7 of the Best Boxing Movies That Will Inspire the Fighter In You

Few sports are more exciting than professional boxing. Thrilling jabs and stunning knockouts make for exciting fight nights that draw the masses both in person and from home. Thankfully, there are plenty of flicks that highlight the history and fun of this sport, starting with the first boxing movie ever created, 1894’s Corbett and Courtney Before the Kinetograph. The silent film was the first of its kind, and though a silent black-and-white short, the spirit of boxing was alive and well throughout. 

Since then, both fictional and biographical movies have showcased the greatness of one of the world’s oldest sports. Next time you’re in the mood for a bit of action, high energy, and some intense drama, check out five of the best boxing movies that are perfect for fans of the sport.

Creed (2016)

IMDb: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

Where to watch: MGM+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, YouTube TV, Philo, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home

Creed is a stunning coming-of-age Rocky spin-off, that welcomes back Sylvester Stallone as Rocky. He lends his expertise to the film’s star, boxing amateur Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), training Adonis despite him being the son of his former rival, Apollo Creed. Adonis must overcome his troubled youth, and under Rocky’s tutelage, he improves his skills. However, both men face their own set of challenges, with a health scare threatening both of their careers.  The film birthed Creed II (2018) and Creed III (2023).

Ali (2001)

IMDb: 6.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 69%

Where to watch: Pluto TV, Philo, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home

Ali is a stunning biographical drama following the life and career of the iconic Muhammad Ali. Portrayed by Will Smith in a role that landed him his first Oscar nomination, the movie particularly focuses on a ten-year period of the fighter’s life starting in 1964, when he defeated Sonny Liston to earn his heavyweight title. The film concludes with Ali reclaiming the title from his fellow boxing legend, George Foreman, in 1974. In addition to his career, the film also examines his personal life, including his legal battle for refusing for Vietnam draft.  

Big George Foreman (2023)

IMDb: 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 43%

Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video

Big George Foreman follows the life of Muhammad Ali’s opponent from his humbling beginnings in Houston to superstardom in the boxing world. Portrayed by Khris Davis, Foreman’s early anger issues nearly derail his life for good. However, after a Job Corps chairman, who is also a boxing trainer, encourages him to get involved in the sport to channel his anger, Foreman quickly realizes he is great in the ring. The film also shows the competitive energy between him and Ali during their glory days.  

Undisputed (2002)

IMDb: 6.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 49%

Where to watch: Pluto TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video

Undisputed is a boxing drama that follows heavyweight champion George “The Iceman” Chambers (Ving Rhames), who is sentenced to a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of sexual assault. He is ordered to serve his time at Sweetwater, a facility in the middle of the desert, where hardened criminals pass time with spirited boxing matches. Iceman gets involved in the competitions and encounters Monroe “Undisputed” Hutchen (Wesley Snipes), the undefeated fighter at the camp. The men develop a rivalry and must face off in the ring, a fight that changes both of their lives. Though not a commercial success, Undisputed received two sequels: Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006) and Undisputed III: Redemption (2010).

Gladiator (1992)

IMDb: 6.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 31%

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home

Gladiator follows two teenagers who have found themselves immersed in the illegal boxing world. Tommy Riley (James Marshall) gets into fighting to help pay off his father’s debts. Meanwhile, Abraham “Lincoln” Haines (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is a part of the same fight ring as he tries to raise money for a better life. However, a doctor urges him to step away from boxing due to possible brain damage. The head organizer arranges a fight between Tommy and Lincoln, though Tommy is afraid of seriously hurting Lincoln due to his condition. When he decides to take it easy on his friend, this causes serious tension in the underground organization.

The Great White Hype (1996)

IMDb: 5.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 42%

Where to watch: YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video

The Great White Hype is a boxing comedy that centers around undefeated world champion James “The Grim Reaper” Roper (Damon Wayans). Following his latest win, his fight promoter Rev. Fred Sultan (Samuel L. Jackson), comes up with a plan to make Roper’s fights more profitable. Sultan believes that having the heavyweight go up against a white opponent will guarantee more money and eyes on Roper. He embarks on a quest to locate such a boxer, eventually finding one from Roper’s amateur career. Terry Conklin (Peter Berg) defeated Roper in the ring before he made it big. However, Sultan finds him far removed from his boxing days. Now focused on social issues, such as ending homelessness, Conklin has to be persuaded with a $10 million payday. After Conklin finally agrees, Sultan plays the race card to attention to the match, a move that comes with its own set of issues.

Poor Boy’s Game (2007)

IMDb: 6.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 83%

Where to watch: Philo, Peacock, Tubi, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Crackle, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV

Donnie Rose (Rossif Sutherland) is w white ex-boxer newly released from prison following a vicious attack on a Black teenager, Charles. The brutal assault left the young man permanently disabled and sparked racial tension in the city of Halifax. The white community welcomes him home, but the victim’s father George Carvery (Danny Glover) confronts him at his welcome home party with a gun. Despite a heated exchange, George leaves peacefully. With the Black community fuming over Donnie’s return, a Black boxer Ossie Parris (Flex Alexander), challenges him to a fight in order to seek revenge for what Donnie did to Charles. George offers to train Ossie, with a plan for him to kill Donnie in the ring. Unfortunately, before they can get into the ring, a race war breaks out when the white and Black communities clash in the downtown area of Halifax. When they finally face-off, the chaos is far from over.