As previously discussed, there are many great boxing anime. However, there are also great movies about boxing, as well. Without further ado, here are the top 10 best boxing movies of all time.
Boxing Movies: 10. Tyson
Mike Tyson is a boxing legend, but there is far more to him than that. Tyson, a 2008 documentary, dives into the full picture of Mike Tyson’s life, from his stunning rise to his shocking downfall and everything else. This documentary provides a wonderful insight into a complex man who once took the boxing world by storm. Any fan of boxing will enjoy this movie.
9. Million Dollar Baby
Million Dollar Baby is an extremely well-known boxing movie and for good reason. Even many viewers who aren’t fans of boxing love this movie. Hilary Swank portrays a young woman trying to convince an aging boxing trainer, played by Clint Eastwood, to train her.
The general idea of a reluctant mentor training a talented student is certainly not a new concept. However, this film portrays that idea wonderfully, with emotionally raw movements and a sad conclusion that catches viewers off-guard. This movie is well worth viewers’ time, even those who don’t follow the sport of boxing.
8. Girlfight
Some consider Girlfight a spiritual successor to Rocky and that has some merit. It centers around a young main character who discovers their identity in the ring. Michelle Rodriguez is excellent as the film’s protagonist, even outperforming more experienced actors in the film. Still, Ray Santiago and Paul Calderon perform their roles well to support the star power of Rodriguez.
Girlfight introduced Michelle Rodriguez as one of the most exciting new actresses in Hollywood. The film provides a great story and many likeable characters. It more than deserves its spot on this list.
Best Boxing Movies: 7. The Fighter
The Fighter is another legendary boxing movie and one that many people know well. Mark Wahlberg stars as the central character, an aging boxer looking for one last shot at glory. This trope is common in boxing movies, but it works incredibly well in this film.
Melissa Leo played the mother of Wahlberg’s character and won an Academy Award for her outstanding performance. Additionally, Amy Adams plays the fighter’s wife and shines in the role. Christian Bale won an Oscar for his portrayal of the fighter’s brother, who struggles with a drug addiction. This film is excellent and everyone should watch it.
6. Cutie and the Boxer
Unlike the Fighter, Cutie and the Boxer focuses less on the actual boxing and more on the relationships between characters. The central characters are a boxing painter and his artist wife. She wants to get out from his shadow after 40 years of marriage.
This documentary delves deep into the relationship between the boxer and his wife, with all its complexities and conflict. It is far from the traditional boxing movie. However, Cutie and the Boxer is a fascinating examination of the reality of a boxer’s personal relationships.
5. The Set-Up
The Set-Up introduced the idea of boxing fights operating as metaphors for all sorts of internal conflict. This 1949 film stars Robert Ryan as a boxer who is past his best days and seeks to improve his boxing career. This is despite the fact that his wife, played by Audrey Totter, wants him to retire from boxing and seek a different career. She doesn’t want to see him get hurt.
As a result, there is conflict between the two of them as her concern for him and his desire to achieve boxing greatness collide. The Set-Up set the precedent for many boxing movies that followed it. It is well worth watching despite its age.
Best Boxing Movies: 4. When We Were Kings
Released in 1996, When We Were Kings is an excellent documentary that tells the story of the legendary ‘Rumble in the Jungle’. This boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman remains one of the most crucial matches in the sport’s history. Leon Gast provides viewers with a unique insight into this historic clash through the perspective of talents like B.B. King and Norman Mailer.
Also, Gast makes this documentary accessible to everyone, even people who don’t know much about boxing. This adds to the movie’s appeal. Anyone who wants to learn more about the historic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ should watch this film.
3. Creed
Creed is a 2015 film that centers around the child of Rocky’s former foe, Apollo Creed. Michael B. Jordan stars as the title character and Sylvester Stallone reprises his iconic role as Rocky. Stallone trains Jordan as a boxer in this compelling story. The film showcases that Rocky and Adonis Creed are more akin to father and son than teacher and student. Additionally, it is an excellent start to a new chapter of the Rocky franchise.
2. Rocky
Naturally, Rocky had to feature on this list. This is one of the greatest boxing movies ever, featuring Sylvester Stallone as the title character who wants to become the heavyweight champion. Similarly, Stallone wanted recognition as a talented writer and actor at the time.
The film features iconic training montages, exciting and bloody boxing action, and a well-chosen cast of memorable characters. Also, Rocky is the ultimate underdog story and that is why it has been a beloved film since it was first released in 1976. This is a must-watch film for everyone.
1. Raging Bull
Raging Bull tops our list of the 10 best boxing movies of all time. There are many reasons for this. Robert De Niro excels as a boxer looking for glory and love in Martin Scorsese’s 1980 masterpiece. However, this is not all.
Joe Pesci also delivers an outstanding performance and contributes to the sheer greatness of this film. Raging Bull is dark, gritty, realistic, and utterly compelling. It deserves its recognition as an all-time classic, not just among boxing movies, but as a film in general. Also, viewers should watch Raging Bull to experience a masterfully crafted film from one of the best directors in modern Hollywood history.
That concludes our list of the top 10 best boxing movies ever.