Boxing is a fantastic form of exercise and just as much fun to watch as it is to participate. For those who love everything about boxing, it is a good idea to take your love of boxing onto the big screen and make sure to catch the following great boxing movies.
Numbers one and two are pretty much required to go to Rocky and Raging Bull. These are quintessential and iconic boxing films. Rocky is an easy character to root for, an underdog with a kind heart. Rocky is easily Sylvester Stallone's greatest role, and he also wrote the script which is fantastic. Raging Bull's Jake La Motta is a bit harder to love but just as compelling on screen. Robert De Niro captures the essence of La Motta, who was truly one of the greatest fighters of all time. De Niro actually trained with La Motta to help him better reflect the fighter's style.
Muhammad Ali is arguably the most famous boxer of all time and certainly one of the best boxers in history. The 1974 documentary, "When We Were Kings," is an excellent movie for any fan of Ali's or just boxing in general. The documentary, which won an Academy Award, details the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" fight between Ali and George Foreman, who was at that time the current heavyweight champion. Ali was coming off a three-year suspension for refusing to comply with the draft and hoping to regain the heavyweight title.
Ali actually took a turn as an actor in 1979's "Freedom Road," but that isn't at all about boxing. To see Ali when he was still known by the name Cassius Clay, take a look at "Requiem for a Heavyweight." Ali is seen in the opening fight of the movie, where he pummels a once-great fighter, played by Anthony Quinn, at the end of his career. The movie also stars Jackie Gleason as his unworthy manager, who owes money to the mafia after betting against Quinn during his bout against Cassius Clay.
One of the reasons why people love boxing movies so much is because every fighter and every trainer has an interesting story, whether it is fictional or based upon someone who actually existed. "Million Dollar Baby," is one of the best boxing films in general and really personifies the importance of the relationship between the trainer and the boxer. The film stars Clint Eastwood (who also directs) as a surly, underappreciated trainer and Hilary Swank as a young boxer determined to become a success in the ring. The performances are stellar, and the story is completely compelling.
There are certainly many more movies to consider, many based on real fighters. Consider films such as 2010's "The Fighter," with Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale portraying fighters and brothers, Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund. Another great film is Cinderella Man, with Russell Crowe portraying boxing great James Braddock. Denzel Washington is great in "The Hurricane," which is less about fighting and more about the main character's fight to clear his name and be freed from prison.
Numbers one and two are pretty much required to go to Rocky and Raging Bull. These are quintessential and iconic boxing films. Rocky is an easy character to root for, an underdog with a kind heart. Rocky is easily Sylvester Stallone's greatest role, and he also wrote the script which is fantastic. Raging Bull's Jake La Motta is a bit harder to love but just as compelling on screen. Robert De Niro captures the essence of La Motta, who was truly one of the greatest fighters of all time. De Niro actually trained with La Motta to help him better reflect the fighter's style.
Muhammad Ali is arguably the most famous boxer of all time and certainly one of the best boxers in history. The 1974 documentary, "When We Were Kings," is an excellent movie for any fan of Ali's or just boxing in general. The documentary, which won an Academy Award, details the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" fight between Ali and George Foreman, who was at that time the current heavyweight champion. Ali was coming off a three-year suspension for refusing to comply with the draft and hoping to regain the heavyweight title.
Ali actually took a turn as an actor in 1979's "Freedom Road," but that isn't at all about boxing. To see Ali when he was still known by the name Cassius Clay, take a look at "Requiem for a Heavyweight." Ali is seen in the opening fight of the movie, where he pummels a once-great fighter, played by Anthony Quinn, at the end of his career. The movie also stars Jackie Gleason as his unworthy manager, who owes money to the mafia after betting against Quinn during his bout against Cassius Clay.
One of the reasons why people love boxing movies so much is because every fighter and every trainer has an interesting story, whether it is fictional or based upon someone who actually existed. "Million Dollar Baby," is one of the best boxing films in general and really personifies the importance of the relationship between the trainer and the boxer. The film stars Clint Eastwood (who also directs) as a surly, underappreciated trainer and Hilary Swank as a young boxer determined to become a success in the ring. The performances are stellar, and the story is completely compelling.
There are certainly many more movies to consider, many based on real fighters. Consider films such as 2010's "The Fighter," with Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale portraying fighters and brothers, Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund. Another great film is Cinderella Man, with Russell Crowe portraying boxing great James Braddock. Denzel Washington is great in "The Hurricane," which is less about fighting and more about the main character's fight to clear his name and be freed from prison.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine enjoys writing about mixed martial arts benefits. To get more details about boxing gyms in San Diego or to find boxing clubs San Diego, please check out The Arena MMA site now.
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