The cold months are about to begin again, and everyone will gradually start staying indoors, watching TV, and enjoying the warmth. Get through these winter months with some great boxing films. Today, Fight2Win’s Top 5 best boxing films. Many excellent boxing films have been released over the years. These are simply the films I have personally watched and genuinely enjoyed. Robert De Niro’s boxing classic Raging Bull is not included because I have not seen it yet, but according to many experts, it is definitely worth watching!
Number 5: Southpaw
The story follows the aggressive, violent boxer Billy Hope (Gyllenhaal), who manages to work his way to the top. However, when the welterweight boxing champion provokes a fight because of his behavior, resulting in the death of his wife, his personal life falls apart. After losing his house and having to give up his daughter to a foster family, he tries to get his life back on track with the help of an amateur trainer.
Good film with a compelling story. The plot can be somewhat predictable, though. This film is available on Netflix and can probably also be found somewhere on the internet.
Number 4: Tyson
The film Tyson is a biographical film about one of the most famous boxers of all time. Tyson is played by renowned martial artist Michael Jai White. The film focuses on Mike Tyson’s younger years. It begins with his childhood in Brooklyn, New York, and continues through his time with trainer Cus D'Amato up to his conviction for rape. In short, it clearly shows where he started, how he became champion, and how he eventually fell.
A very good film for people who have followed Tyson, as well as for those who want to learn more about him. Definitely worth watching. This is an HBO film and is therefore not available on Netflix, but you can watch it on Youtube.
Number 3: Grudge Match
Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro star in this film. Grudge Match tells the story of Razor Sharp (played by Stallone) and Billy Kid (played by De Niro). The two former boxers return to face each other in the ring one last time. Both men have beaten each other once, so this fight will be the deciding match. Throughout the film, the men try to promote the fight, leading to some very funny scenes.
In short, it is definitely an entertaining film to watch. Both men are known for their own boxing films (De Niro starred in Raging Bull, and Stallone in Rocky), so if you are a fan of either of these films, it will certainly feel familiar. It is also great that these two actors appear again in the Top 5 best boxing films.
Number 2: Creed
Creed continues the iconic Rocky film series. It tells the story of Adonis Creed, the youngest son of Apollo Creed (an important character in the Rocky films), who wants to prove himself as a boxer. But his family members do not want to train him, so he turns to the man who trained his father, Rocky Balboa.
Adonis Creed never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, because he died before Adonis was born. Still, there is no denying that boxing is in his blood. Adonis decides to travel to Philadelphia, where the legendary match between Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa took place. Once in the city, he seeks out Rocky and asks him to train him. Although Rocky has left the boxing world, he sees potential in Adonis. Creed is available on Netflix.
Number 1: Rocky
What would a Top 5 best boxing films list be without this classic? The Rocky film is one of the most successful film series of recent years. With six installments and a sequel series (Creed), Rocky Balboa has inspired several generations. The first Rocky film was released in 1976 and is a real top story. The film follows Rocky Balboa, a once-promising Italian-American boxer from Philadelphia whose career never took off and who now leads a hopeless life.
Meanwhile, the reigning and undefeated heavyweight champion Apollo Creed is looking for an opponent for an important match on January 1, 1976, New Year’s Day. During a visit to Philadelphia, his manager comes up with a publicity stunt: Creed will face a local unknown boxer, giving him a moment in the spotlight and a chance at the title, although he will probably also be easy to defeat.
The choice falls on Rocky, the "Italian Stallion". It is the ultimate underdog story, and that is what makes it so beautiful.
If you have not seen this film yet, go watch it soon, because it is a must-see! Of course, more than six Rocky films have been released. Another definite recommendation is Rocky 3 and Rocky 4. These are two films in which Rocky takes on the impossible. Rocky is also available on Netflix if you would like to watch it.