When We Were Kings poster
FilmDocumentary

When We Were Kings (1996)

1996-10-25 · 1h 29m · EN
77%
User score
188 votes
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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.

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Leon GastDirector, Writer
Box office
$2.7M

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Showing US. Availability data by JustWatch.

Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Muhammad AliMuhammad AliSelfGeorge ForemanGeorge ForemanSelfDon KingDon KingSelfJames BrownJames BrownSelfB.B. KingB.B. KingSelfSpike LeeSpike LeeSelfMobutu Sese SekoMobutu Sese SekoSelfNorman MailerNorman MailerSelfGeorge PlimptonGeorge PlimptonSelfThomas HauserThomas HauserHimselfMalick BowensMalick BowensSelfLloyd PriceLloyd PriceSelf

Keywords

SportsSports documentaryBoxingHistoryUnderdogBoxerEnduranceSympathySummitZaireDisrespectMuhammad ali

Movie DNA

Genre affinityDocumentaryTheme affinitySports · Sports Documentary · BoxingPacingShortDirector preference209776Actor preference874294 · 874297 · 106127Country preferenceUs

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Frequently asked questions about When We Were Kings

What is When We Were Kings about?

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.

How long is When We Were Kings?

When We Were Kings has a runtime of 89 minutes.

Where can I watch When We Were Kings?

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