Best Boxing Movies: Finding the Perfect Boxing Movies for You
There’s something about boxing movies that makes them so captivating. Maybe it’s the power and athleticism of the fighters onscreen or the underdog storylines that always seem to tug at our heartstrings. Whatever it is, this list of the best boxing movies will highlight some of the best movies that Hollywood has put out over the years.
This list of the best boxing movies will feature the top flicks on boxing and all of the great drama, acting, and storytelling that you can handle. So if you’re in need of some inspiration or just want to get lost in a great movie, here are the top boxing movies.
If you are looking for more boxing-related lists, our lists of the best boxing gloves, best boxing shoes, and best boxing books are a must-read for boxing enthusiasts.
1. Rocky
Release Date: 1976
Main Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith
About Boxing Movie: Rocky is the ultimate underdog story that launched a franchise and inspired generations. It follows Rocky Balboa, a humble boxer from Philadelphia, as he gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the heavyweight champion. Full of heart, grit, and iconic training montages, it’s one of the most beloved sports movies of all time.
2. Raging Bull
Release Date: 1980
Main Actors: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty
About Boxing Movie: Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is a powerful biopic of Jake LaMotta, a talented but self-destructive middleweight boxer. The movie captures his rise and fall both in the ring and in his personal life. Robert De Niro’s transformative performance earned him an Academy Award.
3. Rocky II
Release Date: 1979
Main Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
About Boxing Movie: Rocky II picks up where the first film left off, as Rocky faces life after the big fight and struggles with new responsibilities. When he accepts a rematch with Apollo Creed, he must overcome doubt, exhaustion, and fear. It’s a satisfying sequel with a triumphant climax.
4. Rocky III
Release Date: 1982
Main Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Mr. T, Talia Shire
About Boxing Movie: In Rocky III, Balboa faces the intimidating Clubber Lang and experiences a fall from grace. With Apollo Creed’s help, he rediscovers his strength and motivation. This film blends drama and spectacle, making it one of the most memorable entries in the series.
5. Rocky IV
Release Date: 1985
Main Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Talia Shire
About Boxing Movie: Rocky IV takes the series to an international stage with a high-stakes match against Soviet fighter Ivan Drago. Packed with Cold War symbolism, dramatic loss, and legendary training scenes in the snow, it’s one of the most action-packed films of the franchise.
6. Creed
Release Date: 2015
Main Actors: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
About Boxing Movie: Creed breathes new life into the Rocky universe with the story of Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo. With Rocky as his mentor, Adonis trains to forge his own legacy in the boxing world. The film is emotionally rich and powerfully acted.
7. Million Dollar Baby
Release Date: 2004
Main Actors: Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman
About Boxing Movie: This poignant drama follows Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined woman who convinces a reluctant trainer to help her become a champion. The story takes an unexpected emotional turn, exploring themes of hope, loss, and the human spirit.
8. The Fighter
Release Date: 2010
Main Actors: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams
About Boxing Movie: Based on the true story of Micky Ward, this film highlights the trials of an underdog fighter navigating family struggles and personal demons. Christian Bale’s performance as his troubled brother won him an Oscar, and the film packs both heart and intensity.
9. Cinderella Man
Release Date: 2005
Main Actors: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti
About Boxing Movie: Set during the Great Depression, Cinderella Man tells the story of James J. Braddock, a boxer who defies the odds to support his family. It’s an inspiring comeback story that emphasizes resilience and sacrifice.
10. Ali
Release Date: 2001
Main Actors: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight
About Boxing Movie: Will Smith transforms into the legendary Muhammad Ali in this biopic that chronicles the boxer’s rise, activism, and iconic matches. The film captures Ali’s charisma, confidence, and complexity as both an athlete and cultural figure.
11. Creed II
Release Date: 2018
Main Actors: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
About Boxing Movie: Creed II explores legacy, revenge, and growth as Adonis Creed faces Viktor Drago, son of the man who killed his father. The emotional and physical stakes are high in this gripping continuation of the Creed saga.
12. The Hurricane
Release Date: 1999
Main Actors: Denzel Washington, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger
About Boxing Movie: This film tells the true story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer wrongfully imprisoned for murder. Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance in this tale of injustice and perseverance.
13. Southpaw
Release Date: 2015
Main Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker
About Boxing Movie: Southpaw follows Billy Hope, a champion boxer who spirals after a personal tragedy. With the help of a dedicated trainer, he fights to reclaim his life and career. Gyllenhaal’s physical transformation adds to the emotional depth.
14. The Great White Hope
Release Date: 1970
Main Actors: James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander
About Boxing Movie: A fictionalized account of Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion, this film tackles themes of race, fame, and defiance. James Earl Jones delivers a commanding performance in this powerful drama.
15. The Boxer
Release Date: 1997
Main Actors: Daniel Day-Lewis, Emily Watson
About Boxing Movie: Set in Northern Ireland, this film follows a former IRA member who finds peace in the boxing ring while confronting political unrest. Daniel Day-Lewis brings his trademark intensity to this layered role.
16. Girlfight
Release Date: 2000
Main Actors: Michelle Rodriguez, Jaime Tirelli
About Boxing Movie: Michelle Rodriguez stars as a tough teenager who breaks into the male-dominated world of boxing. This indie film is both gritty and empowering, marking Rodriguez’s breakout performance.
