You love boxing, right? But don’t limit yourself to just watching the live-action in the ring. There are some amazing movies about boxing that will knock you out with their stories, drama, and action. Some of them are based on the real lives of the legends of the sport, like Muhammed Ali, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, and James J. Braddock. Some of them also show you the epic battles that made history, like Muhammed Ali and George Foreman’s “Rumble in the Jungle.”
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn and check out these awesome boxing movies that we have compiled for you. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
You Should See These 10 Best Boxing Movies As A Boxing Fan
1. The Champ (1931)
“Champ,” a classic boxing film, showcases a father-son bond amidst the harsh world of boxing. Wallace Beery stars as Andy “Champ” Purcell, an ex-champion battling alcoholism and gambling, while Jackie Cooper plays his devoted son, Dink. Directed by King Vidor and penned by Oscar-winning Frances Marion, the film delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Champ strives for a comeback to secure a better future for Dink, despite his ex-wife Linda’s attempts to offer Dink a more stable life. The film also exposes the brutal realities of boxing, including physical pain and corruption.
The film stands out for its authentic and emotional performances, particularly from Beery and Cooper, who share a natural on-screen chemistry. Beery won an Oscar for his role, shared with Fredric March for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, while nine-year-old Cooper became the youngest Best Actor nominee.
The film concludes with a heart-wrenching scene where Champ, after winning his final fight, dies in Dink’s arms. This powerful film is a testament to the enduring love and sacrifices between a father and son.
2. Rocky (1976)
This sports drama film tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets a chance to fight the world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. The film is written by and stars Sylvester Stallone as Rocky, and also features Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, and Burgess Meredith.
Rocky is a struggling fighter who works as a debt collector for a loan shark, and has a crush on Adrian, the shy sister of his friend Paulie. When Creed decides to give a local boxer a shot at the title as a publicity stunt, Rocky is chosen as the lucky contender.
With the help of his trainer, Mickey, Rocky trains hard to prepare for the fight of his life. He is not expected to win, but he hopes to go the distance and prove himself to everyone, especially Adrian.
The film celebrates the underdog spirit and the American dream. It features memorable scenes such as Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the climactic fight between Rocky and Creed.
Rocky was a huge success at the box office and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxing films of all time, and spawned a franchise of five sequels and three spin-offs.
3. Raging Bull (1980)
This is a biopic of Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxing champion whose violence and jealousy destroyed his career and personal life. Based on his memoir, the film spans two decades of his rise and fall. It won two Oscars for Best Actor and Best Editing.
The film is a cinematic masterpiece, depicting the inner turmoil of a complex character with black-and-white visuals, realistic boxing scenes, and De Niro’s powerful performance, who gained 60 pounds for the role. The film also reflects Scorsese’s artistic passion and vision, as he made it despite many difficulties and doubts, thinking it would be his last.
4. When We Were Kings (1996)
This is a documentary film that captures the historic “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire (now Congo) on October 30, 1974. The film shows how Ali, the underdog, used his charisma, intelligence, and strategy to defeat Foreman, the reigning champion, in a stunning upset.
The film also explores the cultural and political context of the event, featuring interviews with celebrities, journalists, and activists who witnessed the fight and the accompanying Zaire 74 music festival. It is a tribute to Ali’s legacy as a boxer, a leader, and a hero.
The editing and financing process for the film took more than two decades to complete. Following its release, the documentary was honored with an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
5. The Hurricane (1999)
Starring Denzel Washington as Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, The Hurricane is a biographical drama that tells the story of a former middleweight boxer who spent 19 years in prison for a triple murder he did not commit.
The film shows his fight for justice and freedom, aided by a young African-American boy and his Canadian guardians. The film was praised by critics and audiences and earned Washington a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for his powerful performance.
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6. Ali (2001)
From 1964 to 1974, Muhammad Ali reigned as the greatest boxer of all time. The film is a biopic that follows his journey of glory and struggle, in and out of the ring.
