Top 20 Movies About The Art Of Boxing

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - July 13th 2025, 11:00 GMT+2

Cropped bleed for this 2016 — 20. Bleed for This (2016)

The true story of Vinny Pazienza’s comeback after a devastating car accident is at the heart of *Bleed for This*. Miles Teller stars as the resilient boxer who, against all odds, returns to the ring despite a broken neck. The film not only showcases the physical toll boxing takes but also emphasizes the emotional and mental fortitude needed to overcome life's most challenging obstacles. With a solid supporting cast including Aaron Eckhart, the film also dives into the relationship between Pazienza and his trainer, played by Eckhart, showing a powerful bond of trust and perseverance. The intense training sequences and gritty atmosphere make this film an unforgettable exploration of resilience and determination. It's a compelling addition to any boxing movie lover’s list. | © Open Road Films

The survivor 2021 — 19. The Survivor (2021)

A harrowing tale of survival and the psychological aftermath of war, *The Survivor* focuses on Harry Haft, a boxer who was forced to fight fellow prisoners in Auschwitz to stay alive. Ben Foster gives a powerful performance as Haft, navigating the brutal realities of both the boxing world and the trauma left by his experiences in the Holocaust. The film doesn't just explore the physical ring battles but also the emotional battles faced by its protagonist in his attempt to heal and find peace. The movie draws a gripping parallel between the horrific circumstances of war and the sport’s demand for grit, showing how boxing can be both a form of survival and a means of dealing with pain. | © HBO Films

Cropped the champ 1979 — 18. The Champ (1979)

Starring Jon Voight and Ricky Schroder, *The Champ* is an emotional and poignant story of a former boxing champion struggling to reclaim his glory while navigating the trials of fatherhood. Voight’s portrayal of the down-and-out fighter is raw and authentic, capturing the highs and lows of a man who once had it all. The relationship between Voight’s character and his son, played by Schroder, forms the emotional core of the film. As the boxer’s past mistakes catch up with him, he must find a way to reconcile his broken life and the future of the son who looks up to him. This film isn’t just about boxing but also about redemption, love, and sacrifice. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped ali 2001 — 17. Ali (2001)

Will Smith’s portrayal of Muhammad Ali in *Ali* is nothing short of iconic. Directed by Michael Mann, the film chronicles the life of one of boxing’s greatest legends, exploring his rise to fame, his political activism, and his controversial time in the ring. The movie paints a complex portrait of Ali, capturing both his bravado and vulnerability, while showcasing Smith’s transformative performance. The film takes us through key moments in Ali’s life, such as his victory over George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle" and his fight against the U.S. government over his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War. Smith’s commitment to the role earned him an Academy Award nomination and solidified *Ali* as a must-watch for any boxing fan. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped girlfight 2000 — 16. Girlfight (2000)

*Girlfight* is an empowering and gritty film that follows Diana, a troubled teenager who discovers a passion for boxing, fighting against both her personal demons and the stereotypes of her gender. Played by Michelle Rodriguez in her breakthrough role, Diana's journey is one of self-discovery and resilience. The film sheds light on the difficulties faced by women in a male-dominated sport, exploring themes of strength, identity, and overcoming societal expectations. With its raw performances and intense training sequences, *Girlfight* helped carve a space for female fighters in cinematic portrayals of boxing, showing that strength isn’t just physical but emotional too. | © Screen Gems

Cutie and the boxer msn — 15. Cutie and the Boxer (2013)

*Cutie and the Boxer* is a documentary that blends art with the grit of boxing, focusing on the relationship between artist Ushio Shinohara and his wife, Noriko. While not a traditional boxing film, the story of Ushio’s “boxing art,” where he literally uses boxing gloves to create vibrant, expressive pieces of art, ties the two worlds together in an unexpected way. The film is a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and artistic ambition, with Noriko’s own life story coming into focus as she reflects on the personal and creative sacrifices she’s made. It’s a touching and beautifully shot film about art and the complex dynamics of a long-term relationship. | © Radius-TWC

Cropped somebody up there likes me 1956 — 14. Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)

Paul Newman stars as Rocky Graziano in this biographical drama, portraying the boxer’s tumultuous rise to fame and personal redemption. The film focuses on Graziano’s troubled youth, his time in prison, and his eventual success in the boxing world, all while battling his inner demons. Newman's charisma shines through as he plays a man torn between his criminal past and his desire to make a name for himself in the sport of boxing. *Somebody Up There Likes Me* is a classic boxing movie that portrays the power of second chances and the lengths to which a fighter will go to prove himself. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped the boxer 1997 — 13. The Boxer (1997)

