The documentary Tyson focuses on the tumultuous life of heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson. Directed by long-time Tyson acquaintance James Toback, the film exposes the roughness as well as fragility of the boxer. After its January 2009 premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, the film's star received a standing ovation from the crowd.

The film had a released wide on April 24, 2009.

Described as a "psycho-documentary", the film investigates the many controversial moments in the life of the boxer and celebrity. Raised in Brooklyn, his father dissappeared from Tyson's life at a very young age. He then was under the wing of his manager Cus D'Amato who helped steer the career of the young boxing phenomenon. Soon he was thrown into the spotlight and led a life of recklessness with alcohol, drugs and sex. The film also focuses on the many legal battles and emotional battles throughout the life of Mike Tyson.

• "Tyson comes across as more at peace, mature and articulate than this writer can ever remember. He pointedly never apologizes for anything (including the bizarre moment where he bit Holyfield's ear twice in one fight), but certainly doesn't revel in his more controversial moments."—Gregory Ellwood, hitflix.comHitflix.com: Sundance Review: Tyson Puts Up a Good Fight (January 16, 2009)
• "And Tyson comes off like a sensitive tough guy who has seen the errors of his ways, but each and every time he falls into the same traps. And the finale comes off almost like a scripted infomercial which shouts “Look, I’m better now, I’m not a bad guys! See!” The film gives a fascinating look at a man with a serve confidence and trust issues from the point of view from that same man who now thinks he’s cured. It’s not a bad cable documentary but as a theatrical release, I can’t recommend it."—Peter Sciretta, /film/film: Sundance Review: Tyson (January 16, 209)

Mike Tyson after his standing ovation at Sundance:

• "I'm just pretty humbled to be here. I hope you guys liked the documentary. I'm in the boondocks with this. I had no idea it would come to this degree of success or anything; I was anticipating probably this would be hot on the corner of 125th Street, but I had no idea such an amalgamation of people would just rally together here to support me. I can't express my appreciation and gratitude for this moment."—Mike TysonDefamer: Meet Mike Tyson Your Newest Sundance Darling (January 18, 2009)