The documentary Grandmasters opened in theaters across the United States, with screenings at 92 AMC locations on October 11 and 14. A sold-out premiere took place in New York, drawing enthusiastic responses from critics and audiences. The film arrives after its initial debut at the Tribeca Festival in June, now reaching a broader audience through its theatrical release.

The documentary centers on the world of elite chess through multiple lenses. It follows German entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner's vision for reshaping chess through Freestyle Chess alongside Carlsen, capturing negotiations and conflicts with FIDE. The film also presents intimate portraits of top players, including glimpses into So's family life and Niemann's career development.

Directed by Liza Mandelup and produced by Boardwalk Pictures, the film combines three episodes into a single 170-minute feature. The production team behind major series including Welcome to Wrexham and Cheer brought their approach to documenting the chess world. At the New York premiere in Times Square, Mandelup participated in a live Q&A with Chess.com officials and content creator Levy Rozman.

Mandelup explained her creative philosophy while developing the project, drawing inspiration from television storytelling. She aimed to create an experience that captures viewers regardless of their chess knowledge. The filmmaker wanted audiences to stay engaged without requiring deep familiarity with the game itself.

Observers at the premiere highlighted the broader appeal of chess's top players beyond their competition records. Chess personalities possess compelling personal stories, hobbies, languages, and international lives that extend beyond tournament results. This human dimension offers opportunities to connect players like So and Fabiano Caruana with audiences through venues beyond the board.

Early viewer responses have been positive, with multiple five-star ratings appearing on review platforms. Comments praised the film's suspense, characters, musical score, and portrayal of chess's diverse community. The theatrical release also coincided with local chess club gatherings, combining viewing with over-the-board play and creating community experiences around the film.