F.I.S.T. (1978) movie backdrop
F.I.S.T. (1978) movie poster
1978145 minDrama, Action, Crime, Thriller

F.I.S.T.

F.I.S.T. Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:F.I.S.T. is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.5/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama, Action, Crime, Thriller genre.

Is F.I.S.T. Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, F.I.S.T. is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 145 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.

6.5216 votes
145Minutes
1978Release Year
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F.I.S.T. Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1978, F.I.S.T. enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Johnny Kovak joins the Teamsters trade-union in a local chapter in the 1930s and works his way up in the organization. Under the direction of Norman Jewison, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Sylvester Stallone, Rod Steiger, Peter Boyle. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, F.I.S.T. offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 145-minute runtime can feel deliberate.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, F.I.S.T. resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of January 2026, F.I.S.T. is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of F.I.S.T. centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Johnny Kovak joins the Teamsters trade-union in a local chapter in the 1930s and works his way up in the organization. As he climbs higher and higher his methods become more ruthless and finally senator Madison starts a campaign to find the truth about the alleged connections with the Mob. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1978 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of F.I.S.T. has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a F.I.S.T. sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for F.I.S.T. (1978): with an audience rating of 6.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a recommended for fans of Drama, Action, Crime, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

F.I.S.T. Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $11,000,000
Worldwide Gross $20,388,920
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

F.I.S.T. Budget

The estimated production budget for F.I.S.T. is $11,000,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

PG
F.I.S.T. is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is generally suitable for all ages.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, F.I.S.T. stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is F.I.S.T. movie hit or flop?

F.I.S.T. has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is F.I.S.T. worth watching?

F.I.S.T. is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Action, Crime movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is F.I.S.T.?

F.I.S.T. is a Drama, Action, Crime movie that Johnny Kovak joins the Teamsters trade-union in a local chapter in the 1930s and works his way up in the organization. As he climbs higher and higher ...

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.5
F.I.S.T.
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/fist-28932" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.5</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">F.I.S.T.</div></div></a>

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is F.I.S.T. movie hit or flop?

F.I.S.T. has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is F.I.S.T. worth watching?

F.I.S.T. is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Action, Crime movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is F.I.S.T.?

F.I.S.T. is a Drama, Action, Crime movie that Johnny Kovak joins the Teamsters trade-union in a local chapter in the 1930s and works his way up in the organization. As he climbs higher and higher ...

Is F.I.S.T. family friendly?

F.I.S.T. may not be suitable for all family members as it contains Drama, Action, Crime elements. Parental guidance is recommended.

Where can I watch F.I.S.T.?

You can find streaming options and availability for F.I.S.T. on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.

Who is the main cast of F.I.S.T.?

F.I.S.T. features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.

How long is the movie F.I.S.T.?

The runtime and duration of F.I.S.T. are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Critic Reviews

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