By Any Means Arrives on Digital Platforms October 20

Paramount Pictures is bringing its crime thriller By Any Means to digital rental and purchase platforms on October 20, following a theatrical run that generated $16.7 million worldwide. Directed by Elegance Bratton, the film stars Mark Wahlberg as FBI informant Gregory Scarpa and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Special Agent Wayne Strider in a story inspired by investigations into the killings of civil rights leaders in Mississippi in 1966.

According to Media Play News, the movie earned $15.7 million in North America as part of its $16.7 million global box office total. Screen Rant reported that the film opened in theaters on September 4 and finished its opening weekend at No. 4, behind Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Coyote vs. Acme. Its reported production budget was $29 million.

The digital release begins at 12 a.m. Eastern Time on October 20, corresponding to 9 p.m. Pacific Time on October 19, according to Decider and Screen Rant.

The film will be available through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, and other digital retailers. Prices vary by platform, with Decider reporting a purchase price of $24.99 on Amazon Prime Video.

By Any Means is not yet available through a subscription streaming service, and Paramount+ has not announced an official streaming date. Decider estimated that the film could arrive on Paramount+ in early December 2026 if its release follows a similar pattern to another recent Paramount production, Scary Movie. That projection remains speculative rather than a confirmed schedule.

The film draws on the history of Gregory Scarpa, a Mafia figure who became an FBI informant, and the investigation into the disappearance and killings of civil rights activists in Mississippi. Wahlberg portrays Scarpa, while Abdul-Mateen plays Wayne Strider, a fictionalized character based on real-life FBI agent Lindley DeVecchio, according to Decider.

The story follows the unlikely partnership between the young Black FBI agent and the experienced underworld operative as they investigate violence against civil rights leaders. The assignment places the two men in a dangerous investigation where competing motives complicate the pursuit of justice.

Wahlberg also serves as a producer alongside Bratton, Alex Lebovici, Chester Algernal Gordon, Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Stephen Levinson. Sascha Penn wrote the screenplay, and the supporting cast includes Nicole Beharie, Josh Lucas, LisaGay Hamilton, LaChanze, Ethan Embry, David Strathairn, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Critical and audience assessments differed, according to Screen Rant. The film received a 49% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, while its audience score reached 88%. Screen Rant noted criticism of the film's fragmented plot and rushed ending, while Abdul-Mateen's performance drew a more favorable response.

A Blu-ray and DVD release is also planned, but Screen Rant reported that a physical-media release date had not been announced. The digital debut therefore marks the film's next confirmed distribution milestone following its theatrical run.