Muhammad Ali stars as himself in this dramatized version of his life story up to the late 1970s. It includes his Olympic triumphs as Cassius Clay, his conversion to Islam, his refusal of the Army draft, and the legal battle after being stripped of his World Title.
Where to Watch The Greatest
- Mister ArnFebruary 23, 2026“The Greatest” is a boxing drama where Muhammad Ali plays himself. The film doesn’t analyze him; it tries to enshrine him, presenting him as a myth in motion. As cinema, it’s modest. As a cultural artifact, it matters. Seeing Ali portray himself during his lifetime gives the film historical gravity.
Get Plex on Your Devices
Free on 20+ platforms. Pick yours.The Greatest Trivia
The Greatest was released on May 17, 1977.
The Greatest was directed by Tom Gries.
The Greatest has a runtime of 1h 42m.
The Greatest was produced by John Marshall.
Muhammad Ali stars as himself in this dramatized version of his life story up to the late 1970s. It includes his Olympic triumphs as Cassius Clay, his conversion to Islam, his refusal of the Army draft, and the legal battle after being stripped of his World Title.
The key characters in The Greatest are Cassius Clay / Muhammad Ali (Muhammad Ali), Angelo Dundee (Ernest Borgnine), Dr. Ferdie Pacheco (John Marley).
The Greatest is rated PG.
The Greatest is a Drama, Biography, Sport film.
The Greatest has an audience rating of 4.5 out of 10.
The Greatest has made $8.3M at the box office.