At Reelay, we have a distinct love for boxing movies. Boxing has always been a sport that has captured the imagination of the public, whether it’s the drama of a heavyweight title fight or the rise of a plucky underdog. And it’s no surprise that boxing has been a popular subject for filmmakers over the years. From gritty dramas to inspirational biopics, there have been some incredible boxing movies made that have stood the test of time. Here are some of Reelay’s favorite boxing movies of all time.
Raging Bull (1980)
Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece Raging Bull tells the story of Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxer whose personal and professional life spirals out of control due to his self-destructive nature. Robert De Niro’s intense performance as LaMotta won him an Academy Award, and the film’s stunning black-and-white cinematography and visceral fight scenes make it a true classic of the genre.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Directed by Clint Eastwood, Million Dollar Baby tells the story of a hardened boxing trainer (Eastwood) who reluctantly takes on a young female boxer (Hilary Swank) as his protégé. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Swank), and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman).
Rocky (1976)
“Rocky” is the quintessential boxing movie that has inspired countless filmmakers and sports enthusiasts. The film tells the story of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight title. The movie is a classic rags-to-riches story that is propelled by the iconic training montage and the famous final fight scene between Rocky and Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).
Ali (2001)
“Ali” is a biographical film about the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali (Will Smith). The movie charts Ali’s rise to fame and his political activism during the Civil Rights Movement. Smith delivers a powerful performance as Ali, capturing his charisma, wit, and fighting spirit.
Cinderella Man (2005)
“Cinderella Man” is a period piece that takes place during the Great Depression. The film tells the story of boxer James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe) as he fights his way back from poverty to become a champion. The movie is a moving portrait of resilience and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Creed III (2023)
Still dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed is thriving in his career and family life. When Damian, a childhood friend, and former boxing prodigy resurfaces after serving time in prison, he’s eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian — a fighter who has nothing to lose.
The Fighter (2010)
“The Fighter” is based on the true story of boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his brother and trainer, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale). The film is a gritty portrayal of the boxing world and the dysfunctional family dynamic that can often be found within it. Bale won an Academy Award for his performance as Eklund.