King Richard

  • 2021
  • PG-13
  • 144m
movieMx RATING
7.6/102.8K
VERDICT
SUPER HIT
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: King Richard Review

Last updated: February 18, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 18, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is King Richard (2021) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and King Richard features a noteworthy lineup led by Will Smith . Supported by the likes of Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Saniyya Sidney , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of King Richard (2021) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.6/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Result: SUPER HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, King Richard stands as a SUPER HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: King Richard

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2021, King Richard is a Drama, History film directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Will Smith.

Story Breakdown

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. The story of how Richard Williams served as a coach to his daughters Venus and Serena, who will soon become two of the most legendary tennis players in history. The screenplay takes time to develop Will Smith's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
  • Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Will Smith, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.

Thematic Depth

The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
  • Strong performances, especially from Will Smith, that bring depth to the characters
  • Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
  • A few underdeveloped subplots

Ending Explained: King Richard

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, King Richard resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Will Smith, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.

The final moments of King Richard demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

King Richard Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

King Richard draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Will Smith's character.

Historical Context

The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.

Accuracy Assessment: King Richard successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch King Richard?

Highly Recommended For:

  • Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
  • Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
  • Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises

Box Office Collection: King Richard

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $50.0M
Worldwide Gross $39.4M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

King Richard Budget

The estimated production budget for King Richard is $50.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

Advertisement

Top Cast: King Richard

All Cast & Crew →
Will Smith
Will SmithRichard Williams
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Aunjanue Ellis-TaylorOracene 'Brandy' Price
Saniyya Sidney
Saniyya SidneyVenus Williams
Demi Singleton
Demi SingletonSerena Williams
Jon Bernthal
Jon BernthalRick Macci
Tony Goldwyn
Tony GoldwynPaul Cohen
Susie Abromeit
Susie AbromeitRobin Finn
Dylan McDermott
Dylan McDermottWill Hodges
Judith Chapman
Judith ChapmanNancy Reagan
Erin Cummings
Erin CummingsSocial Worker
Katrina Begin
Katrina BeginAnne Worchester
Advertisement

Where to Watch King Richard Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

King Richard Parents Guide & Age Rating

2021 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about King Richard age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

King Richard is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of King Richard is 144 minutes (2h 24m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.6/10, and global performance metrics, King Richard is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2021 cinematic calendar.

SUPER HIT
Official movieMx status for King Richard. Rating: 7.6/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is King Richard worth watching?

King Richard is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.6/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find King Richard parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for King Richard identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of King Richard?

The total duration of King Richard is 144 minutes, which is approximately 2h 24m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked King Richard

How King Richard Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for King Richard

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.6
King Richard
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/king-richard-614917" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.6</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">King Richard</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Will Smith

View full filmography