Shubhabrata Dutta
Sports movies come and go in waves, but one sport never dies in cinema, and that is boxing. Boxing movies are constantly evolving and are surely getting better with time. Look back and think about when it all started with the Rocky Balboa movies. Fast forward a few years, and now you have films like ‘Creed’ and ‘Southpaw.’ What makes most of us watch these movies is their intense portrayal of the sacrifices made by the characters, their growth of mental and physical strength across the span of the movie, and mostly those extreme and grueling training scenes that show the true potential of human ability, with some heavy bass music spinning in the background. For those looking for stories that move and inspire them, Netflix offers some of the best in the genre.
12. Bruised (2020)
Directed by Halle Berry, ‘Bruised’ is a visceral and empowering sports drama that marks Berry’s directorial debut. The film follows disgraced MMA fighter Jackie Justice, portrayed by Berry herself, as she seeks redemption, both inside the cage and outside. Jackie battles personal demons and confronts her tumultuous past while striving for a comeback in the brutal world of mixed martial arts. ‘Bruised’ delivers intense fight sequences, complemented by Berry’s emotionally charged performance, showcasing resilience and determination. The film not only explores the physical demands of the sport but also delves into themes of self-discovery, redemption, and the unyielding spirit of a fighter. You can watch it here.
11. Brothers (2015)
In the film ‘Brothers,’ director Karan Malhotra crafts a poignant narrative of familial bonds tested in the unforgiving arena of boxing. Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra deliver compelling performances as estranged siblings drawn into a high-stakes world of pugilism. What sets ‘Brothers’ apart as a standout boxing movie is its meticulous attention to character development, enriching the narrative with emotional depth. The film skillfully combines heart-wrenching family drama with intense and realistic boxing sequences, ensuring that each punch thrown carries physical impact and resonates with the complexities of the brothers’ relationship. This dual focus on emotional storytelling and visceral action makes ‘Brothers’ a compelling and memorable entry into the boxing genre. You can watch the movie here.
10. Isi & Ossi (2020)
‘Isi & Ossi’ is a German rom-com directed and written by Oliver Kienle. At its core, the film presents a heartwarming tale of two diametrically opposed individuals – Isabelle Isi Voigt, a billionaire’s daughter, and Oscar Ossi Markowski, a struggling boxer. Played by Lisa Vicari and Dennis Mojen, their initial interactions are rooted in mutual advantage, but as the story unfolds, they discover a deep bond. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Heidelberg and Mannheim, the film delves into their dreams, challenges, and the lengths they’d go to support each other. Isi’s aspirations to be a chef clash with her family’s expectations, while Ossi grapples with personal and financial obstacles in his boxing journey. Their journey of love, support, and self-realization, peppered with moments of comedy, is what makes ‘Isi & Ossi’ a delightful watch, rightfully securing its spot on the list. You may watch the film here.
9. Untold: Jake Paul the Problem Child (2023)
This documentary film, directed by Andrew Renzi, is based on the life of pro boxing champion Jake Paul and how he achieved this feat. Through archival footage, interviews of people, including his family members, and words from Paul himself, the film takes a deep dive into the person’s relentless lifestyle, starting with being a YouTuber and going on to become a professional boxer. For those of you who want to find out what brought about this radical change in Paul’s career, you can stream the film here.
8. Counterpunch (2017)
In 2017, boxing seemed to have lost its way when the US boxing team won no medals at the Olympics. The film takes an interesting and unique approach to filming a boxing documentary. The film shows the lives of three up-and-coming boxers who box on three different platforms. It follows their journey after the loss at the Olympic games. The ones who love the sport of boxing will genuinely be drawn towards this as it goes back and forth between some boxing-related information and the stories of the three boxers. The movie also reminds us that, like everyone else, these boxers are real people with real-life problems and struggles. You can watch ‘Counterpunch’ here.
