The Art of Self-Defense
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 in United States
Kanopy
Hoopla
Tubi TV
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open The Art of Self-Defense there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is The Art of Self-Defense streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Kanopy, Hoopla, Tubi TV | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| India | Tubi TV | Amazon Video |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Sky Store |
| Canada | Hoopla, Tubi TV | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| France | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Orange VOD |
| Spain | — | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| Brazil | — | Claro video, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Japan | — | FOD |
About The Art of Self-Defense
The Art of Self-Defense is a 2019 English-language comedy, thriller and drama film directed by Riley Stearns. The cast is led by Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots. It has a runtime of 1h 44m. Viewers rate it 6.6/10 across 800 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Kanopy, Hoopla, Tubi TV.
The Art of Self-Defense was produced by End Cue and made in United States of America. It was released on July 12, 2019, and carries a R certification. Made on a budget of about $2 million, it went on to gross $2 million worldwide.
- Director
- Riley Stearns
- Writers
- Riley Stearns
- Release date
- July 12, 2019
- OTT release
- October 8, 2019
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- R
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Budget
- $2 million
- Box office
- $2 million
- Production
- End Cue
The Art of Self-Defense cast & crew
The Art of Self-Defense was directed by Riley Stearns and written by Riley Stearns.
The cast features Jesse Eisenberg as Casey, Alessandro Nivola as Sensei, Imogen Poots as Anna, Steve Terada as Thomas, David Zellner as Henry, and Phillip Andre Botello as Kennith.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Heather McIntosh, cinematography is by Michael Ragen, and it was produced by Walter Kortschak and Stephanie Whonsetler.
Is The Art of Self-Defense worth watching?
The Art of Self-Defense holds an audience score of 6.6/10 from 835 ratings, a solidly received comedy films.
At 1h 44m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy comedy, thriller, and drama, The Art of Self-Defense is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch The Art of Self-Defense
In United States, you can stream The Art of Self-Defense on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Tubi TV, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Click any service above to open it directly.
It first became available to stream digitally on October 8, 2019.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of The Art of Self-Defense
Jesse Eisenberg
Casey
Alessandro Nivola
Sensei
Imogen Poots
Anna
Steve Terada
Thomas
David Zellner
Henry
Phillip Andre Botello
Kennith
Jason Burkey
Alex
Mike Brooks
Steve
C.J. Rush
Other Steve
Davey Johnson
Gun Store Owner
Hauke Bahr
Grant
Katherine Martin
Bakery Woman
The Art of Self-Defense — FAQs
▸Where can I watch The Art of Self-Defense in United States?
The Art of Self-Defense is streaming on Kanopy, Hoopla, Tubi TV in United States.
▸Is The Art of Self-Defense on Kanopy?
Yes — The Art of Self-Defense is currently available on Kanopy in United States.
▸What language is The Art of Self-Defense in?
The Art of Self-Defense is originally in English, with audio tracks including English, French, German, Spanish. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is The Art of Self-Defense?
The Art of Self-Defense runs 1 hours 44 minutes (104 minutes).
▸What is The Art of Self-Defense rated?
The Art of Self-Defense is rated R. It holds a 6.6/10 audience score from 835 ratings.
▸When did The Art of Self-Defense release on OTT?
The Art of Self-Defense became available digitally on October 8, 2019.
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