With Creed III When we hit theaters and had already finished our ranking of the Rocky franchise, I thought it would be fun to present a list of boxing movies that don’t feature the Italian stud but are just as great. Without further ado, here are the 10 best boxing movies are not from Rocky And Believe Franchise.
Southpaw (2015)
Jake Gyllenhaal was jacked for director Antoine Fuqua’s underrated boxing gem about a man who loses everything but is given one last shot at glory and fame. The production values are solid all round and the boxing matches are impressive, but this is mostly Jake’s show, and the actor gives an emotional performance as a man doing his best not to slide into the abyss of despair. It is understandable. He was married to Rachel McAdams and lived the majestic life of an aspiring boxer. I would freak out too if McAdams was taken away from me. Anyway, if not exactly Rocky levels of inspiration, Southpaw delivers the goods, even if you have to suffer quite a bit to get to the highlights.
The Fighter (2010)
One of my absolute favorite movies, the one by David O. Russell The fighter tells the true story of Mickey Ward and his relationship with his troubled brother Dicky. Boxing is the element that brings the Ward boys (and their eccentric family) together. Still, this 2010 drama is really about people struggling to break free from life’s shackles. Mickey longs for greatness but has to constantly deal with his mother and brother, Dicky fights his heroin addiction. At the same time, Mickey’s love interest, Charlene, must battle against virtually everyone to keep her husband on the right path. Russell’s cinematic flourishes abound, but the performances from the impressive cast — particularly Christian Bale, who won an Oscar for his efforts — really shine. The fighter is one of the best films of modern times.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
million dollar baby is not for the faint of heart. Directed with a heavy hand by Clint Eastwood (who won an Oscar for his efforts), this heartbreaking melodrama smashes you with a trio of incredible performances – Eastwood, Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman – and its powerful story about a trailer trash girl to convince a grey-haired old trainer to give her a big chance. million dollar baby traverses unique territory and conjures up a breathtaking and shocking third act that will leave you speechless.
Cinderella Man (2005)
Ron Howards Cinderella man isn’t nearly as good as it thinks it is, but still manages with sheer charm and Russell Crowe’s magnetic performance. This historical epic tells the story of James J. Braddock, an Irish-American boxer who breaks his hand and falls into poverty, but thanks in no small part to his manager Joe Gould (scene thief Paul Giamatti) gets another shot at the title. With Renee Zellweger Cinderella man has its moments and actually ends with a moment of inspiration. However, it can feel too much like Oscar fodder for a proper exploration of its subject matter. But still worth a look.
Ali (2001)
I am in love Ali. Most biographical epics bite off more than they can chew, resulting in a rambling, if bite-sized, view of their heroes. With Ali, director Michael Mann cleverly frames his story during a pivotal period in the boxing icon’s life from 1964 to 1974. The film examines Muhammad Ali’s stance against the Vietnam War, his exile from boxing and eventual comeback, and paints him as a flawed human being caught in a complex world struggling to survive. Will Smith is great in the title role, while Jamie Foxx and Jon Voight provide solid supporting roles. Here’s a true story done right.
Snap (2000)
Boxing is just a small part of it snap, but that doesn’t stop director Guy Ritchie from producing gritty and gritty fight scenes that are as funny as they are dirty. Each instance features Brad Pitt’s scruffy fighter, Mickey O’Neil, who has the unique ability to take out his opponents with a single punch – he’s undecipherable thanks to his heavy Irish accent. Again, this plot is just part of a larger story involving a stolen diamond, a squeaky dog and a sprawling cast that includes Jason Stratham, Stephen Graham, Dennis Farina and many more. So basically, if you like Guy Ritchie, you’ll love it snap.
The Hurricane (1999)
I was really excited The Hurricane before its release in the late ’90s. Based on the true life story of Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter, who was wrongfully jailed for a crime he didn’t commit, the Norman Jewison picture arrived as an Oscar heavy hitter, boasted a great cast and had all the requirements for a classic. While Denzel Washington is fantastic as Carter, the movie around him is just okay, a predictable, even syrupy, sports drama. All these years later, my thoughts haven’t changed. Look at the picture for Washington and then read the true story of The Hurricane which is far more compelling.
Girl Fight (2000)
Before, she was stuck in an endless cycle Fast and Furious Michelle Rodriguez showed off her acting skills in this dark, low-budget drama about a young woman who channels her anger to become a kick-ass boxer. Sure, it’s all predictable, and there’s not a beat here that you haven’t seen in other movies of this nature. Still, the journey is well worth it thanks to Rodriguez’s towering performance, a handful of well-executed boxing matches, and exploring deeper themes about life, love, and endurance.
Raging Bull (1980)
Martin Scorsese is often considered one of the greatest films of all time wild bull chronicles the rise and fall of boxer Jake LaMotta (Robert DeNiro). Full Disclosure: This is a brutal film – a classic through and through, but don’t expect a feel-good story in the sense of Rocky. Instead, learn how a famous fighter spiraled out of control and ended up losing everything. It’s the classic rags to rags story directed by Scorsese and starring Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci and Cathy Moriarty. What’s not to love?
Play it to the Bone (1999)
See, Play it to the bone is little Ron Shelton, but it’s still Ron Shelton. Suppose you loved White man can’t jump or pewter mug. In that case, I urge you to check out this amusing, sometimes hilarious dramedy about two lifelong buddies who get a chance to fight – each other. The winner gets a shot at the heavyweight title. So the two head to Las Vegas with their girl Grace (Lolita Davidovich) to seek fame and fortune. With Woody Harrelson and Antonio Banderas, Play it to the bone is crude, sometimes stupid, but always entertaining. Of course, Shelton manufactures nothing more than a guilty pleasure. Still, fans of the writer/director’s work will appreciate the brave effort.
