Revisit ’89’s Gritty ‘The Punisher’ Starring Dolph Lundgren—Now Streaming Free on Tubi!

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If you’re excited about Marvel’s latest series, “Daredevil: Born Again,” then don’t miss out on another thrilling comic book adaptation – “The Punisher.” Originally released in 1989, this action-packed film features Dolph Lundgren as the complex character of a former police officer turned vigilante. Initially met with criticism and initial disapproval, “The Punisher” has since garnered a dedicated fanbase. Now, thanks to Tubi, you can watch this groundbreaking adaptation for free, reaching an entirely new audience!

In a different rendition:

The character of The Punisher is played by Lundgren (known for films like Rocky IV and The Expendables). He portrays Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher. A tragic event where his family was killed and a fellow officer presumed dead leaves him seeking vengeance. In response, he becomes a vigilante, stirring up a mafia war and tracking down those responsible for the loss of his loved ones. Initially, this story is about revenge, but it soon escalates into a city-wide crisis as a new adversary emerges to claim control over the chaos. In this challenging situation, The Punisher finds himself needing to collaborate with his longstanding nemesis in order to save the city. Yet, the man who was once Frank Castle learns that some grudges persist beyond death.

‘The Punisher’ Is a ’80s Action Film That Still Holds up Today

This action-packed flick, titled “The Punisher“, offers a blend of fun and a touch of camp for action enthusiasts. With its straightforward narrative, minimal budget, and exaggerated action sequences, it’s an effortless and engaging viewing experience. Dolph Lundgren was applauded as the ideal portrayal of the tormented lead character. As the unyielding anti-hero, he is both mysterious and lethal, amassing an impressive tally of victims.

The movie is brutally violent, oozing darkness and grit. However, some purists have criticized it for deviating from the original comics. While there are changes, the essence of the storyline endures, even if his iconic skull shirt is missing from the character.

The movie is among the initial Marvel superhero films, yet it lacks the typical antagonists from the Punisher comics that fans are accustomed to. Some viewers might view this as a disadvantage, but instead, it keeps the emphasis on Castle’s personal turmoil and pursuit of vengeance, which is the film’s core theme. Garth Ennis, author of the 2004 Punisher comic book series, considered the 1989 movie to be the most authentic, uncompromising portrayal of the character.

‘The Punisher’ Had a Hard Road to Audiences and a Tubi Release

Initially, “The Punisher” faced challenges both from critics and viewers upon its debut. One of the early indications of this struggle was its lack of a US release, not because of the film’s quality, but rather due to financial problems experienced by the studio producing it. However, it was released internationally, where despite some theatrical constraints, it managed to gross $30 million, surpassing its production budget of $9 million.

In the U.S., viewers initially received The Punisher straight-to-VHS release. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it a disheartening 25% critical rating and a somewhat better 33% audience score, with some criticizing its overly cheesy feel and finding the special effects to be a distraction due to budget constraints. However, positive reviews focused on Lundgren’s performance, with Luke Y. Thompson of LYTRules praising his “superhero presence,” while TV Guide lauded the actor for his portrayal of an emotionally vacant character, deeming him “impressive.

Despite being rated quite sternly, the film “The Punisher” appears to have garnered a devoted fan base, much like many of Lundgren’s releases. The movie saw significant popularity upon its video release, with dedicated fans quickly purchasing it. On Amazon, the film boasts an impressive 4.6-star rating from more than 1,500 reviews. More recent critics on Rotten Tomatoes have been notably generous in their appraisal of this comic book adaptation. In fact, a good number of these audiences who’ve only recently discovered the movie over the past few years have given it 4 and 5-star ratings.

Thanks to Tubi, the gap is about to be bridged as The Punisher joins a lineup of upcoming films in April. Other titles set to stream on Tubi next month include G.I. Joe: Retaliation, both volumes of Kill Bill, Rush Hour (1 and 2), and Wrath of Man.

In addition to the famous actor from Rocky, The Punisher also features Louis Gossett Jr. (known for Roots), Jeroen Krabbe (from The Fourth Man), Nancy Everhard (star of Everwood), Todd Boyce (appearing in Coronation Street), Larry McCormick (in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines), and Kim Miyori (recognized from St. Elsewhere). Fans who enjoy Daredevil: Born Again, Dolph Lundgren, intense Marvel superheroes, and action films about vigilantes should definitely watch this movie. Beginning April 1, The Punisher will be available to stream for free on Tubi.

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2025-03-28 03:02