Daniel Day-Lewis delivers a masterful performance in *The Boxer*, set against the backdrop of the politically charged environment in Northern Ireland. He plays Danny Flynn, a former boxer who returns to the sport after serving time in prison, only to find himself caught between his past associations with the IRA and his new life as a boxer. The film’s focus isn’t just on the physical toll of boxing but also on the internal conflict that comes with being caught between two worlds. The movie explores themes of redemption, identity, and the complicated relationship between politics and personal life, all while showcasing intense boxing scenes. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped body and soul 1947 — 12. Body and Soul (1947)

In this classic film noir, John Garfield stars as a promising boxer who struggles with temptation, corruption, and the lure of easy money. *Body and Soul* dives deep into the moral complexities of the boxing world, exploring how the sport can be both a path to redemption and a dangerous trap. Garfield’s portrayal of the conflicted boxer is intense and riveting, as he tries to navigate the pressures of his career while staying true to his inner values. This film remains a landmark in the genre, with its strong performances and themes of self-destruction and redemption. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Creed — 11. Creed (2015)

The *Rocky* franchise received a fresh and powerful reboot with *Creed*, which focuses on the son of Apollo Creed, Adonis Johnson, played by Michael B. Jordan. Under the mentorship of the aging Rocky Balboa, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone, Adonis embarks on his own boxing journey, seeking both personal and professional glory. The film explores themes of legacy, family, and identity, showing how the past shapes the present. Jordan’s powerful performance and Stallone’s emotional return to the role that made him a household name breathed new life into the series, making *Creed* not just a worthy successor, but a standout in its own right. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped fat city 1972 — 10. Fat City (1972)

*Fat City* takes a gritty, realistic look at the world of boxing through the eyes of two fighters – one on the rise and the other, on the decline. Starring Stacy Keach and Jeff Bridges, the film explores the struggles of boxer Billy Tully, who has passed his prime, and his attempt to reignite his career. The film’s somber tone highlights the harsh realities of a sport where opportunity is fleeting, and the cost of fame can be immense. With its stripped-down portrayal of the fight game, *Fat City* presents a more personal, less glamorous side of boxing, making it a standout piece in boxing cinema. Directed by John Huston, it captures both the physical and emotional toll boxing can take, showcasing the sacrifices made by fighters in their pursuit of success. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped southpaw 2015 — 9. Southpaw (2015)

Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an intense, transformative performance in *Southpaw*, a film that follows Billy Hope, a champion boxer who spirals into personal and professional turmoil after a devastating tragedy. The film delves deep into the fighter’s struggle to regain his footing in the ring while trying to reconnect with his daughter and rebuild his life. Gyllenhaal’s physical transformation and raw performance capture the emotional and physical scars of a man who must fight both his inner demons and external battles. With the direction of Antoine Fuqua and a compelling supporting performance by Forest Whitaker, *Southpaw* stands as a powerful narrative about loss, redemption, and the power of perseverance. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped the hurricane 1999 — 8. The Hurricane (1999)

*The Hurricane* tells the remarkable true story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. Denzel Washington portrays Carter, delivering a powerful performance that brings to life the emotional and physical toll of the boxer’s unjust incarceration. The film not only highlights Carter’s boxing career but also his fight for justice and the support he receives from a group of determined individuals who believe in his innocence. The tension between the personal struggle for freedom and the world of boxing creates a gripping and emotionally charged experience. *The Hurricane* is an inspiring story of resilience, both in and out of the ring. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped cinderella man 2005 — 7. Cinderella Man (2005)

Russell Crowe shines in *Cinderella Man*, the inspiring true story of boxer James Braddock, who rises from the depths of poverty during the Great Depression to win the heavyweight championship. The film portrays Braddock’s determination to provide for his family after a series of setbacks, both in and out of the ring. His comeback story is one of sheer grit and perseverance, making his eventual victory all the more rewarding. The performances by Crowe and Renée Zellweger, who plays Braddock’s supportive wife, add depth to this underdog tale. With Ron Howard's direction, *Cinderella Man* captures the emotional stakes of the Depression-era struggle, blending the thrills of boxing with the heart of a family drama. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Muhammad Ali When We Were Kings 1996 — 6. Muhammad Ali: When We Were Kings (1996)

