Top Boxing Movies That Inspire: From Gritty Dramas to Uplifting Stories

Dive into captivating boxing movies showcasing true sports legends, masterful fight scenes, and unforgettable actor transformations.

1. Raging Bull

Raging Bull

• USA, 1980
• Drama, Biographical
• Duration: 129 minutes
• IMDb: 8.2

Jake LaMotta, a former boxer and trainer known as the "Raging Bull" for his fierce aggression, reflects on his turbulent life. His rage extended beyond the ring, affecting those closest to him. Robert De Niro delivers one of his most powerful performances portraying LaMotta's biography, making this Martin Scorsese film a timeless cinematic masterpiece.

Available on iTunes and Google Play.

2. Million Dollar Baby

Million Dollar Baby

• USA, 2004
• Sports Drama
• Duration: 132 minutes
• IMDb: 8.1

Maggie, a 31-year-old waitress, dreams of becoming a boxer. Initially rejected by the gruff trainer Dunn, she eventually earns his mentorship through sheer determination. Directed, produced, and scored by Clint Eastwood, who also stars in the film, this story earned four Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Available on iTunes and Google Play.

3. Rocky

Rocky

• USA, 1976
• Drama
• Duration: 120 minutes
• IMDb: 8.1

Rocky Balboa, a struggling boxer who works collecting debts, gets an unexpected chance to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who is looking for an easy opponent after an injury. Determined to prove himself, Rocky trains hard to win against the odds. This film launched Sylvester Stallone's career and remains a classic sports drama about perseverance.

Available on iTunes and Google Play.

4. Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man

• USA, 2005
• Drama, Biography
• Duration: 144 minutes
• IMDb: 8.0

Heavyweight boxer Jim Braddock faces a series of setbacks, taking on any job to support his family. Against all odds, he makes a remarkable comeback, rising from hardship to boxing glory. Russell Crowe immersed himself fully, training with real fighters, even risking injuries to portray Braddock authentically.

Available on iTunes and Google Play.

5. The Fighter

The Fighter

• USA, 2010
• Drama, Sports, Biography
• Duration: 114 minutes
• IMDb: 7.8

After a tough streak, boxer Mickey Ward returns to the ring with the help of his troubled half-brother Dicky Eklund and his supportive partner. Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale deliver compelling performances, with Bale undergoing a dramatic physical transformation. The film received six Oscar nominations, winning two awards.

Available on iTunes and Google Play.

6. Requiem for a Heavyweight

Requiem for a Heavyweight

• USA, 1962
• Drama, Sports
• Duration: 95 minutes
• IMDb: 7.8

Famed boxer Luis Rivera loses to young Cassius Clay and is advised to retire to avoid blindness. Determined to fight again, he faces challenges including mafia entanglements. Anthony Quinn stars alongside the real Muhammad Ali, lending authenticity to the boxing sequences.

7. Creed

Creed

• USA, 2015
• Drama, Sports
• Duration: 133 minutes
• IMDb: 7.6

Years after the original Rocky saga, Apollo Creed's son Adonis pursues boxing under Rocky Balboa's mentorship. Michael B. Jordan shines as the ambitious fighter, while the film features an impressive four-minute continuous boxing scene showcasing intense choreography.

Available on iTunes and Google Play.

8. Southpaw

Southpaw

• Hong Kong, USA, 2015
• Drama, Sports
• Duration: 124 minutes
• IMDb: 7.4

Champion Billy Hope's life unravels after the tragic death of his wife, leading to his disqualification and loss of custody of his daughter. Jake Gyllenhaal portrays the boxer’s emotional journey back to the ring. Eminem contributed to the soundtrack, adding depth to this gripping drama.

Available on iTunes.

9. Champion

Champion

• USA, 1949
• Drama, Sports, Noir
• Duration: 99 minutes
• IMDb: 7.4

Midge Kelly and his disabled brother hitchhike to California. After stepping in for an injured boxer, Midge begins his boxing career but soon confronts the dark side of the sport, including fixed fights and criminal influences. Kirk Douglas stars in this classic noir film, earning his first Oscar nomination.

10. The First Glove

• USSR, 1946
• Drama, Comedy, Sports
• Duration: 79 minutes
• IMDb: 7.1

Experienced coach Privalov meets young strongman Nikita Krutikov and encourages him to become a boxer. Despite initial confusion and rivalry, Nikita achieves success in the ring. This energetic Soviet film was a major hit, attracting over 18 million viewers in its release year.

11. Viktor Krohin's Second Chance

• USSR, 1977
• Drama, Sports
• Duration: 98 minutes
• IMDb: 7.1

European boxing champion Viktor Krohin reflects on his life journey, growing up fatherless after the war and learning to fight on the streets. Originally, Vladimir Vysotsky was set to play a key role and wrote a song for the film, but censorship issues led to changes in the final cut.

12. Ali

Ali

• USA, 2001
• Drama, Biography, Sports
• Duration: 157 minutes
• IMDb: 6.8

This biopic chronicles the life of Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, from his rise to fame after defeating Sonny Liston to his controversial stances involving Malcolm X, name change, and draft refusal. Will Smith portrays Ali, earning an Oscar nomination, with real boxers including Michael Bentt featuring in the ring scenes.

Which boxing movies inspire you the most? Share your favorites in the comments!

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