boxing movies
Top 12 best Boxing Movies
After a hard day in the ring, there’s nothing like settling down with the best boxing movies. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love to escape into the world of knockouts, comebacks, and underdog stories? Whether you’re a seasoned fighter or just a fan of the sport, these movies are guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired and entertained.
But with so many great boxing movies out there, it can be tough to choose which one to watch first. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 12 best boxing movies of all time, each one more thrilling than the last. With 12 rounds in a professional boxing match, there’s a movie for every round – so grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to be entertained.
Here are the top 12 best boxing movies, ranked based on IMDB scores and sure to pack a punch.
IMDB best flicks
1 – Raging Bull (1980) – IMDB: 8.3, Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
A masterpiece of storytelling and cinematography, Raging Bull tells the story of middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta and his tumultuous life inside and outside of the ring. De Niro’s performance as LaMotta is considered one of the greatest in film history, and the film remains one of the most revered sports dramas of all time.
2 – Rocky (1976) – IMDB: 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
A classic underdog story, Rocky follows the journey of Rocky Balboa, a small-time club fighter who gets a shot at the heavyweight championship. Stallone wrote the screenplay and starred in the film, and it became one of the biggest box office successes of all time.
3 – Million Dollar Baby (2004) – IMDB: 8.1, Rotten
Tomatoes: 91% Starring Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
A film about friendship, determination, and the harsh realities of the sport of boxing, Million Dollar Baby is a poignant and unforgettable drama. Eastwood directed and stars in the film, and Swank won an Academy Award for her performance as a female boxer fighting for a chance at greatness.
4 – Body and Soul (1947) – IMDB: 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Starring John Garfield, Lilli Palmer, Hazel Brooks
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
A film noir classic, Body and Soul is a story about a young boxer who rises to the top of the sport but is corrupted by his ruthless manager and the lure of easy money. Garfield gives a standout performance, and the film is considered one of the greatest boxing movies of all time.
5 – The Fighter (2010) – IMDB: 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
Based on the true story of boxer “Irish” Micky Ward and his older half-brother Dicky Eklund, The Fighter is a powerful and inspiring drama that showcases the close relationship between the two men and their quest for success in the ring. Bale won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Dicky.
6 – Creed (2015) – IMDB: 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
A continuation of the Rocky franchise, Creed follows the journey of Adonis Creed, the son of legendary heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, as he trains with Rocky Balboa to become a professional boxer. With strong performances from Jordan and Stallone, and thrilling boxing sequences, Creed is a worthy addition to the Rocky series.
7 – The Hurricane (1999) – IMDB: 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Starring Denzel Washington, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
The Hurricane is a biopic about Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a middleweight boxer who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent nearly 20 years in prison. Washington gives a powerhouse performance as Carter, and the film explores themes of justice, perseverance, and the fight for freedom.
8 – Southpaw (2015) – IMDB: 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
Southpaw follows the journey of Billy Hope, a talented lightweight champion who must fight to regain his place at the top after tragedy strikes. Gyllenhaal underwent a physical transformation for the role and gives a raw and emotional performance that is sure to captivate audiences.
9 – Ali (2001) – IMDB: 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
Starring Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes A biopic about legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, Ali explores the life of the charismatic and controversial champion from his rise to fame in the 1960s to his retirement from the sport in the 1980s. Smith gives a powerful and transformative performance as Ali, and the film is a must-watch for fans of the sport and its history.
10 – Real Steel (2011) – IMDB: 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
Starring Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lilly
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
A science fiction film set in a future where robots have replaced human boxers, Real Steel follows the story of a former fighter who trains a discarded robot to become a champion. With thrilling action sequences and a touching father-son story, Real Steel is a fun and exciting film for fans of both boxing and sci-fi.
11 – The Main Event (1979) – IMDB: 6.7, Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
Starring Barbra Streisand, Ryan O’Neal, Paul Sand
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
A romantic comedy about a female promoter who discovers a talented amateur fighter and tries to turn him into a champion, The Main Event is a lighthearted and entertaining film that showcases the glitz and glamour of the boxing world. Streisand and O’Neal have great chemistry, making it a fun watch for fans of both boxing and romantic comedies.
12 – The Great White Hype (1996) – IMDB: 6.2, Rotten Tomatoes: 44%
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Berg, Damon Wayans
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes
A satire about the world of boxing, The Great White Hype follows the story of a promoter who creates a fictional white heavyweight champion to take on the real black heavyweight champion. With a talented cast and sharp comedic writing, the film is a commentary on the marketing and commercialization of the sport.
In conclusion, these are the top 12 best boxing movies of all time, based on IMDB scores. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or just love a good movie, each of these films offers something unique and captivating. So, put on your boxing gloves, pop some popcorn, and enjoy the action.
