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When We Were Kings

1996·Movie
1h 29min·PG
IMDb7.9Metacritic838.1Rotten Tomatoes100%94%

Where to watch

HBO MaxThe RokuCriterionShout! Factory TV

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

When We Were Kings fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, a touch of humor.

Energy

Tense and fast-paced

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension7
  • Fast Pace7
  • Spectacle7

Heart

Cathartic and nostalgic

  • Catharsis7
  • Nostalgia7
  • Pathos6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Satire & Parody3
  • Dark Humor2

World

History, sports, and politics

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout direction and performances

  • Direction8
  • Acting8
  • Intrigue8

Style

Standout editing

  • Editing8
  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking

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Suspense moviesEducational movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

The untold story of the Rumble in the Jungle.

It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King.
Muhammad AliHistoric Boxing MatchRumble in the JungleZaire 1974Cultural EventPolitical UndertonesMusic FestivalSports DocumentaryBehind the Scenes

Crew

Directed by:
Leon Gast
Written by:
Leon Gast
Produced by:
Taylor Hackford, Leon Gast, Vikram Jayanti

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about When We Were Kings

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream When We Were Kings legally?

HBO MaxThe RokuCriterionShout! Factory TV

When We Were Kings is included with a subscription to HBO Max in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Shout! Factory TV. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is When We Were Kings worth watching?

86
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 87/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 100%, and Metacritic 83). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is When We Were Kings rated?

PG

It's rated PG in the United States.

How long is When We Were Kings?

1 h 29 min

When We Were Kings runs 1 h 29 min.

Is When We Were Kings based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on When We Were Kings?

Critics92
Audiences85

Yes. Critics average 92 and audiences 85 out of 100, so both groups see When We Were Kings much the same way.

What language is When We Were Kings in?

EnglishFrench

It was made in English, with some French. Produced in United States, Congo - Kinshasa.

In how many countries can I watch When We Were Kings?

14ATAUBECACHDEESFIGBIEINNLNZUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for When We Were Kings in 14 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does When We Were Kings use?

Death GlareThe Un-FavoriteThe Quiet OneDavid vs. GoliathCross-Cultural KerfluffleTalking HeadsPresident EvilHappily Ever BeforeConcert FilmThe DreadedStock FootageYoung Future Famous Peopleand 8 more

TV Tropes lists 20 storytelling tropes for When We Were Kings, including Death Glare, The Un-Favorite, The Quiet One.