Boxing isn't just a sport; it is truly a way of life. If you take boxing classes and watch every boxing match you can, bring even more boxing into your life by making sure that you have seen the following movies. These are a short list of the best boxing films ever.
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.
While "When We Were Kings," is a documentary and not a feature film, this fact doesn't detract from its overall greatness. The Oscar-winning film details the 1974 match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, known as "The Rumble in the Jungle." The fight is legendary, pitting Foreman, the undefeated heavyweight champ, against Ali, who had been trying to regain the title since being banned from boxing for evading the draft. You can further delve into Ali's greatness by watching Will Smith's performance in "Ali."
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.
While "When We Were Kings," is a documentary and not a feature film, this fact doesn't detract from its overall greatness. The Oscar-winning film details the 1974 match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, known as "The Rumble in the Jungle." The fight is legendary, pitting Foreman, the undefeated heavyweight champ, against Ali, who had been trying to regain the title since being banned from boxing for evading the draft. You can further delve into Ali's greatness by watching Will Smith's performance in "Ali."
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 blogging about mixed martial arts advantages. To get more information 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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