Boxing movies have been a staple in the world of cinema for decades. These films offer a glimpse into the gritty, hard-hitting world of the sport, while also exploring the emotional and psychological struggles of the fighters. From classic Hollywood productions to modern indie films, boxing movies have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world.
Here are just ten of the most famous movies about boxing. Which ones should we add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
“Rocky” (1976) – Starring Sylvester Stallone, this classic film tells the story of a small-time boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight championship. The film was a massive success and spawned several sequels, cementing its place in the annals of cinema history. Do you even know anyone who hasn’t seen Rocky? It’s a staple.
“Raging Bull” (1980) – Starring Robert De Niro, this Martin Scorsese film tells the story of boxer Jake LaMotta, who was known for his fierce fighting style and tumultuous personal life. The film was critically acclaimed and earned De Niro an Academy Award for Best Actor. We highly recommend this boxing movie classic.
“The Fighter” (2010) – Starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, this film tells the true story of boxer “Irish” Micky Ward and his rise to the top of the boxing world. The film was a critical and commercial success and earned Bale an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. We give this one ten stars – it’s truly one of the best boxing movies ever made.
“Million Dollar Baby” (2004) – Starring Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman, this film tells the story of a female boxer who fights to achieve her dream of becoming a professional fighter. The film was a critical and commercial success and earned Swank an Academy Award for Best Actress. It also happens to be the favorite boxing movie of our founding editor.
“The Sweet Science” (1957) – This film, directed by Robert Wise, is a documentary-style movie that follows the lives of several boxers as they prepare for a big fight. It’s considered a classic film that showcases the true essence of the sport. We suggest reading the book by the same name first!
“The Hurricane” (1999) – Starring Denzel Washington, this film tells the true story of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent nearly 20 years in prison. The film was a critical success and earned Washington an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
“Cinderella Man” (2005) – Starring Russell Crowe, this film tells the true story of boxer James J. Braddock, who rose from obscurity to become the heavyweight champion of the world during the Great Depression. The film was a critical and commercial success and earned Crowe an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. If you’ve seen it, it’s still worth watching again.
“The Great White Hype” (1996) – Starring Samuel L. Jackson, this satire film tells the story of a fictional boxer who is hyped up to be the next great white hope in the sport. The film is considered as one of the most entertaining and cleverly written movies about boxing.
“Girlfight” (2000) – Starring Michelle Rodriguez, this film tells the story of a young woman who turns to boxing as a way to escape her troubled life. The film was a critical success and earned Rodriguez several awards and nominations for her performance.
“The Set-Up” (1949) – Starring Robert Ryan, this classic film noir tells the story of an aging boxer who is set up to take a fall in a fixed fight. The film is considered as one of the best movies about the seedy side of the sport and the dynamics of the fight game – bribes and betting and all. Watch it and let us know what you think.