Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sadistic, dystopian bloodbath with nudity, cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Death Race Beyond Anarchy
What's the Story?
The U.S. has suffered a total societal breakdown in DEATH RACE BEYOND ANARCHY. To incarcerate the worst of its violent criminals, Weyland International, a private corporation, has created the world's largest prison, called "The Sprawl." Surrounded by a wall from which there's no escape, an entire city has become that prison -- a harrowing, isolated place. Chaos reigns. Violence is rampant. Death is a constant way of life. A seemingly-indestructible leader, called "Frankenstein" (Velislav Pavlov), rules the bloodthirsty prison population with an iron hand (and an iron mask, as well). The primary entertainment: The Death Race -- a car race broadcast over "the dark web" to millions of "fans." Only one competitor can survive. Frankenstein takes on all comers. To kill him in a Death Race is the only possible way to become the commander of The Sprawl. On the outside, Weyland's authorities are near panic; they've lost control. Enter Connor (Zach McCowan), a mysterious new prisoner, a stoic force of nature, whom it appears that no one can defeat in battle. His objective: to compete in the Death Race. To gain entry to the race, he must prove himself time and again against the most vicious men and women of Sprawl City. Connor's quest becomes more treacherous and more surprising as he gets closer to his goal.
Is It Any Good?
Mobs screaming for blood, vicious battles between brutal men and women with nothing to lose, and a lone warrior, slashing his way to dominance, are at the center of this dark, loathsome tale. The prison population is equal parts Goth, skinhead, gang thug, and sex-crazed obsessive. The conquering hero is a Richard Gere look-alike who is quite successful at selling his bravery, hidden decency, and audacity. The villain is a holdover from the earlier episodes of the franchise -- ruthless, smart, and always compelling. So much for character building in Death Race Beyond Anarchy. Carnage, profanity, and provocative sexuality is everything else.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Death Race Beyond Anarchy. What do you think motivated the filmmakers to include so much graphic violence in this movie? Was it ever too much for you? Did it seem gratuitous or unnecessary? Why is it important for families to understand the impact of violence in the media? How does your family determine which action movies the kids can see?
In film and literature, what is the meaning of the term "anti-hero?" In what ways does Connor fit the definition of an anti-hero?
Whom do you think the filmmakers identify as the target audience for this film?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 2, 2018
- Cast : Zach McGowan , Danny Glover , Danny Trejo
- Director : Don Michael Paul
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 11, 2026
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