Boxing Films That Will Knock You Out
Get in the ring with these boxing films as Creed III opens this weekend
Of all the sports depicted in movies, boxing is probably the most cinematic. There’s a couple of reasons for this. The sport’s inherently violent nature is well-suited to a medium that can make it into visceral spectacle. But there’s also something about the one-on-one, high-stakes drama of boxing that can be channeled into great character-based cinematic storytelling. Also, actors seem to just really love getting in amazing shape and learning to fight. Many things can be true at once.
From Raging Bull to Ali to Million Dollar Baby, many filmmakers and actors have put themselves to the test by making their boxing film, but the Rocky franchise continues to return to the ring in the form of Michael B. Jordan’s Creed saga. Out in theaters this weekend, Creed III is Jordan’s directorial debut co-starring Jonathan Majors, one of the most exciting actors around. Before you check it out, here’s a couple boxing movies to watch or revisit. Thanks for reading!
Billy recommends…
Rocky
This is a re-post from June 2019
I was hesitant suggesting this one today because this isn’t necessarily a cool one to suggest. Most people have seen and everyone knows the movie Rocky. I like to flex my film knowledge from time to time, but there is something about a great rewatchable movie.
My first viewing of Rocky came about a year ago. My uncle Todd gave me the box set for Christmas knowing I have never seen them before. I rolled my eyes a bit because how can Sylvester Stallone be a believable dramatic actor and how can such a “classic” live up to the hype. Despite my speculation I gave it a shot because it was a gift. This viewing was extremely memorable. I was watching with my friend Dan and after the scene at the ice rink we both looked at each other and acknowledged that it was one of the best movie scenes we have ever seen. Not many scenes progress the story and build character development so effectively. You immediately connect to the love story Rocky is presenting and that makes the boxing moments much more effective.
Again, as I have made this point about other movies, Rocky is not memorable because it is inventive or experimental. It is memorable because the story is captivating, the acting is excellent, and it creates a high range of emotions. Do not be like me and be skeptical of this amazing movie if you have not seen it. This is an easy recommendation. Do not miss it.
Streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
Drew recommends…
When We Were Kings
Before the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974, many thought Muhammed Ali had lost a step. In fact, he came into the bout as a 4-1 underdog against the undefeated heavyweight champion George Foreman. As supremely confident and poetic as ever, Ali guaranteed a win: “I done wrestled with an alligator, I done tussled with a whale; handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail; only last week, I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick; I'm so mean I make medicine sick." Over 20 years later, the Oscar-winning When We Were Kings documented the events surrounding the epic fight in Zaire with energy, excitement, and the perspective that a couple decades can bring.
The legend of Ali was still in the making back then, and the “Rumble” was a key piece in cementing Ali as one of the most important athletes of the 20th century. This fascinating documentary shows the context for Ali, Foreman, the country of Zaire, and the continent of Africa heading into the fight, which is a necessity if you weren’t alive at the time. To set the stage, much of the film is soundtracked to the music of Zaire 74, an accompanying three-day music festival before the big fight featuring James Brown, B.B. King, Bill Withers, and more.
Along with enthralling behind-the-scenes footage, there’s talking head interviews with outsized personalities like Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, and Spike Lee. These figures add entertaining and thought-provoking context, but there’s no personality that could possibly overshadow Ali himself. When We Were Kings features Ali at his most cocky and charismatic, but the doc also captures a hint of doubt potentially lurking beneath the surface. How will The Greatest be able to chop down the younger, bigger, and harder-hitting Foreman? With thrilling scenes and insightful commentary, this boxing documentary takes stock of Ali the personality and Ali the myth.
Streaming on HBO Max and the Criterion Channel