By Any Means Debuts on Digital Platforms October 20

Paramount Pictures is bringing By Any Means, a crime thriller starring Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, to digital retailers on October 20. Directed by Elegance Bratton, the film draws inspiration from the 1966 killings of civil rights leaders in Mississippi and follows an FBI investigation involving a young Black agent and a Mafia hitman.

According to figures cited by Media Play News and Screen Rant, the film earned $16.7 million worldwide, including $15.7 million in North America, against a reported production budget of $29 million. Its theatrical run began September 4, and the movie placed fourth at the box office during its opening weekend, behind Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Coyote vs. Acme, according to Screen Rant.

The digital release is scheduled for 12 a.m. Eastern Time on October 20, equivalent to 9 p.m. Pacific Time on October 19.

Decider reported that viewers can purchase the film through Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, and other digital retailers. Amazon Prime listed the purchase price at $24.99, although prices differ across platforms.

Bratton directed the film from a screenplay by Sascha Penn. Wahlberg plays Gregory Scarpa, a Mafia hitman who became an FBI informant, while Abdul-Mateen portrays Special Agent Wayne Strider, a character based on real-life FBI agent Lindley DeVecchio, according to Decider.

The story follows a federal investigation into the disappearance and killings of three civil rights leaders in Mississippi in 1966. Scarpa's involvement connects the inquiry to organized crime as investigators seek those responsible for the violence.

The supporting cast includes Nicole Beharie, Giancarlo Esposito, Josh Lucas, David Strathairn, Ethan Embry, LisaGay Hamilton, and LaChanze. Wahlberg also served as a producer alongside Bratton and several other producers. Screen Rant reported that the film marks the first collaboration between Wahlberg and Abdul-Mateen.

Critical and audience assessments have differed, according to Screen Rant. The film received a 49% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared with an 88% audience score. Critical assessments pointed to weaknesses in the plot's cohesion and a rushed ending, while Abdul-Mateen's performance drew positive attention.

As of Decider's October 19 report, the film was not available through a subscription streaming service. Paramount+ could become a future destination, but Paramount had not announced an official streaming date.

Decider estimated that the film might arrive on Paramount+ around early December 2026 if its release follows the pattern of another recent Paramount film, Scary Movie. That projection remains speculative because no subscription streaming date has been confirmed.

A Blu-ray and DVD release is also planned, according to Screen Rant, although a date for the physical release has not been announced.