The fact that so many excellent boxing films have been produced over the past century is not surprising. Let's learn about the best boxing movies and tv shows of all time.
One of the unique categories in the film is boxing movies, which feature anti-hero leads, a lot of family conflict, and stressful build-ups to the grand finale battle. Few movies like Creed, Raging Bull, The Fighter, etc., have captivated the public.
Find out more about the best boxing movies and television shows by continuing to read.
12 Best Boxing Movies and TV Shows
Here are some of the best boxing movies and tv shows:
Rocky (1976)
This film is well-known for a reason. Rocky is a boxing movie that, even if viewers haven't watched it yet, they must have heard about it, thanks to Sylvester Stallone's imaginative script and his ambition to produce and feature in it. Moreover, Rocky Balboa is a struggling Philadelphia boxer who gets the chance to challenge the world's heavyweight champion.
The movie's success and popularity led to numerous sequels and a contemporary offshoot series. As Rocky, a sincere athlete only trying to get the recognition he feels he deserves, Stallone is endearing.
Raging Bull (1980)
Raging Bull is among the great boxing films, by the star power of Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Martin Scorsese. Furthermore, De Niro portrays real-world middleweight champion Jake La Motta, a fierce force that rules the ring but has a wrecked mess of life outside it.
Raging Bull: My Story, La Motta's autobiography, served as the basis for the film. The adaptation, which was visually arresting (no pun intended), not only received eight Oscar nominations and two wins but also cemented its place among the greatest films of all time, not just in the sports category.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
This Oscar-winning Best Picture showcases the tenacity and perseverance of a tough lady in such a demanding sport. Maggie, played by Hilary Swank, is a struggling waiter to be a world champion boxer. Additionally, she persuades seasoned boxing coach Frankie (Clint Eastwood) to train her.
source - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Million-Dollar-Baby
Furthermore, it has a female lead, reminding viewers that the sport isn't for the weak heart.
Cinderella Man (2005)
Real tales and sports films go together like peaches and cream; boxing stories and real-life experiences naturally fit this subgenre. James J. Braddock is the subject of Cinderella Man. He is a narrative of a boxer's return around the start of the 20th century. A young hot shot is chosen to fight Jim Braddock (Russell Crowe), who has a second opportunity at a boxing career despite being broke and battling to survive the Great Depression.
The redemption in Braddock's narrative comes at a time when there wasn't much hope for the rest of the world. Cinderella Man, which Ron Howard directed, received three Oscar nominations but no awards.
The Fighter (2010)
The Fighter, an Oscar-winning film based on the boxing career of "Irish" Micky Ward, features an all-star cast. Micky (Mark Wahlberg) searches for his opportunity to achieve glory in boxing to escape the terrible shadow cast by his brother Dicky (Christian Bale).
The Fighter, which received two of its seven nominations, is a boxing movie about a fighter's heart and the tenacity to overcome hardship, even when it comes from one's family. Wahlberg and Bale are excellent, carrying the picture and making it a standout in the genre.
Creed (2015)
Creed bridges the past and present gap by securing its future. He pays respect to matches that came before it. Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), the boxing-loving son of the well-known Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), turns to former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) for advice.
Like Rocky, Adonis is a young challenger on a mission to establish himself. The success of this spinoff lies in its ability to make Adonis the star instead of Rocky. Creed, which Ryan Coogler expertly directed, is one of the best sequels to a boxing franchise ever.
The Hurricane (1999)
The Hurricane centers on the sport of boxing and the real-life experiences of Rubin "The Hurricane" Carter. Denzel Washington plays Carter, a boxer who was wrongfully accused of committing murders and sentenced to life in jail. For the part, Washington received his fourth Oscar nomination.
The movie deviated significantly from its inspiration, taking many artistic liberties. However, like with whatever project Washington undertakes, the entertainment value remains. For readers who like to contrast the page-to-screen versions, there are at least two books on the historical case to consult: The 16th Round by Rubin Carter and Lazarus and the Hurricane by Sam Chaiton and Terry Swinton.
Southpaw (2015)
Southpaw competed with Creed for audiences in the same year yet received respect as a good boxing film. Billy Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal) is forced to fight not only for the custody of his daughter but also to resurrect his career and put his life back on track after declaring his retirement and a catastrophic turn of circumstances.
The primary protagonists, like Billy, are driven to find redemption, a common cliché in boxing dramas. Gyllenhaal has an excellent performance in Southpaw, which draws strength from the devastation.
Rocky II (1979)
Rocky II, a popular sequel, pitted Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) against Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) once more as the two men fight their pride in various ways. The sequel was a success even though it didn't receive the same praise from critics and audiences.
source - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079817/
Rocky Balboa, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V, and Rocky Balboa were the four further movies that Stallone would create and star in. As Rocky appeared on the big screen over thirty years, the boxing movies received mixed reviews from their devoted followers.
HBO World Championship Boxing (1973)
An American sports television program called HBO World Championship Boxing debuted in January 1973. It has subsequently aired several important boxing matches. George Foreman won the world heavyweight championship by defeating Joe Frazier in two rounds at the first WCB contest, which took place in Kingston, Jamaica.
Showtime Championship Boxing(1986)
Showtime Championship Boxing is a boxing-related television show. It debuted in March 1986, and airs live on the first Saturday of each month. Showtime Championship Boxing, identical to HBO World Championship Boxing, has Jim Grey as the reporter. Al Bernstein provides color analysis, and Mauro Ranallo provides blow-by-blow commentary.
Nicholas Arena Boxing
American sports program St. Nicholas Arena boxing was first shown on NBC from 1946 to 1948 and then from 1954 to 1956 on the now-defunct DuMont Television Network.
FAQs
Does boxing make a good movie?
Incredible drama can be found in boxing. These boxing films demonstrate how, despite the severity, there can be real depth.
Is Raging Bull a compelling boxing movie?
Raging Bull, one of the all-time great boxing films, showed audiences early on the magic that can be created when three A-list actors, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Martin Scorsese, come together.
Is 'the fighter' a worthwhile film?
The Fighter is an engaging, although predictable, entry in the boxing drama genre, led by a trio of standout performances from Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams. Boxing is a family affair for Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg). His manager is his tenacious mother.
How long has HBO World Championship Boxing been running?
It made its debut in 1994 and mainly highlights upcoming boxing contenders. The American sports television program HBO World Championship Boxing has covered several major boxing events since its January 1973 debut.
Conclusion
So, these were the 12 best boxing movies and TV shows. You can check out BoxingTonight to stream your favorite boxing players. With HD-quality streaming, you may watch your preferred match and have the finest time.
We hope our post on the best boxing movies and tv shows is helpful. These best boxing movies and tv shows helped to create the fighter model decades ago. With a desire unequaled by characters in other genres, these characters genuinely battle with everything they have. The story of the battling spirit is more than just a game in mind; it is a way of life that some of the best and brightest stars have wonderfully and ruthlessly portrayed.
