![Ali](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YcZsdVhG8D4P87XnsTMZB4-415-80.jpg)
Will Smith may be infamous now for a certain slap, but he's also a convincing puncher too, if this movie is anything to go by. Smith was rightly nominated for the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of boxing royalty in 2002's Ali, but you need to catch it sooner rather than later.
Ali leaves Netflix on the 15th of January, but you can't let life get in the way of catching the story of a truly incredible man. The late great Muhammad Ali is an all-time sporting icon who transcended the world of boxing. The only live footage I ever saw of the man was an elderly figure lighting the Olympic flame for the London 2012 games, but even I could tell that he had something special.
No one could ever really give the man his full impact on screen but Will Smith comes close. He seems to embody the man known as "The Greatest" both in the ring and outside of it, with press conferences and interviews that just ooze charm and seem more like a preacher delivering a sermon than a fighter building up hype/trash talking.
Of course, the man's life was almost beyond fiction and with such an incredible story to tell, it makes sense that this movie focuses on ten years of his journey. Michael Mann directs us from Cassius Clay's first shot at the championship against Sonny Liston, through his meetings with Malcolm X and refusal to join the Vietnam War, to struggles inside the ring and finally the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" against George Foreman. His love life was never straightforward either. That's a lot for one movie.
On top of Smith's lauded turn as the man himself, Jon Voigt and Jamie Foxx are superb while Smith's real-life wife Jada Pinkett Smith even appears as Sonji Roi, Ali's first wife.
Even if you have just a casual interest in boxing, do yourself a favour and watch the story of a true sporting legend. What else are you doing at the start of a new year? If you need more ideas for what to watch check out our holiday streaming guide across the best streaming services.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Andy is T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming, AI, phones, and basically anything cool and expensive he can get his hands on. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide - where he got paid to play with ChatGPT every day. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
New Netflix horror series coming from the twisted minds behind Stranger Things
The Duffer Brothers sign up for some more streaming shocks
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Netflix's new no.1 brings two Oscar-winners back together – and fans love it
Ticket to Paradise has Clooney and Roberts – but also a mixed reputation
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Squid Game fans will soon be able to compete against each other for free
Netflix is going big for the new season
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Your affordable Netflix subscription could soon be scrapped
It's time to choose a new plan
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix shows teaser for its biggest-ever show, before it even wraps shooting!
Stranger Things 5 is going to be huge
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix's new Nicole Kidman trailer has fans agreeing on one thing about the star
The Perfect Couple looks tense
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix's spinoff of fam-fave imminent – 25 years after genre-defining original show
SpongeBob returns in Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Bigger than Bridgerton? Netflix shows off new show that could win fans' hearts
The Decameron looks steamy
By Max Freeman-Mills Published