Movies About Boxing

From Quentin Tarantino, starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis
Rated R

Pulp Fiction is a 1994 American crime film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, who conceived it with Roger Avary. It stars John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis in the lead roles. The film is known for its eclectic dialogue, ironic mix of humor and violence, nonlinear storyline, and its host of cinematic allusions and pop culture references. The story is told in a series of overlapping vignettes involving two mob hit men, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits. The film's title refers to the pulp magazines and hardboiled crime novels popular during the mid-20th century, known for their graphic violence and punchy dialogue. Pulp Fiction has been widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. It received multiple awards and nominations, including seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It is also often cited as Tarantino's masterpiece, and is considered a cultural watershed, influencing films and other media that adopted elements of its style.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers
Rated G

City Lights is a 1931 silent romantic comedy film starring, directed, produced and composed by Charlie Chaplin. The movie follows the story of the Tramp, played by Chaplin himself, as he falls in love with a blind flower girl and attempts to help her regain her sight. With the help of a wealthy benefactor, the Tramp manages to raise the money for the girl's operation, but his plans are hindered when the benefactor does not recognize him. Despite this, the Tramp continues to help the flower girl, and in the end her operation is successful and she regains her sight. The film ends with a happily ever after scene, with the Tramp and the flower girl living happily together. City Lights is considered by many to be Chaplin's best film, showcasing his skill in storytelling, comedy, and filmmaking.

From Guy Ritchie, starring Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham, Vinnie Jones
Rated R

Snatch is a crime film directed by Guy Ritchie. The film follows a group of colorful characters as they carry out a diamond heist and attempt to sell it to the highest bidder. Along the way, they become tangled in a web of schemes, double-crosses, and dirty dealings. The film stars Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Dennis Farina, Benicio Del Toro, Vinnie Jones, and others. The plot revolves around a boxing promoter, Turkish (Jason Statham), and his partner, Tommy (Stephen Graham), who need to find the stolen diamond in order to pay off a debt to a notorious gangster, Brick Top (Alan Ford). They enlist the help of local criminals and a mysterious American, Mickey (Brad Pitt), to help them. Along the way, they must battle shady characters, including a shady jeweler, a shady dealer, and a shady gangster. The film satirizes the British underworld, featuring black comedy and colorful characters.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent
Rated R

Raging Bull is a 1980 American biographical sports drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro as Jake LaMotta, an Italian-American middleweight boxer whose self-destructive behavior and volatile temper cause him to lead a tumultuous life. LaMotta's career in the ring is followed, from his beginnings as a promising young boxer through his struggles with fame, loss, and personal demons. Meanwhile, his personal life is plagued by his violent temper, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Along the way, LaMotta is supported by his brother, Joey (Joe Pesci), as well as his wife, Vickie (Cathy Moriarty). The film received acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the boxer's life, as well as De Niro's powerful performance. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor, and won two awards for Best Film Editing and Best Actor.

From Luchino Visconti, starring Alain Delon, Renato Salvatori, Annie Girardot, Claudia Cardinale
Rated Not Rated

Rocco and His Brothers is a 1960 Italian drama directed by Luchino Visconti. It follows the story of the Parondi family, a family of five brothers, who move from a small rural town in the south of Italy to the big city of Milan in search of a better life. Once there, the family quickly discovers that life in the big city is not as they had hoped and they must struggle to survive. Each of the brothers must also struggle with their own personal issues as they experience the harsh realities of the urban life. Through their struggles, the family must find a way to stay together and stay true to their values in a world that doesn't always treat them fairly.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby is a 2004 American sports drama directed by Clint Eastwood and written by Paul Haggis. It stars Hilary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined female boxer, and Clint Eastwood as Frankie Dunn, a veteran boxing trainer and manager of an aging gym. Maggie is determined to become a professional boxer, despite the objections of her family. She seeks out Frankie to train her and the two eventually form an unlikely partnership. With Frankie's guidance, Maggie quickly rises to the top of the boxing world and earns a shot at the women's welterweight title. However, a sudden tragedy forces Frankie to choose between his career and his closest friend. The film explores themes of family, friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice, and was recognized with numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and both written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It tells the rags-to-riches American Dream story of Rocky Balboa, an uneducated but kind-hearted working class Italian-American boxer working in the slums of Philadelphia. Rocky, rejected by most of society, gets a chance to fight the world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect. The film received ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won three for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. It has become a cult classic, spawning several sequels and spin-offs. The film focuses on the real-life struggles of an underdog boxer and has had a lasting impact on audiences and popular culture.

From Elia Kazan, starring Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger
Rated Approved

On the Waterfront is a 1954 American drama film directed by Elia Kazan and written by Budd Schulberg, starring Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint. The film tells the story of Terry Malloy, a dockworker who is torn between his loyalties to his older brother, a gangster, and his burgeoning relationship with a former professional dancer, Edie Doyle. Terry's moral dilemma leads him to a climactic confrontation with the corrupt labor union bosses who have been exploiting the dockworkers. The film won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Saint), and Best Actor (Brando). It was ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the greatest American films of all time.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Craig Bierko, Paul Giamatti
Rated PG-13

Cinderella Man is a drama film released in 2005, directed by Ron Howard and starring Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger and Paul Giamatti. It is based on the true story of boxer James J. Braddock and his struggle to support his wife and three children during the Great Depression. Braddock was an up-and-coming professional boxer, who suffered a career-ending injury. He then had to take a job as a longshoreman to provide for his family. After an inspiring comeback, Braddock went on to become the world heavyweight champion in 1935. The story follows Braddock's journey from his hardscrabble beginnings in New Jersey and his valiant efforts to provide for his family, to his unlikely rise to the top of the boxing world and the challenges he faced along the way. In the end, he prevails against all odds, proving to the world that anything is possible in the face of adversity.

