When We Were Kings(1996)
“The untold story of the Rumble in the Jungle.”
Overview
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.
Director
Leon Gast
Studio
David Sonenberg Production
Revenue
$3M
Cast
Muhammad Ali
as Self
George Foreman
as Self
Don King
as Self
James Brown
as Self
B.B. King
as Self
Spike Lee
as Self
Mobutu Sese Seko
as Self
Norman Mailer
as Self
George Plimpton
as Self
Malick Bowens
as Self
Lloyd Price
as Self
Miriam Makeba
as Self
Where to Watch
Availability may vary by region. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Movie Facts
Release Year
1996
Runtime
1h 29m
Language
English
Rating
7.6 / 10
Box Office
$3M
Production Companies
David Sonenberg Production • DAS Films
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch When We Were Kings?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for When We Were Kings (1996).
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.
Who directed When We Were Kings?▼
When We Were Kings was directed by Leon Gast and released in 1996. It is a documentary film.
How long is When We Were Kings?▼
When We Were Kings has a runtime of 1 hours and 29 minutes (89 minutes total).
Who stars in When We Were Kings?▼
The cast of When We Were Kings includes Muhammad Ali as Self, George Foreman as Self, Don King as Self, James Brown as Self, B.B. King as Self and more.
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