The Art of Self-Defense
Directed by Riley Stearns
Casey is attacked at random on the street and enlists in a local dojo led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei in an effort to learn how to defend himself. What he uncovers is a sinister world of fraternity, violence and hypermasculinity and a woman fighting for her place in it.
Where to Watch The Art of Self-Defense
The Art of Self-Defense Ratings & Reviews
- SirMonkalotJanuary 10, 2026Literally the best dark comedy movie ever made. “If a bear’s forest catches on fire, the bear is still a bear”. True words of wisdom 😂
- Nicholas FlorioOctober 5, 2025Casey is a G. He might not seem like it but, don't underestimate him. He's the man.
- m00nySeptember 20, 2025This is the movie where Eisenberg shines. He doesn't seem apt enough to be a spy, suave enough to be a magician or confident enough to be a corporate overlord. But put him in a film where he's an alternate take on a Facebook mogul and he's golden. Solid story, solid actors and bags full of quirky dark humor. The trailer didn't make me laugh but the movie put an unexpected smile on my face.
- sinriseApril 21, 2026This was a really odd movie. First of all, understand this is in no way, shape, or form, how a proper dojo would be run. It was hard to get a sense of what this movie is trying to say. At one point I thought it might be a commentary on guns but... unclear. I'm not sure how it's a statement about the martial arts community since it's not even slightly representative. It was weird but enjoyable. I found the plot pretty predictable but it was still fun. It reminded me a little of Fight Club, at least at one point... but again I feel like this movie has nothing to say other than maybe "look at me!" Even the title of the movie is a "huh?" Is it about self defense? I'd say, no, not really. If it was about anything I missed it.
- NiztradamusJuly 10, 2025Funny, violent and a hot chick having more balls than our protagonist. Just watch it!
Watch The Art of Self-Defense Videos
The Art of Self-Defense Trivia
The Art of Self-Defense was released on July 19, 2019.
The Art of Self-Defense was directed by Riley Stearns.
The Art of Self-Defense has a runtime of 1h 43m.
The Art of Self-Defense was produced by Walter Kortschak, Stephanie Whonsetler, Andrew Kortschak, Cody Ryder.
Casey is attacked at random on the street and enlists in a local dojo led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei in an effort to learn how to defend himself. What he uncovers is a sinister world of fraternity, violence and hypermasculinity and a woman fighting for her place in it.
The key characters in The Art of Self-Defense are Casey (Jesse Eisenberg), Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), Anna (Imogen Poots).
The Art of Self-Defense is rated R.
The Art of Self-Defense is a Comedy, Drama, Thriller film.
The Art of Self-Defense has an audience rating of 6.3 out of 10.
The Art of Self-Defense had a budget of $1.8M.
The Art of Self-Defense has made $2.4M at the box office.