6.8
Where can I stream The Champ legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Champ
1979·Movie
The Champ fingerprint
Big heart, a touch of humor.
Energy
Violent
- Violence7
- Adrenaline6
- Tension6
Heart
Deeply moving and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Catharsis9
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Situational Comedy3
- Physical Comedy3
World
Sports, family, and everyday modern life
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
All energy traits
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, cathartic, and wholesome. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis9Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumSports, family, and everyday modern life
Its world is built around sports, family, and everyday modern life.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Sports8Competition, training, and teamwork.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The more you love... the harder you fight.
Billy used to be a great boxer, but he's settled into a hardscrabble life that revolves around drinking, training horses, and the one bright spot in his existence — his young son, T.J. Although Billy has had custody of T.J. since his wife, Annie, left the family years ago, her return prompts a new struggle for the former fighter. Determined to hold on to his son, Billy gets back into the ring to try and recapture his past success.
Boxing DramaFather-Son RelationshipRedemptionHardshipSecond ChanceFamily StruggleEmotionalSports
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Champ
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Champ worth watching?
46
MediocreGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 47/100 (IMDb 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes 40%, and Metacritic 38). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Champ rated?
Violence
Content advisories: violence.
How long is The Champ?
2 h 1 min
The Champ runs 2 h 1 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Champ?
Critics39
Audiences75
Not quite. Audiences rate The Champ higher (75) than critics (39). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is The Champ in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Champ?
73
+59
+59GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Champ in 73 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Champ use?
Adaptational Name ChangeAdorably Precocious ChildThe AlcoholicBig GameSoundtrack LullabyPlease Wake UpBreak His Heart to Save HimLuke, I Am Your FatherTruth in TelevisionDowner EndingMissing MomCasualty in the Ringand 4 more
TV Tropes lists 16 storytelling tropes for The Champ, including Adaptational Name Change, Adorably Precocious Child, The Alcoholic.