He stunned the world by defeating Sonny Liston to win the heavyweight title, embraced Islam and a new name, defied the draft and faced a ban, battled Joe Frazier and George Foreman in epic fights, and navigated his personal life with Malcolm X, Elijah Muhammad, and his wives.
Will Smith, who earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination, delivers a powerful performance as Ali, embodying his charisma, courage, and controversy. Michael Mann directs the film with a stellar supporting cast, including Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, and Mario Van Peebles.
Ali is an homage to a legend who inspired millions.
7. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Million Dollar Baby is not just a boxing movie. It is a powerful drama about the bond between a grizzled trainer and a determined fighter, both seeking redemption in their own ways.
Clint Eastwood stars as Frankie Dunn, a veteran coach who reluctantly agrees to train Maggie Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old waitress from Missouri who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. Hilary Swank gives an Oscar-winning performance as Maggie, who shows remarkable grit and talent in the ring, winning Frankie’s respect and affection.
Morgan Freeman narrates the story as Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris, Frankie’s friend and employee, who witnesses the highs and lows of their journey.
The film explores themes such as family, loyalty, courage, and sacrifice, as Frankie and Maggie face challenges both inside and outside the ring. The film also features a shocking twist that tests their relationship and their faith.
Truly, this film is a masterpiece of storytelling, direction, acting, and cinematography, earning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor.
It is a film that will move you, inspire you, and haunt you long after the final bell.
8. Cinderella Man (2005)
This is a biopic of James J. Braddock, a boxer who defied the odds and became a champion during the Great Depression.
Russell Crowe stars as Braddock, a former light heavyweight contender who struggles to support his family after losing everything in the stock market crash. Renée Zellweger plays his loyal wife, Mae, who fears for his safety in the brutal sport. Paul Giamatti is his friend and manager, Joe Gould, who helped him stage a remarkable comeback.
Directed by Ron Howard, the film depicts Braddock’s rise from obscurity to fame as he faces formidable opponents, including the lethal Max Baer, who killed two men in the ring.
Cinderella Man is a thrilling and inspiring film that celebrates the human spirit, the power of perseverance, and the value of family. It is a film that will make you cheer, cry, and applaud.
9. The Fighter (2010)
This is a gripping drama that tells the true story of two brothers who pursue their dreams of boxing glory.
Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) is a talented but struggling boxer who needs a big break to escape his dead-end life in Lowell, Massachusetts. His half-brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale) is a former champion who now battles drug addiction and a tarnished reputation.
With the help of his girlfriend Charlene (Amy Adams) and a new trainer, Micky decides to take a chance and fight for the world title, even if it means going against his dysfunctional family and his loyal but unreliable brother.
The Fighter (2010) is a powerful and inspiring film that showcases the bond between brothers, the challenges of overcoming adversity, and the thrill of achieving one’s dreams.
10. Creed (2015)
Creed (2015), the first spin-off of the Rocky franchise, follows the journey of Adonis Johnson, the son of the legendary boxer Apollo Creed, who died before he was born.
Adonis (Michael B. Jordan), who never knew his father, has a burning desire to prove himself in the ring, but he faces many challenges and doubts along the way. He seeks out the help of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), his father’s former rival and friend, who reluctantly agrees to train him and mentor him. Together, they form an unlikely bond that transcends generations and bloodlines.
The movie is a tribute to the Rocky franchise but also a fresh and original story that explores themes of identity, family, legacy, and redemption. It features stunning performances by Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, and Tessa Thompson, as well as thrilling and realistic boxing scenes.
This is a knockout of a movie that will leave you breathless and cheering.
While the movies mentioned have all it takes to make you jump and stand on your feet, others didn’t make the list, but they certainly didn’t lack the juice. Check out some of them below:
- Body and Soul (1947)
- The Harder They Fall (1956)
- The Great White Hope (1970)
- Fat City (1972)
- Rocky ll (1979)
- The Boxer (1997)
- Bleed for This (2016)
- Girlfight (2000)
- Snatch (2000)
- Champion (2020)
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