Steve, Bête de combat (originally titled Rumble) is an animated film directed by Hamish Grieve, written by Matt Lieberman and the filmmaker himself, featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Terry Crews, and Geraldine Viswanathan. Released in French theaters on February 9, 2022, this family-friendly feature (1 hour 35 minutes), suitable for children aged 6 and up, will become available on Netflix starting February 13, 2026.
In a world where monster wrestling has become a global spectacle, battles fill massive arenas and catapult fighters into mega-star status. Steve, a huge but awkward creature, doesn’t quite fit the mold of the charismatic champion the crowd cheers for. Lazy and clumsy, he struggles to find his role in this universe driven by showmanship and fame.
It’s he that Wendie, a determined teenager and the daughter of a legendary coach, bets on. Convinced he has the potential to become a great fighter, she sets out to train him to face Tentaculaire, the reigning champion. The story follows their unlikely partnership, through grueling training sessions, moments of doubt, and the birth of a friendship that redefines what it truly means to win.
In the tradition of major American animated comedies, the film blends the glitz of sports entertainment with a world filled with fantastical creatures. Oversized arenas, merchandise obsession, and high-profile rivalries set the stage, evoking both professional wrestling and certain animated franchises focused on competition.
The directing favors a pace that's engaging and easy to follow, complemented by vibrant colors. Meanwhile, the plot revolves around a classic outsider story. Learning and mentorship form the heart of the narrative, highlighting the relationship between Wendie and Steve—an inspiring twist on the traditional coach-and-champion tale, tailored for a young audience.
While staying true to the conventions of sports films, Steve, Bête de combat reimagines them within a fantastical and family-friendly universe, emphasizing humor and teamwork. Debuting on Netflix in February 2026, it offers a fresh take for a new generation of viewers to enjoy this animated twist on the theme of self-improvement and overcoming obstacles.
Steve, The Battle Beast
Film | 2022
Released in theaters: February 9, 2022
Streaming on Netflix from February 13, 2026
Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy | Duration: 1h35
Directed by Hamish Grieve | Featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Terry Crews, Geraldine Viswanathan
Original title: Rumble
United States origin
Blending sports comedy with fantastical adventure, Steve, Beast of a Fighter reimagines the typical competition film within a universe designed to captivate younger audiences. Combining humor with themes of teamwork, this movie follows in the footsteps of contemporary American animated stories about unlikely heroes, offering an uplifting and entertaining experience for viewers of all ages.
For a deeper dive, check out our curated list of new Netflix releases for February, our comprehensive guide to latest streaming premieres across all platforms, and today's top picks what to watch today in streaming.
