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If you ever talk about boxing films with somebody then Rocky is sure to come up in such a discussion. And rightly so. Nobody can argue the impact the original film had on cinema in the mid 1970’s. But what I do not often see are talks about other movies that involve boxing in one way or another. I do not know if you would be surprised but there are literally tons of other boxing movies that one should explore, even if there is a particular running theme with most of them (more on that later).
This editorial takes a look at ten of the best boxing related films that do NOT have Rocky in it’s title.
Let me know in the comments section below what YOUR favourite non Rocky boxing movie is.
Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)
This biopic about Rocky Graziano is based on the former fighter’s autobiography of the same name. Graziano is played by Paul Newman, who delivers a performance that attempts to portray someone who is short tempered and restless. But inside, he is also vulnerable after experiencing one disappointment after another in life. Somebody Up There Likes Me is a picture mainly telling a story of redemption and salvation for one man, with boxing being used as a tool to tell that story.
Southpaw (2015)
One of the more modern and better boxing films, Southpaw stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Billy Hope in another story of hope and triumph. This one does things a little differently, as it starts off with Hope having everything he could have ever wanted. Unfortunately for him, he loses everything. The threat of his daughter being the last precious thing in his life to walk away from Billy is played up as a persistent danger throughout. This 2015 picture presents boxing in a more realistic way than usual, showing Hope’s physical taxations after participating in combat and not going over the top with the fight sequences. Most aspects about Southpaw are grounded, maintaining the gritty tone.
Raging Bull (1980)
It has been debated before as to what exactly the point of Raging Bull is. Some might say it’s about the turbulence of a relationship between two brothers. But even the movie’s conclusion does not guarantee that all ends well after Jake LaMotta’s brother, Joey, looks reluctant to make amends. Nevertheless, what director Martin Scorsese does achieve is making LaMotta a force to be reckoned with. Somebody who is seemingly heading for self-destruction. You can literally feel the urgency for Jake to turn things around as he tries to come to grips with his mental demons. With liberation never being guaranteed, Raging Bull can be a hard watch. But somehow it always feels like a necessary one.
Gladiator (1992)
Campy at times, particularly toward the end, Gladiator focuses on underground boxing. Deep at the heart of the story here is friendship. And what one will and will not do to prevent destroying such bonds. Brian Dennehy as James Horn is probably the highlight of Gladiator. He is charismatic but deadly, while our protagonist Tommy Wiley is a much softer character by comparison. This 1992 hand to hand combat movie isn’t as deep as many of the other boxing films on this list. But it is one where you can just shut your brain off and have a good time with.
Tyson (1995)
Accurate for the most part, Tyson is a HBO production that tells Mike Tyson’s life story from rough beginnings to his incarceration in 1991 for a rape conviction. It takes some persuading in seeing Michael Jai White in the role of Tyson. But once you are, this is about as good as you are going to get until Hollywood develops a motion picture with all the high production values that such a story deserves.
The Fighter (2010)
To be honest, I was never really that sold on The Fighter. I mean, when it all comes down to it the film deals with the constant break up and make up between fighter and family. But it is listed here because, well, what else is there? I have always been impressed with how versatile an actor Christian Bale is. And he is phenomenal in the role of the eccentric Dicky Eklund. I say watch The Fighter for him alone.
Ali (2001)
I was a bit sceptical of seeing Will Smith as the greatest heavyweight boxer that boxing has ever known. But I needn’t be. I just wish that this telling of Ali’s story was an hour longer because concluding up to the point of his victory over George Foreman gave me a huge sense of incompletion. Paradoxically, there are also some pacing issues. But many of Michael Mann’s films suffer this. What Ali does well, however, is how much Muhammad Ali managed to capture the attention of the public all over the world. No easy feat.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Clint Eastwood always produces a gem when he directs. And Million Dollar Baby is no exception. This is not your usual story of hope and redemption for a fighter. But more so for the person that trains them. In this case, Eastwood’s Frankie Dunn. I don’t want to reveal too much. Just keep a box of tissues by your side at all times.
The Set Up (1949)
An oldie but a goldie. The Set Up centre’s around a boxer who has already been there and done that. He is thought to be past it. But when he is given an opportunity to make a comeback and throw the fight in order to appease a mob boss things take a frightening turn! What I like about this one is how the whole picture is set through just one night. The occasional shot of a clock informs us of the timing of certain events so we never feel thrown off. Again, The Set Up is yet another film that portrays boxing in a less than flattering fashion. But I guess the dark realities of boxing is what inspires filmmakers to gift us such cinematic treasures.
Bleed For This (2016)
As soon as Bleed For This begins, you immediately understand what type of movie this is going to be. Yes, there are comedic moments. But Vinny Pazienza was occasionally a comical character in real life. The core of the story here is his determination to get back to peak physical health so he can fight again after a terrible accident occurs. As you might know, or have guessed by now, redemption is often a running theme in boxing films. But there is nothing wrong with that, is there?
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