Hollywood Top Movies

20+ Finest Boxing Movies You Must Watch At Any Cost

Ali (2001)

If there’s one person that deserves the title of God of Boxing, then it could be none other than Muhammad Ali. Hence, the Best biographical drama film about the boxing legend, Ali released in 2001 makes it to our list without any doubts.

The film stars Will Smith as Ali and narrates the story of his rise to fame as Cassius Clay Jr., his change of name as Muhammad Ali, and his conversion to Islam.

Directed by Michael Mann, the film also stars Smith’s current spouse Jada Pinkett Smith as Ali’s first wife Sonji Ro, alongside a supporting cast consisting of Jamie Foxx, Mario Van Peebles, Albert Hall, LeVar Burton, Nona Gaye, and many others.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Registering a long, successful run at the Box Office and winning 4 Oscars, Million Dollar Baby is bound to make it to our list.

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring himself alongside Hillary Swank and Morgan Freeman in the main roles, the film is about a fading boxing trainer Frankie Dunn, played by Clint Eastwood, who finds an opportunity to put his past mistakes behind when he encounters an amateur boxer Margaret Fitzgerald, played by Hilary Swank, and helps her achieve her dream of becoming a professional boxer.

If he is successful or not forms the rest of the story!

Cinderella Man (2005)

Titled under the nickname of legendary heavyweight boxer James J. Braddock, Cinderella Man is a 2005 American biographical sports drama based on the boxer’s life story.

Directed by Ron Howard, the film stars Russell Crowe in the titular role as Braddock, the Cinderella Man, a title given to him as he became a symbol of hope and aspiration during the great American depression as the film follows the story of his rise to fame in the boxing arena despite an injured right hand.

The Fighter (2010)

The Fighter is yet another sports biopic film based on boxing. Directed by David O. Russel, the film narrates the life story of professional boxer Micky Ward, played by Mark Wahlberg, and his brother Dicky Eklund, portrayed by Christian Bale.

Nominated for seven different categories at the 83^rd Academy Awards and winning 2 Oscars, the film is considered special because of its story and its realistic performances from the likes Wahlberg, Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo.

Boxing Gym (2010)

Although a documentary film, Boxing Gym deserves to be on the list because unlike other documentary films that follow talking-head interviews, re-enactments, etc.; the film takes a low-key approach and displays the life in the world of boxing especially at the gym in Austin, Texas.

The documentary narrates the daily routines and pieces of training of upcoming and regular boxers at the gym as well as its owner Richard Lord.

The film is a must watch boxing fans who need a sneak peak in order to witness the real hardships and training routines, the boxers go every day to entertain us inside the ring.

Mary Kom (2014)

Based on the life of Indian boxing legend, Mary Kom is an Indian Biopic film starring Priyanka Chopra in the titular role.

The film is directed by debutante director Omung Kumar and is produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film depicts the life of Mary Kom and her struggling journey to become a boxing champion by winning the 2008 World Boxing Championship in Ningbo.

The film is remarkable as it clearly displays the struggles and challenges, a woman boxer faces in India and also shows the willpower and talent spread across each corner of the country.

Southpaw (2015)

Southpaw is a sports drama film based on the life of a boxer, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, who, despite retirement due to injury, risks his life by returning into the ring to avenge his wife’s insult and win back his daughter’s trust and becomes a champion.

Directed by Antonie Fuqua, the film also stars Forest Whitaker and Rachel McAdams in supporting roles.

Creed (2015)

The seventh installment of the Rocky franchise, Creed is a 2015 sports film produced as a spinoff as well as a sequel to the Rocky film series.

Starring Michael B. Jordan in the titular role, the film depicts the story of the son of Apollo Creed from the first two Rocky movies, who just like his dad takes up boxing career under the mentorship of his father’s old friend a rival, Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone.

Unlike previous Rocky films, Creed is the first not to be directed or written by Stallone. Maybe, the film ends the Rocky saga and begins a new boxing saga under a new boxing hero.

Saala Khadoos (2016)

Saala Khadoos is the latest film on our list of movies about boxing. Starring R. Madhavan in the lead role as a former boxer and the coach of women’s boxing team, the film tries to shed light on the state of the rest of the sports, especially women’s sports in India.

The film is about a Female Boxer. The film tells us the story of a failed boxer who ends up coaching a women’s boxing team and finds a real talent with an aggressive, arrogant and stubborn roadside fish seller Madhi, portrayed by Ritika Singh, and works hard to make a champion out of her. If he is successful or fails all over again is what forms the rest of the story.

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