

@Mitchstur Aug 4, 2026

It's inspiring and encouraging! Every time I watch an inspirational true story like this, I'm reminded that the impossible does happen in real life!

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Clarence H

@clarencew Aug 2, 2026

Excellent movie. Great cast, great attention to period detail. Very moving. Loved it.

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RiLO W.

@RiLO- May 5, 2026

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. 👍

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Brian Helgeland

Director

Chadwick Boseman

Jackie Robinson

Harrison Ford

Branch Rickey

Nicole Beharie

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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

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