There is just something about rooting for the person or team with their back against the ropes. Underdog success stories are prevalent in the film industry, but some of the absolute best underdog classics take place in the boxing ring.
We are laced-up and ready to go, here is our list of must-see boxing movies:
1. Rocky IV (1985)
Let’s just be honest, it might not be possible to name a cooler boxing flick than Rocky IV. It’s Rocky vs. Ivan Drago, it’s America vs. the Soviet Union. The action packed fourth installment of Sylvester Stallone’s boxing classic takes Rocky to Moscow to avenge the fallen Apollo Creed. With one of the most iconic training scenes of all-time, this slugger doesn’t belong anywhere except at the top of our must watch list.
2. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
From the Midwest to Los Angeles, this longshot goes from waitress to contender with the help of some cantankerous characters. The intense film focuses on the intimate relationship between trainer and fighter. Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman star in this knockout that won the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Picture.
3. Ali (2001)
Will Smith stars in this biographical film about the life of Cassius Clay, better known as Muhammad Ali. Ali features how ‘The Greatest of All-Time’ combats adversity with passion and determination.
4. The Fighter (2010)
Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale play half-brothers battling to keep their heads above water in the fighting world. Set-back after set-back don’t stop these two, as they team up to change their luck. Nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, the film captures the ambition of the fighting spirit.
5. Southpaw (2015)
When tragedy strikes, the ultimate brawler must put the pieces of his life back together or he will truly lose everything. Jake Gyllenhaal, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Forest Whitaker and Rachel McAdams set the tone for Billy “The Great” Hope (Gyllenhaal) to fight his way back to glory.
Honorable Mentions:
- Rocky I (1976)
- Hands of Stone (2016)
- Creed (2015)
What boxing movie did we leave off the list?