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7. Manny (2014)
Narrated by Liam Neeson, ‘Manny’ is a documentary film chronicling the life of Filipino professional boxer Manny Pacquiao, showcasing his journey from a poor boy in the Philippines to a boxing world champion, an actor, and a revered political figure. The film incorporates behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Pacquiao, his family, and his trainer, Freddie Roach, to track his physical and emotional journey, as well as a deep dive into his fights with boxers like Érik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, Shane Mosley, and Timothy Bradley. ‘Manny’ is directed by Ryan Moore and Leon Gast. You can watch it here.
6. Untold: Deal with the Devil (2021)
‘Untold: Deal with the Devil’ is a biographical documentary about the American boxer Christy Martin. Active from 1989 to 2012, she won numerous laurels and tournaments and held the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009. However, even while rising to prominence and glory inside the ring, her life outside was overshadowed by personal demons and controversies. The documentary aims to explore every bit of her life and even portrays how she overcame horrifying abuse and attempted murder on her way to becoming the champion. You may watch ‘Untold: Deal with the Devil’ here.
5. Blood Brothers: Malcolm and Muhammad Ali (2021)
Based on the 2016 book ‘Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X’ by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith, ‘Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali’ explores the complicated relationship that two of the stalwarts of the African-American community shared over the years. Their friendship has been depicted in various other projects, but in ‘Blood Brothers,’ it is at the center of the narrative. The filmmakers interviewed close friends of both men and added archival footage documenting some of the greatest moments of their lives. Inevitably, the film moves toward depicting the eventual disintegration of the friendship and its aftermath. You can watch the movie here.
4. Bayonet (2018)
‘Bayonet’ revolves around Miguel “Bayoneta” Galíndez, a retired boxer haunted by a horrifyingly tragic incident from his past. Hoping to escape the horror, Miguel leaves Mexico and settles in Finland. However, the change in scenery does nothing, and Miguel continues to grapple with the demons of his past. However, fate suddenly offers him a chance at redemption inside the ring, and Miguel, jumping at the opportunity, channels all his strength into the one thing he loves the most: boxing. Feel free to check out the movie here.
3. Boxer (2024)
Directed by Mitja Okorn, ‘Boxer’ is a Polish combat sports drama that centers on Jedrzej (Eryk Kulm), a young man whose dream of becoming a boxer makes him flee Poland and earn a name for himself and his family. His sole support is his wife, Kasia (Adrianna Chlebicka), and it will take a lot for him to give shape to his dream, including facing failures and enduring a lot of pain, physical and emotional. The film is a true-to-form boxing drama that does a good job of balancing Jedrzej’s fights inside the ring and those with himself. You can watch it here.
2. Ali (2001)
Directed by Michael Mann, ‘Ali’ is a biographical drama showcasing 10 crucial years in the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The movie does a commendable job capturing the overwhelming series of events in Ali’s life that goes beyond boxing to encapsulate the state of America during the aforementioned period, including the Vietnam War, the assassination of Malcolm X, and the civil rights movement. Will Smith plays Mohammad Ali, and Mann shows how Ali deals with it all, while tackling powerful rivals like Jerry Quarry, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman. With 3 Golden Globe nominations and two Oscar nominations, among other accolades, ‘Ali’ offers a compelling performance by Smith as the boxing legend, underscored by a strong screenplay. The film can be streamed here.
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1. Cinderella Man (2005)
Ron Howard’s ‘Cinderella Man’ is based on the life and career of former world heavyweight boxing champion James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe). Set during the Great Depression, the film shows how his former manager, Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), pulls him out of day labor and gets him back in the ring, thus giving the washed-up fighter a chance to earn a proper living and take care of his wife, Mae (Renée Zellweger). Will the second chance prove to be Braddock’s redemption? His fight to regain his former glory becomes a beacon of hope for the American people struggling during the Great Depression, while Braddock himself takes on one boxer after another, slowly making his way to a heavyweight championship match against Max Baer, the reigning heavyweight champion. Crowe won a Golden Globe nomination for his performance, while Giamatti received an Oscar nomination for his role as Joe Gould. You can watch the movie here.
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