The Champ (1979)
Kernel Score: 77% · 209 TMDB ratings
Genres: Drama
Released: 1979-07-07
Runtime: 121 minutes
Where to watch The Champ
- Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-11-12.
Overview
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.
The Champ parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Champ is a drama about a struggling alcoholic boxer fighting to keep custody of his son.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes boxing violence as the former fighter returns to the ring.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Strong — Centers on the protagonist's alcoholism and gambling as core struggles.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Champ
If you liked The Champ, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Creed III (2023) — 79%
- The Hurricane (1999) — 85%
- Big George Foreman (2023) — 86%
- Rocky II (1979) — 81%
- Creed II (2018) — 78%
- Gladiator (1992) — 87%
- Secrets & Lies (1996) — 86%
- Million Dollar Baby (2004) — 90%
Director
Franco Zeffirelli
Cast
- Jon Voight as Billy
- Faye Dunaway as Annie
- Rick Schroder as T.J.
- Jack Warden as Jackie
- Arthur Hill as Mike
- Strother Martin as Riley
- Joan Blondell as Dolly Kenyon
- Mary Jo Catlett as Josie
- Elisha Cook Jr. as Georgie
- Stefan Gierasch as Charlie Goodman
The Champ FAQ
Is The Champ good?
The Champ has a 77% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels, our own critic-informed editorial score.
Where can I watch The Champ?
In the US you can watch it free with ads on Kanopy and YouTube Free and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Champ OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Champ is a drama about a struggling alcoholic boxer fighting to keep custody of his son.
What movies are like The Champ?
If you liked The Champ, try Creed III, The Hurricane, Big George Foreman and Rocky II.