Overview
A father's unwavering vision transforms his daughters into tennis legends against all odds.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- uplifting
- sincere
- motivational
- inspirational movie night
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an uplifting, well-acted sports biopic, especially highlighting Will Smith and the young performers, while noting its favorable and sometimes gentle treatment of Richard Williams.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film dramatizes Richard Williams's role in developing Venus and Serena Williams before their global tennis careers.
Richard's detailed plan, relentless coaching, and long-term protection of his daughters drive the family's progress.
Richard, Oracene, Venus, Serena, and the wider family all contribute to the sisters' development and opportunities.
The Williams family navigates Compton's limited resources, racial expectations, and predominantly white professional tennis spaces.
Films like King Richard, and why
The Blind Side
Shared biopic form, inspirational sports trajectory, family sacrifice, and uplifting underdog energy.
42
Shared sports biopic structure, determined parental guidance, racial barriers, and emotional uplift.
McFarland, USA
Shared true-story sports drama, working-class perseverance, mentorship, and triumphant tone.
Akeelah and the Bee
Shared family-centered biopic storytelling, African American achievement, and inspirational ambition.
Movie Details
- Director
- Reinaldo Marcus Green
- Release Date
- 2021-11-18
- Runtime
- 144 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (2948)
Cast
- Will Smith
- Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
- Saniyya Sidney
- Demi Singleton
- Jon Bernthal
- Mikayla LaShae Bartholomew
- Tony Goldwyn
- Susie Abromeit
- Dylan McDermott
- Judith Chapman
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is King Richard about?
- A determined father turns a meticulously planned family mission into the launching pad for Venus and Serena Williams's extraordinary tennis careers.
- What is King Richard like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of King Richard as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is King Richard violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in King Richard as mild.
- What did critics think of King Richard?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an uplifting, well-acted sports biopic, especially highlighting Will Smith and the young performers, while noting its favorable and sometimes gentle treatment of Richard Williams.
- Which films are like King Richard?
- Films with a similar feel include The Blind Side, 42, McFarland, USA, and Akeelah and the Bee.
- How long is King Richard?
- King Richard runs 144 minutes.
- Where can I watch King Richard?
- In United States, King Richard is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex.
