Upon release, Death Race 3: Inferno received mixed reviews, which is standard for direct-to-video action sequels. Critics and fans generally praised the practical stunt work and vehicle action but noted that the plot was formulaic. However, Luke Goss was often commended for bringing a level of gravitas to the lead role, grounding the often over-the-top action with a serious performance.
| Platform | Score / Sentiment | Summary | |----------|------------------|---------| | Rotten Tomatoes | No Tomatometer (0% audience score from limited reviews) | Not reviewed by major critics. | | IMDb | 5.3/10 (based on ~18k user ratings) | “Entertaining but forgettable DTV action.” | | Common Critiques | — | Cheap CGI fire, mediocre acting (except Goss and Scott), recycled plot from Death Race 2 . | | Praise | — | Fun practical car stunts, a strong villain in Dougray Scott, fast pacing. |
| Film | Lead | Budget | Director | Rotten Tomatoes | Tone | |------|------|--------|----------|----------------|------| | Death Race (2008) | Statham | $45M | Paul W.S. Anderson | 42% (critics) | Polished, satirical, big-budget | | Death Race 2 (2010) | Goss | $7M | Roel Reiné | 50% (audience) | Grittier, more violent, prequel | | Death Race 3: Inferno (2013) | Goss | $6.5M | Roel Reiné | 5.3/10 IMDb | Desert road warrior vibe, franchise fatigue setting in | | Death Race 4 (2018) | Zach McGowan | $5M | Don Michael Paul | 4.8/10 IMDb | Soft reboot, post-apocalyptic Mad Max clone | death race 3 movie
"Death Race 3: Inferno" was released directly to video in 2010, two years after the second installment. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the movie has developed a loyal fan base among action movie enthusiasts.
Death Race 3: Inferno (released in some markets as Death Race: Inferno ) is the third installment in the rebooted Death Race film series, which began with the 2008 film starring Jason Statham. Directed by Roel Reiné, this entry continues the story of convicted cop-turned-racer Carl “Luke” Lucas, now played by Luke Goss (replacing Statham). Unlike the first film’s theatrical release, Inferno was produced exclusively for the direct-to-video (DTV) market by Universal 1440 Entertainment. It functions as a direct sequel to Death Race 2 (2010) and sets up the narrative for Death Race 4: Beyond Anarchy (2018). Upon release, Death Race 3: Inferno received mixed
Death Race 3: Inferno is a serviceable, middle-tier direct-to-video sequel. It does not elevate the franchise but also does not embarrass it. For fans of B-movie car carnage, Luke Goss’s stoic performance, and Dougray Scott chewing scenery as a smug villain, the film delivers exactly what it promises: fast cars, fire, and a thin excuse to blow things up in the desert. Casual viewers are unlikely to miss anything by skipping from Death Race (2008) to Death Race 4 (2018). However, for completionists and DTV action enthusiasts, Inferno offers a harmless 105-minute adrenaline distraction.
The film features a returning cast that maintains continuity from the previous prequel: as Carl "Luke" Lucas / Frankenstein Danny Trejo as Goldberg Ving Rhames as Weyland Tanit Phoenix as Katrina Banks Fred Koehler as Lists Dougray Scott as the villainous Niles York | Platform | Score / Sentiment | Summary
Following the events of the previous film, Carl Lucas (played by Luke Goss) is presumed dead but is actually hiding out in the Siberian prison where he won the first Death Race. However, his cover is blown, and he is transferred to a harsher, more remote prison facility in South Africa.