Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Documentary

AlphaGo (2017): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

AlphaGo (2017) movie poster

AlphaGo is a 2017 documentary directed by Greg Kohs, starring Nick Bostrom, Nam Chi-Hyung and Yoo Changhyuk. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $97.3 million worldwide on a $51 million budget. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.

IMDb rating
7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$97.3M
Echo Score
87
Loading streaming availability…
AlphaGo (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Greg Kohs
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Budget
$51M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is AlphaGo About?

The premise of AlphaGo without spoilers.

A legendary Go master confronts a formidable AI opponent in the Google DeepMind Challenge Match, held in South Korea. The competition captures global attention as the ancient game of Go collides with modern artificial intelligence. As the match unfolds, viewers are drawn into a fascinating exploration of the game's intricate strategies and the profound implications of AI's growing capabilities, prompting questions about human intellect and the future of technology.

AlphaGo Themes & Keywords

· 4 tags
  • artificial intelligence
  • go
  • deep learning
  • man versus machine
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

AlphaGo Cast

Nick Bostrom leads the cast, with Nam Chi-Hyung and Yoo Changhyuk. Directed by Greg Kohs; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in AlphaGo

· 6 more
From the director

More from Greg Kohs

One more film directed by Greg Kohs: Song Sung Blue.

Full filmography
Ratings

AlphaGo Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave AlphaGo 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).

87 /100

AlphaGo Echo Score Breakdown

AlphaGo stands out as an engaging and thought-provoking documentary that balances technical exploration with human drama. Reviewers frequently noted its lively direction and the palpable sense of history on display. Pacing and narrative flow maintain interest even when deeper context is limited. The film offers strong sensory coherence through clear visuals and deliberate editing, and its philosophical theme encourages reflection on human–AI relations. Overall, AlphaGo delivers sustained engagement with a well-paced structure and meaningful commentary.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of artful direction and editing, AlphaGo excels in crafting a dynamic visual narrative. The documentary’s pacing and cutting work together to emphasize moments of tension and triumph. Reviewers highlighted the film’s lively presentation despite the static nature of board play. The measured use of graphics and intercut sequences results in a cohesive visual rhythm that reinforces the documentary’s momentum.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, AlphaGo achieves strong emotional resonance through its portrayal of the human competitors and their struggle. Viewers connect with the determination and introspection of Lee Sedol as he confronts an AI opponent. The documentary’s thoughtful interviews and observational sequences balance technical content with human drama. Overall, the emotional stakes feel authentic and compelling.

  • Story & Flow 90

    In terms of story and flow, AlphaGo maintains an engaging narrative arc that builds toward the climactic match. Reviewers praised the film’s ability to present complex AI concepts without sacrificing coherence or suspense. While some noted a lack of deeper technical context, the pacing remains measured and accessible. The documentary’s structure effectively balances background exposition with escalating tension to keep viewers invested.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    When it comes to sensory experience, AlphaGo offers a clear and cohesive audiovisual presentation. The soundtrack and ambient sound design accentuate key moments without overwhelming the dialogue. Visual sequences, including match footage and graphic overlays, communicate information effectively. Reviewers observed that the restrained use of music and sound cues supports rather than distracts, resulting in a focused and immersive viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    In terms of rewatch factor, AlphaGo provides thoughtful material that invites subsequent viewings for its thematic depth. The documentary’s philosophical inquiries into human–AI relationships and the strategic subtleties of Go reward attentive repeat watches. Some viewers may find limited novelty upon revisiting, but the interplay of human drama and technological exploration sustains interest. Overall, it holds moderate lasting appeal.

Box office

AlphaGo Box Office & Budget

AlphaGo grossed $97.3 million worldwide on a $51 million budget, 1.9 times what it cost. $35.9 million came from the US and Canada and $61.4 million (63%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$97.3M

1.9× its budget

US & Canada
$35.9M
International
$61.4M
Budget
$51M
US & Canada 37% Rest of the world 63%
Videos

AlphaGo Trailers & Videos

The trailer of AlphaGo.

AlphaGo Official Trailer
Details

AlphaGo Also Known As

4 alternative titles, including “알파고” and “阿尔法狗”.

Also known as
  • 알파고
  • 阿尔法狗
  • АльфаГо
  • AlphaGo世紀對決

Seen AlphaGo?

FAQ

AlphaGo FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of AlphaGo, each answered in a sentence.

How long is AlphaGo?

AlphaGo runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was AlphaGo released?

AlphaGo was released on September 29, 2017.

Who directed AlphaGo?

AlphaGo was directed by Greg Kohs.

More films by Greg Kohs

Who is in the cast of AlphaGo?

AlphaGo stars Nick Bostrom, Nam Chi-Hyung and Yoo Changhyuk, among 10 credited actors.

How much did AlphaGo make at the box office?

AlphaGo grossed $97.3 million worldwide ($35.9 million domestic, $61.4 million international) on a budget of $51 million.

How is AlphaGo rated?

AlphaGo has 7.8/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 78% on TMDB and 3.9/5 on Letterboxd.

Does AlphaGo have a post-credit scene?

No. AlphaGo has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app