Will Smith's movie King Richard includes a soundtrack loaded with recognizable songs, and here's every musical tune that can be heard. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams, played by Smith, and how he raised his daughters Serena (Demi Singleton) and Venus (Saniyya Sidney), who went on to become two of the greatest female tennis players in the world.
The story of King Richard takes place over the course of a few years in the 1990s. It begins with Richard attempting to find a top-tier tennis coach who will train Venus and Serena for free. This leads them to Paul Cohen (Tony Goldwyn) at first, who agrees to train Venus but not Serena and help lead her down the path of becoming a professional tennis player. He helps put Venus on the national radar before Richard finds Rick Macci (Jon Bernthal) to take his daughter to the next level. Even though Serena and Venus are the most famous members of the Williams family, King Richard focuses its story on Richard's drive to turn his daughters into stars.
Releasing in theaters and on HBO Max in November 2021, King Richard is one of the best reviewed movies of the year, as it has a 92% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. While most of the reviews focus on Will Smith's Oscar-worthy performance, one underrated aspect is King Richard's soundtrack. Here's a complete guide to the songs in King Richard.
Get Me Back on Time, Engine Number 9 (PT. 1 & PT. 2) by Wilson Pickett - This song plays at the start of King Richard when Richard Williams is shown taking Serena and Venus to practice at the park tennis courts.
Bass by King Tee - "Bass" plays during the early practice session that Serena and Venus have, as it is heard playing from the car of the neighborhood gang as they roll through the park.
Appetite For Destruction by N.W.A - Viewers can hear N.W.A's "Appetite For Destruction" playing from the gang's car once practice wraps up and Richard exits the tennis courts.
The Greatest Love of All by - The Williams sisters since a part of "The Greatest Love of All" as they prepare for dinner, as it's Serena's usual choice for the family talent show.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Shannon Rubicam and George Merill - The actual song "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" can't be heard in King Richard, but the Williams sisters can be heard singing it in the background while Richard and Brandy talk about Serena and Venus' future.
I Shall Be Released by Nina Simone - This song plays as Richard Williams tells his girls goodnight and continues to play as he arrives for work as a night-shift security guard.
Cissy Strut by The Meters - "Cissy Strut" is the song Richard uses as the background music for Serena and Venus' tennis tape that he shows to tennis instructor Vic Braden.
The Love You Gave by Dolly Parton - Dolly Parton's song can be heard in King Richard as William drives Serena and Venus as they go make a surprise visit to tennis coach Paul Cohen.
Cruel Summer by Bananarama - "Cruel Summer" begins playing when Richard agrees to let Venus compete in junior tennis tournaments.
Main Title/Cinderella by Cinderella Chorus - The theme song from Disney's animated classic Cinderella can be heard when Richard puts it on to watch it with the family.
California Dreamin by Bobby Womack - "California Dreamin" can be heard during a news report on TV about LAPD officers beating an unarmed black man, and it continues into a "Just Say No" presentation by Nancy Reagan ahead of another tennis match.
Kyrie by Mr. Mister - This song can be heard during King Richard as Venus and Serena Williams sit by the pool eating snacks with another young tennis player.
Lunatic Fringe by Red Rider - A portion of "Lunatic Fringe" can be heard during the introductory scene for Rick Macci as he trains multiple tennis players.
Born Killer by Scarface - "Born Killer" can be heard in King Richard when Richard takes Rick with him to see how good Venus and Serena are.
The Gambler by Kenny Rogers - Kenny Rogers' famous song "The Gambler" plays while the Williams family travels across the country to Florida so Venus and Serena can begin training with Rick.
Only the Young by Journey - "Only the Young" can be heard once the Williams family crosses the Florida state line and continues to play as they arrive at Rick's training center.
Plush by Stone Temple Riots - This song can be heard in the background as Venus and Serena meet Jennifer Capriati, which is also when Richard tells Rick that his kids won't play on the junior circuit anymore.
Welcome to Paradise by Green Day - "Welcome to Paradise" can be heard playing as Venus watches Anna Kournikova practice on a nearby court and pleads with Rick to convince her father to let her compete in the upcoming tournament.
Perfect Combination by Stacy Lattisaw and Johnny Gill - This song can be briefly heard playing through the Williams' family's car radio as they pull up to their house after going to Disney World.
Be Alive by Beyoncé - The original King Richard song by Beyoncé can be heard during the film's epilogue highlighting Venus and Serena's careers, and it continues to play over the film's credits.