Skip to content
MovieCove
Big George Foreman

Big George Foreman

When life gives you a second chance, don't do it for yourself. Do it for everyone you love.

2023129 minPG-13Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films
Director
George Tillman Jr.
Starring
Khris Davis, Forest Whitaker, Sullivan Jones, Deion Smith

Fueled by an impoverished childhood, George Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Big George Foreman?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Big George Foreman streaming on Hulu and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Big George Foreman?

Big George Foreman earns 7 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Big George Foreman worth watching?

Big George Foreman's Midcredits score is the 71st percentile of all films, from 35K ratings across 6 sources. 63% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

71st percentile

Better received than 71% of films

52nd percentile among Biography72nd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)69th
Approval (how many liked it)70th

67 /100

69th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Biography68th percentile among 2020s

Critics 45 · Audience 68

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.8 — solid but not unanimous.

63% liked it

70th percentile of all films

50th percentile among Biography70th percentile among 2020s
63% rated it 7–1037% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 3 noms overall

82nd percentile

35K ratings across platforms

64th percentile among Biography83rd percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 37% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$32M
Opening weekend$2.9M
Domestic gross$5.4M
Worldwide gross$6M

Returned 0.2× its budget — 60th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a conventional, straightforward biopic that covers Foreman's remarkable life but lacks cinematic artistry.

Fans praised

  • Inspiring underdog story of faith and determination
  • Khris Davis's physical transformation and performance
  • Engaging biographical coverage of Foreman's life

Detractors panned

  • Rote, conventional biopic lacking dramatic flair
  • Rushed pacing and disjointed narrative structure
  • Flat, uninspired boxing sequences

What stands out

Acting70

Khris Davis's physical transformation praised but some find lead performance one-dimensional

Plot and storyDivisive60

Remarkable true story undermined by Wikipedia-style execution

Emotional impactDivisive60

Inspiring story but lacks emotional punch

Effects and spectacleDivisive45

Fight scenes lack intensity and choreography

CharactersDivisive45

Supporting characters feel underdeveloped and rushed

Cinematography40

Visually flat, lacking creative shot composition

Pacing35

Rushed through key events, sluggish middle act

Originality25

Conventional biopic formula with no creative flair

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 10 points higher than under-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Big George Foreman like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It has a few laughs and leaves you hopeful.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
HopefulTriumphantContemplative
Heaviest: middle
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Adventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its material straight as an inspirational biopic, treating Foreman's journey with earnest respect and never undercutting its dramatic or spiritual moments.
The rideThe film builds from struggle to victory, with a reflective, faith-driven turning point in the middle before the triumphant comeback arc.
StructureThe film follows George Foreman's life chronologically from childhood through his two boxing careers and retirement, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves viewers inspired by Foreman's resilience and faith, carrying away a sense that redemption and second chances are possible at any age.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rags
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3% (this title): Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% (this title) · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rags to riches: A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition. · Rise and fall: Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).

3% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeGeorge Foreman rises from poverty to become heavyweight champion, falls from grace after losing to Ali and a near-death experience, then finds a second calling as a preacher before making a historic comeback.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfPurposeSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% (this title) · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Purpose · 9% of filmsAmbition · 7% of filmsFaith · 3% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Foreman's relentless drive to rise from poverty and his search for a new calling after a near-death experience redirects his life toward faith and ministry.
StanceThe film celebrates Foreman's redemption and purpose, presenting his life as an inspiring testament to perseverance and faith.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Marcelo Zarvos
SettingBoxing gyms, arenas, and church communities from 1960s Houston to 1990s comeback
MusicThe score underscores the emotional beats of Foreman's journey without overshadowing the drama.

Content guide

Is Big George Foreman okay for kids?

PG-13

Big George Foreman is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some sports violence” (MPAA). As of March 15, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (50/100), sexual content at mild (15/100), language at minimal (6/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at mild (29/100). Overall it is heavier than 18% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 8 other countries
  • UK12A
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12
  • South Korea12
  • PRPG-13
  • RO15
  • SingaporePG13
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 16% of all filmsHeavier than 18% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 53%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 20%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 1%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 56%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 25%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 53% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Big George Foreman have?

MovieCove's classifier found 1 depicted content warning in Big George Foreman: Gore or body horror (moderate). 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Domestic violence. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateGore or body horror
MentionedDomestic violence

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Big George Foreman?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Khris Davis
as George Foreman
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Forest Whitaker
as Doc Broadus
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sullivan Jones
as Muhammad Ali
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Deion Smith
as Roy Foreman
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Matthew Glave
as Howard Cosell
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
John Magaro
as Desmond
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sonja Sohn
as Nancy Foreman
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Sam Trammell
as Rev. Virdell Stokes
Lawrence Gilliard Jr.
as Archie Moore
Jasmine Mathews
as Mary Joan

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Big George Foreman?

Movies like Big George Foreman include Three Seconds (2017), Toolsidas Junior (2022) and Hands of Stone (2016). Of the 12 closest matches, most are sports underdog stories, and all are films that feel triumphant.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its subject: purpose. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Big George Foreman?

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: sports underdog. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.