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Action adventure film

Archenemy (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Archenemy (2020) movie poster

Archenemy is a 2020 action adventure film directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer, starring Joe Manganiello as Max Fist, Paul Scheer and Amy Seimetz. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $147,757 worldwide. Critics gave it 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and 57 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.0/10. Stream it on Hoopla and Plex, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

IMDb rating
5.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
76%
worldwide gross
$147.8K
Echo Score
66
Archenemy (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Genres
Action , Adventure
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Archenemy About?

The premise of Archenemy without spoilers.

Joe Manganiello stars as Max Fist, a mysterious figure claiming to be a superhero from another planet whose powers have diminished after traveling through a wormhole. He captivates a young man with extraordinary stories of his past, but their lives are unexpectedly threatened by a dangerous drug cartel. Driven by a desire for redemption and recognition, Max uses his remaining abilities to confront the cartel and deliver a harsh brand of justice, while also searching for answers about his past and lost abilities.

Archenemy Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • hero
  • one word title
  • open ended
  • animated sequence
  • no opening credits
  • written by director
  • electronic music score
  • superhero
  • non comic book superhero
  • urban fantasy
  • psychotronic film
  • surrealism
+38 more
  • blue blood
  • flashback
  • montage
  • darkness
  • neo noir
  • urban setting
  • ghetto
  • african american
  • dreadlocks
  • reference to william shakespeare
  • villainess
  • revelation
  • murder
  • death
  • violence
  • kidnapping
  • hostage
  • held at gunpoint
  • rescue
  • escape
  • deception
  • double cross
  • blood
  • blood splatter
  • ambush
  • slow motion scene
  • city
  • action hero
  • anti hero
  • one man army
  • tough guy
  • warrior
  • homeless man
  • homeless person
  • homelessness
  • beer
  • alcoholic
  • drunkenness
Where to watch

Where to Watch Archenemy

Stream it on Hoopla and Plex, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Archenemy Cast & Characters

Joe Manganiello leads the cast as Max Fist, with Paul Scheer as Krieg and Amy Seimetz as Cleo Ventrik. Directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer; 12 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Archenemy

· 8 more
Ratings

Archenemy Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Archenemy 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and 57 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

66 /100

Archenemy Echo Score Breakdown

Archenemy delivers an inventive take on superhero tropes with notable visual flair but struggles to maintain consistent narrative engagement. Critics highlighted its bold production design and energetic direction, while many viewers found the story underdeveloped and predictable. Performances by the leads receive praise for bringing integrity and grit to underwritten characters. The film’s sensory elements stand out, though uneven pacing and limited emotional growth undermine broader appeal. Net impression: a stylish yet uneven genre effort that engages in moments but falls short of lasting impact.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, Archenemy demonstrates a vivid visual identity through its production design and direction. The film’s blending of comic-book animation and gritty action sequences creates a distinctive aesthetic. Editing choices underscore frenetic moments, even if transitions occasionally feel abrupt. Overall, the movie achieves a memorable stylistic presence that largely compensates for occasional lapses in visual cohesion.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from committed performances that inject authenticity into the lead roles. Actors navigate the material with conviction, lending moments of emotional resonance despite limited character development. Chemistry between protagonists adds a grounded counterpoint to the heightened premise. While depth is uneven, the ensemble’s integrity and flair make the characters engaging in key scenes.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, Archenemy offers an original premise that initially intrigues but loses momentum as it progresses. Pacing oscillates between dynamic set pieces and slower narrative stretches, resulting in an uneven rhythm. Plot coherence is challenged by underexplored concepts, and the resolution feels predictable rather than surprising. Ultimately, the film’s narrative ambition is appreciable but falls short of full engagement.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Regarding sensory experience, the film excels with a standout soundtrack and bold sound design that amplify its comic-book atmosphere. Musical choices punctuate action sequences, while visual styling employs a vibrant color palette and varied textures. The integration of trap beats and retro sci-fi motifs creates an immersive soundscape. These elements combine to deliver a cohesive audiovisual identity that remains a highlight of the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    In terms of rewatch factor, Archenemy offers limited appeal for repeat viewings due to its narrative shortcomings. While initial engagement arises from the intriguing concept and stylistic energy, the underdeveloped storyline and predictable outcome diminish lasting interest. Character arcs provide sporadic returns, but emotional resonance is insufficient to sustain multiple passes. Overall, the film’s uneven depth curtails replay value.

Box office

Archenemy Box Office

Archenemy grossed $147,757 worldwide. $121,642 came from the US and Canada and $26,115 (18%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$147.8K

US & Canada
$121.6K
International
$26.1K
US & Canada 82% Rest of the world 18%
Videos

Archenemy Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Archenemy.

ARCHENEMY Official Trailer
Cars

Cars in Archenemy

20 cars on screen, including the 2017 Aston Martin DB11 and the 1976 Chevrolet El Camino.

All 20 cars
  • 2017 Aston Martin DB11 in Archenemy 2017 Aston Martin DB11 Important role
  • 1976 Chevrolet El Camino in Archenemy 1976 Chevrolet El Camino Important role
  • 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera in Archenemy 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Important role
  • 2005 Ford Mustang in Archenemy 2005 Ford Mustang Minor role
Details

Archenemy Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “아치에너미” and “要敌”.

Also known as
  • 아치에너미
  • 要敌
  • Макс Фіст
  • Макс Фист
  • 맥스 피스트
  • Супергерой от друго измерение
  • האויב המושבע
  • Arcywróg
  • ミュータント:マックス
  • Úhlavní nepřítel
  • Úhlavný nepriateľ
  • Smrtni sovražnik

Seen Archenemy?

FAQ

Archenemy FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Archenemy, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Archenemy?

Archenemy runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Archenemy released?

Archenemy was released on December 11, 2020.

Who directed Archenemy?

Archenemy was directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer.

More films by Adam Egypt Mortimer

Who is in the cast of Archenemy?

Archenemy stars Joe Manganiello as Max Fist, Paul Scheer as Krieg and Amy Seimetz as Cleo Ventrik, among 12 credited actors.

Where can I watch Archenemy?

In the US, Archenemy is streaming on Hoopla, Plex and The Roku Channel and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Archenemy make at the box office?

Archenemy grossed $147,757 worldwide ($121,642 domestic, $26,115 international).

How is Archenemy rated?

Archenemy has 5.0/10 on IMDb, 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, 57 on Metacritic and 52% on TMDB.

Does Archenemy have a post-credit scene?

No. Archenemy has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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