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Poster for The Champ

The Champ

Seen it?

1979 | 121 min | Drama

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With just 40% on Rotten Tomatoes and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Creed III or The Hurricane, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 1 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1979: an older pace and style.
  • Critics were cooler on it than audiences.
  • It picked up 1 Razzie, the "worst of the year" awards.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsWeak

    40% on Rotten Tomatoes, 38 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: New Star of the Year – Actor. Also nominated for 1 Oscar and 2 more Golden Globes.. Plus: "Won" 1 Razzie, the "worst of the year" awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $30 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 82K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Franco Zeffirelli

  • Jon VoightBilly
  • Faye DunawayAnnie
  • Ricky SchroderT.J.
  • Jack WardenJackie
  • Arthur HillMike
  • Strother MartinRiley
  • Joan BlondellDolly Kenyon
  • Mary Jo CatlettJosie
  • Elisha Cook Jr.Georgie
  • Stefan GieraschCharlie Goodman