The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) — watch online the documentary directed by Seth Gordon about a battle for the Donkey Kong world record that turned into something much stranger. Runtime: 83 minutes.

For over two decades, Billy Mitchell held the throne — his score on Donkey Kong was treated as untouchable. Then schoolteacher Steve Wiebe set up a machine in his garage and spent years grinding away until his tape showed a number nobody could ignore. The problem: the official keepers of classic arcade records weren't ready to hand the crown to a mild-mannered newcomer. Gordon's camera caught every phone call, ruling, and backroom maneuver along the way.

Released in 2007, the film became an instant documentary classic — not because of the game, but because of what the game revealed: a tight-knit subculture, an institution protecting itself, and two men who couldn't walk away. Stream The King of Kong on iFILM.