From Leon Gast, starring Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, James Brown
Rated PG

When We Were Kings is a documentary film which chronicles the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974. The film focuses heavily on Ali's preparation for the fight, the build-up to the event and the eventual outcome of the fight. It also includes interviews with celebrities and other prominent figures from the world of boxing, as well as footage of the fight itself. It covers the social, cultural and political aspects of the fight, and of the time period in general. In the end, the film is a celebration of Ali's courage, skill, and determination in his fight against the odds.

From David O. Russell, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo
Rated R

The Fighter is a 2010 biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell and starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo. It focuses on the professional and personal life of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward (Wahlberg) and his relationship with his half-brother, Dicky Eklund (Bale). Micky Ward is a struggling boxer whose career is held back by his overbearing brother and trainer, Dicky, a former boxer whose glory days are long gone. Micky's determination and drive to become a champion become complicated when he forms a relationship with Charlene (Adams), a former drug addict and mother of two. Micky's mother, Alice (Leo), also proves to be a major obstacle, as she manages her sons' boxing careers and puts her own interests before those of her sons. Micky must eventually confront the difficult choice of whether to stay loyal to his family or forge a new path for himself. With the help of Charlene and his trainer, Mickey eventually regains his self-confidence and finds success in the boxing ring. In the end, Micky and Dicky's relationship is mended, and Micky is able to make his own choices about his career

From Stephen Daldry, starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Jean Heywood, Jamie Draven
Rated R

Billy Elliot is an uplifting, coming-of-age drama set in a small, northern England town during the violent, 1984 coal miners' strike. The story follows 11-year-old Billy (Jamie Bell), who trades in his boxing gloves for ballet shoes and discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community. Despite harsh opposition from his father and other locals, Billy perseveres, eventually winning a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School in London. With the support of his loving, determined dance teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson (Julie Walters), Billy discovers his true self and a brighter future.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Shûichirô Moriyama, Tokiko Katô, Bunshi Katsura Vi, Tsunehiko Kamijô
Rated PG

Porco Rosso is a 1992 Japanese animated adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Set in the Adriatic Sea in the 1930s, the film stars the voices of Shūichirō Moriyama, Tokiko Kato, Akemi Okamura and Akio Ōtsuka. The story follows the eponymous Porco Rosso, a World War I veteran and ace pilot who has been cursed to look like a pig. In between bounties from the fascist Italian government and trouble from the pirates, he finds time to woo the beautiful Gina. The film, which blends fantasy, comedy, action and romance, is a deeply personal work for Miyazaki, who has said that the character of Porco Rosso was inspired by his own father. The film received critical acclaim upon its release and went on to be a minor box office success in Japan.

From Norman Jewison, starring Denzel Washington, Vicellous Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger, Liev Schreiber
Rated R

The Hurricane is a 1999 biographical sports drama film directed by Norman Jewison. It stars Denzel Washington as Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a middleweight boxer whose wrongful conviction for murder landed him in prison for nearly 20 years. The film tells the story of Carter's fight for justice, with the help of a young attorney and an advocate for civil rights. The film also features brief cameos from famous celebrities, such as Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Muhammad Ali. The Hurricane chronicles Carter's time in prison and his eventual freedom, as well as the alarming racial injustice of the justice system that put him there. The film gives viewers a glimpse into the power of the human spirit, the courage to stand up for what is right, and the importance of perseverance.

From Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad
Rated PG-13

Creed is a 2015 American sports drama film directed, co-written, and co-produced by Ryan Coogler. It is a spin-off and sequel to the Rocky series. The film stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Johnson, the son of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, and Sylvester Stallone reprising his role as Rocky Balboa, who serves as a mentor and trainer to Adonis. The film follows Adonis as he follows his dream of becoming a professional boxer, with the help of Rocky Balboa. Along the way, Adonis meets Bianca, a musician who he falls in love with, and eventually faces the son of Ivan Drago, the man who killed his father, in a high profile fight. Through his struggles and triumphs, Adonis learns the importance of family and how to live up to his father's legacy. Creed received critical acclaim, with many praising Stallone's performance as well as Coogler's directing and writing. The film received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and a win for Stallone for Best Supporting Actor.

From Antoine Fuqua, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence, Forest Whitaker
Rated R

From Sylvester Stallone, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

From Walter Hill, starring Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Jill Ireland, Strother Martin
Rated PG

From Clare Lewins, starring Muhammad Ali, Gene Kilroy, Rahman Ali, Odessa Clay
Rated PG

From John G. Avildsen, starring Stephen Dorff, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Morgan Freeman, Nomadlozi Kubheka
Rated PG-13

From Sylvester Stallone, starring Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Tarver, Milo Ventimiglia, Burt Young
Rated PG

From Jim Sheridan, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Emily Watson, Daragh Donnelly, Frank Coughlan
Rated R

From Shawn Levy, starring Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo, Anthony Mackie
Rated PG-13

From Julian Jarrold, starring Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell
Rated PG

From Martin Ritt, starring James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Lou Gilbert, Joel Fluellen
Rated PG-13