The All-Time Greatest Boxing Movies Ever Made

Ranker Film
Updated August 15, 2023 10.8K votes 1.0K voters 107.7K views
Over 1.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The All-Time Greatest Boxing Movies Ever Made
Latest additions: Big George Foreman, Punch, Creed III
Most divisive: Rocky Marciano

With almost 1,000 votes from movie fans, this list of the all-time greatest boxing movies ever made is a must-see for any fan of the sweet science. From classic biopics to more recent works, these films showcase some of the best performances in cinema featuring boxers and their stories. From Rocky Balboa's rise to fame in 1976's Rocky to Jake LaMotta's brutal descent into madness in 1980's Raging Bull, these films have captured both our hearts and imaginations.

Other greats like The Fighter have also explored themes such as redemption and self-discovery within the realm of boxing. Each film brings something unique to its narrative that makes it stand out among other sports movies. Whether you're watching an inspiring tale about a down-on-his-luck boxer or an intense drama about two long-time rivals clashing inside the ring, there will surely be something here for every type of movie fan. So why not check out this list now and vote up your favorite boxing flicks?

Ranked by
  • Rocky
    1

    Rocky

    Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith
    428 votes
    • Released: 1976
    • Directed by: John G. Avildsen
    The film Rocky is a sports drama, marking the genesis of a beloved franchise. It introduces us to Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer from Philadelphia with a heart of gold and fists of steel. The plot thickens when heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) offers an unprecedented opportunity - a shot at the title. Rocky's journey from obscurity to the limelight is a testament to determination and grit. This underdog tale, directed by John G. Avildsen, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning three Academy Awards including Best Picture in 1977.

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  • Rocky IV
    2

    Rocky IV

    Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
    349 votes
    • Released: 1985
    • Directed by: Sylvester Stallone
    In Rocky IV, the iconic boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) finds himself in the throes of the Cold War. A tragic match against the formidable Russian fighter, Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), leaves his friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) dead. Fueled by a mix of grief and revenge, Rocky decides to challenge Drago in his homeland. This sports drama is a high-stakes, heart-pounding testament to friendship, resilience, and the human spirit. A cinematic spectacle filled with memorable characters and gripping boxing scenes, Rocky IV remains an enduring classic in the franchise.

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  • Rocky II
    3

    Rocky II

    Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith
    329 votes
    • Released: 1979
    • Directed by: Sylvester Stallone
    Although working-class Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) lost his high-profile bout with the cocky world champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), his Cinderella story has caught the national sports media's attention, and he now has the opportunity to capitalize on his sudden fame. Meanwhile, Creed is still smarting from nearly losing to some palooka no one has ever heard of, and arrogantly prods his newfound nemesis into getting back into the ring.

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  • Rocky III
    4

    Rocky III

    Sylvester Stallone, Mr. T, Talia Shire
    321 votes
    • Released: 1982
    • Directed by: Sylvester Stallone
    In Rocky III, the world of boxing takes center stage once again as Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) returns. Now a heavyweight champion, Balboa faces new challenges and adversaries. The fresh opponent, Clubber Lang (Mr. T), is fearsome, unyielding, and merciless. He strips Rocky of his title in a brutal match, leaving our hero to grapple with defeat. Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), a former foe turned ally, steps up to help Rocky regain his footing through rigorous training. The movie showcases the relentless spirit of a fighter, the importance of mentorship, and the indomitable will to reclaim glory. This sports drama won an Oscar for Best Original Song.

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  • Creed
    5

    Creed

    Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
    358 votes
    • Released: 2015
    • Directed by: Ryan Coogler
    In Creed, Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan)‚ the son of boxing legend Apollo Creed, embarks on a pugilistic journey under the mentorship of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Fighting his way from obscurity, Adonis seeks to carve out his own legacy, beyond the shadow of his famous father. The film, a sports drama filled with high-stakes bouts and personal struggle, earned Stallone an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Creed is a poignant continuation of the iconic Rocky series, blending heart-pounding action with a compelling exploration of identity and ambition.

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  • The Fighter
    6

    The Fighter

    Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams
    272 votes
    • Released: 2010
    • Directed by: David O. Russell
    In the gritty drama The Fighter, Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), a struggling boxer from the hard-knock streets of Lowell, Massachusetts, fights to break free from the shadow of his older brother, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale). Eklund, once a promising boxer himself, now battles drug addiction and failed dreams. With fierce determination and unyielding spirit, Ward navigates family loyalty, personal ambition, and the brutal world of boxing. Amy Adams plays Charlene Fleming, Ward's steadfast girlfriend who stands by him through his tumultuous journey. This film won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Bale) and Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Leo).

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