This Oscar-winning documentary chronicles the legendary 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire. Directed by Leon Gast, *Muhammad Ali: When We Were Kings* offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the lead-up to the fight, highlighting Ali’s charisma, wit, and unmatched confidence as he faced off with the seemingly unbeatable Foreman. The documentary also showcases the cultural significance of the fight, not just for boxing fans but for the African-American community and the world at large. With appearances from celebrities like James Brown and Norman Mailer, the film offers a powerful glimpse into Ali's life and career, immortalizing his most iconic moment in boxing history. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped the fighter 2010 — 5. The Fighter (2010)

In *The Fighter*, Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg deliver compelling performances that breathe life into the true story of boxer Micky Ward and his troubled relationship with his half-brother and trainer, Dicky Eklund. Bale’s portrayal of Dicky earned him an Academy Award, highlighting his dramatic physical transformation and emotional depth. The film showcases the struggles Micky faces within his family while trying to carve out his own identity as a fighter. The boxing scenes are intense, but it's the personal drama and themes of loyalty, redemption, and family that make this movie a standout. Directed by David O. Russell, *The Fighter* beautifully captures the pain and triumph of one man’s journey to the top. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped the set up 1949 — 4. The Set-Up (1949)

In *The Set-Up*, Robert Ryan delivers a powerhouse performance as a washed-up boxer who, despite his age and fading skills, is determined to make one last stand in the ring. Directed by Robert Wise, the film focuses on a single night in the life of a boxer, where the pressures of both the fight and his personal life come crashing together. The narrative is unique in its real-time format, with the fight playing out in a tense, almost documentary-like manner. This noir-influenced classic offers a darker, more realistic portrayal of boxing, emphasizing the desperation and exploitation that can exist within the sport. *The Set-Up* remains a significant film for its raw depiction of the life of a boxer nearing the end of his career. | © RKO Pictures

Cropped Rocky 1976 — 3. Rocky (1976)

The iconic *Rocky* launched Sylvester Stallone into superstardom and became an enduring symbol of perseverance and the American Dream. The film tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets the chance of a lifetime to fight for the heavyweight championship against Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers. The underdog story, set in the gritty streets of Philadelphia, struck a chord with audiences and became a cultural phenomenon. Stallone’s performance as Rocky, combined with the unforgettable training montages and Bill Conti’s iconic score, made the film not just a sports movie but a powerful tale of determination and self-belief. *Rocky* won three Oscars and spawned an entire franchise, leaving a lasting legacy on boxing cinema. | © United Artists

Cropped million dollar baby 2004 — 2. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Directed by Clint Eastwood, *Million Dollar Baby* is a hauntingly emotional story of a determined woman who fights her way into the male-dominated world of boxing. Hilary Swank’s Oscar-winning performance as Maggie Fitzgerald, a waitress who dreams of becoming a professional boxer, is both powerful and heartbreaking. Eastwood stars alongside her as Frankie Dunn, the grizzled trainer who becomes a father figure to Maggie. The film explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the unrelenting pursuit of a dream, even in the face of insurmountable odds. With its poignant and unexpected conclusion, *Million Dollar Baby* is more than just a boxing film – it's a touching reflection on life and death. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped raging bull 1980 — 1. Raging Bull (1980)

Considered by many to be the greatest boxing movie of all time, *Raging Bull* tells the tumultuous story of Jake LaMotta, portrayed by Robert De Niro in an unforgettable performance. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film explores LaMotta's self-destructive behavior both in the ring and in his personal life, capturing his rise to the top and his eventual downfall. De Niro's transformation for the role, both physically and emotionally, earned him an Academy Award. The film's gritty cinematography, combined with a powerhouse performance from Joe Pesci and a haunting score by Pietro Mascagni, makes *Raging Bull* a cinematic masterpiece that transcends the boxing genre, examining the fragility of the human condition. | © United Artists

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Boxing has long captured the imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike. With its intense physicality, emotional depth, and storied history, the sport of boxing has been the subject of some of the most inspiring and captivating films ever made. Whether you're a boxing enthusiast or simply love a good underdog story, the world of boxing on the big screen offers something for everyone. In this list, we’ll explore the Top 20 Movies About the Art of Boxing that showcase the grit, determination, and raw emotion that come with the fight.

From legendary champions to rising stars, these films dive deep into the struggles, victories, and heartache that come with this intense sport. Whether it's the powerful training montages or the heartfelt moments of triumph and defeat, these movies demonstrate why boxing continues to be a rich source of storytelling for filmmakers. Let's dive into the best of the best!