17. The Champ
Release Date: 1979
Main Actors: Jon Voight, Faye Dunaway, Ricky Schroder
About Boxing Movie: A moving story of a former boxing champ trying to rebuild his life and care for his son. The emotional father-son bond drives the narrative and leaves a lasting impression.
18. Fat City
Release Date: 1972
Main Actors: Stacy Keach, Jeff Bridges, Susan Tyrrell
About Boxing Movie: This realistic portrayal of boxing in small-town America focuses on a seasoned fighter and an ambitious up-and-comer. It’s a gritty, character-driven film that strips away glamor.
19. Requiem for a Heavyweight
Release Date: 1962
Main Actors: Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason, Mickey Rooney
About Boxing Movie: This classic drama follows a washed-up boxer facing retirement and exploitation. It’s a powerful, human story about dignity, survival, and the end of a once-glorious career.
20. Bleed for This
Release Date: 2016
Main Actors: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal
About Boxing Movie: Based on the incredible true story of Vinny Pazienza, who returned to the ring after breaking his neck in a car accident. It’s a tale of sheer willpower and one of the greatest comeback stories in sports history.
21. Hard Times
Release Date: 1975
Main Actors: Charles Bronson, James Coburn
About Boxing Movie: Set during the Great Depression, this film showcases street boxing for survival. Bronson plays a quiet but tough fighter, and the film blends action with economic hardship.
22. Champion
Release Date: 1949
Main Actors: Kirk Douglas, Arthur Kennedy, Marilyn Maxwell
About Boxing Movie: A film noir classic, Champion follows an ambitious boxer who rises to fame while alienating those closest to him. It’s a cautionary tale about success and integrity.
23. Tyson
Release Date: 2008
Main Actors: Mike Tyson (Himself)
About Boxing Movie: This raw documentary offers an unfiltered look at Mike Tyson’s life, from his meteoric rise to his legal troubles and comeback attempts. It’s deeply personal and reflective.
24. Joe and Max
Release Date: 2002
Main Actors: Til Schweiger, Leonard Roberts
About Boxing Movie: Joe and Max tells the true story of Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, rivals in the ring and unexpected friends in real life. Set during a politically charged era, it’s a powerful reminder of unity and respect.
25. Play It to the Bone
Release Date: 1999
Main Actors: Woody Harrelson, Antonio Banderas
About Boxing Movie: Two aging boxers and longtime friends are given a last-minute shot at glory — against each other. This film blends comedy, drama, and sports in a unique way.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Boxing Movies
With so many knockout films on this list, a few truly stand out as must-watch classics. Rocky remains the gold standard for sports underdog stories and continues to inspire decades later. Raging Bull offers a gritty, powerful portrayal of a complex athlete and features an Oscar-winning performance from Robert De Niro. If you’re in the mood for something modern and emotionally charged, Creed delivers incredible fight scenes, character depth, and a fresh legacy-driven narrative. These top picks are the perfect place to start if you’re new to boxing films or want to rewatch the genre’s best.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Boxing Movies
What makes boxing movies so popular?
Boxing movies are beloved for their emotional storytelling, intense action, and relatable underdog themes. They often showcase personal growth, perseverance, and the struggle to overcome life’s challenges—inside and outside the ring.
Are boxing movies based on real events?
Many of the best boxing films are based on true stories, such as Cinderella Man, The Fighter, and Bleed for This. These films bring real-life struggles and triumphs to the screen with authenticity and dramatic flair.
Do I need to be a boxing fan to enjoy boxing movies?
Not at all. While boxing fans will appreciate the sport-specific details, these movies are driven by powerful narratives, complex characters, and universal themes like redemption, resilience, and sacrifice.
What’s the most critically acclaimed boxing movie?
Raging Bull is widely considered one of the greatest boxing films ever made, earning numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actor and consistent top rankings in film history lists.
Which boxing film is best for family viewing?
Rocky and Creed are great choices for older kids and teens. While still dramatic, they offer inspirational themes and minimal graphic content compared to some of the more intense options like Southpaw or The Hurricane.
Expert Tips for Watching and Enjoying Boxing Movies
1. Start with the classics. Begin with foundational films like Rocky and Raging Bull to appreciate how the genre developed. These set the tone for modern boxing movies.
2. Pay attention to character development. Boxing films often mirror the emotional arc of their characters. Look for how their struggles in the ring reflect personal growth or internal battles.
3. Watch with subtitles during fight scenes. Sound effects can drown out dialogue. Subtitles can help you catch key moments of character interaction during training or matches.
4. Mix fiction with real-life stories. Alternate between biopics like Ali or The Hurricane and fictional stories like Creed or Southpaw to get a balanced experience of the genre.
5. Watch with friends or family. Boxing movies spark great conversations about discipline, motivation, and grit. They can be inspiring group watches, especially with teens or sports enthusiasts.
Best Boxing Movies Conclusion
There are few sports as thrilling to watch as boxing. The fast-paced action and the suspense of not knowing who will come out on top make for an exciting spectacle.
Whether you’re a fan of the sport or just looking for an adrenaline rush, these top boxing movies are sure to entertain you.
Please make sure to comment below if you have feedback on any of these boxing movies. We know that all of our readers would appreciate your comments.
