10 Must-Watch Boxing Biopics

Description: Martin Scorsese's masterpiece follows the turbulent life of middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta, exploring his rise to fame, his volatile personal life, and his eventual fall from grace. It's a raw and unflinching look at the cost of ambition.

Fact: Robert De Niro famously gained weight to portray the older LaMotta, and he even learned to box for the role. The film's black and white cinematography was chosen to reflect the gritty reality of LaMotta's life.

Description: This film tells the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a middleweight boxer wrongfully convicted of murder. It's a powerful narrative of injustice, perseverance, and the fight for freedom.

Fact: Denzel Washington's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination. The film was instrumental in raising awareness about Carter's case, leading to his eventual release.

Description: Michael Mann's biopic focuses on Muhammad Ali's life from 1964 to 1974, capturing his boxing prowess, his political activism, and his personal life. Will Smith delivers a charismatic performance as the legendary boxer.

Fact: Will Smith trained for a year to get into shape for the role, and the film includes real footage of Ali's fights to enhance authenticity.

Description: This film captures the incredible comeback story of James J. Braddock, a boxer who rose from poverty to become the heavyweight champion of the world during the Great Depression. It's a testament to the human spirit and resilience.

Fact: Russell Crowe gained 40 pounds for his role to accurately portray Braddock's physical transformation. The film was shot in black and white for some scenes to reflect the era's newsreels.

Description: Based on the life of Micky Ward, this film explores his relationship with his troubled half-brother and trainer, Dicky Eklund, as he fights his way to the top. It's a family drama wrapped in a boxing glove.

Fact: Christian Bale won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dicky Eklund. The film was shot in Ward's hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts, adding authenticity to the setting.

Description: This film chronicles the comeback of Vinny Pazienza, who, after a near-fatal car accident, returned to the ring with a halo brace to win back his title. It's a story of determination and the will to overcome adversity.

Fact: Miles Teller underwent intense physical training to portray Pazienza, including learning to box and mimicking his unique fighting style.

Description: This biopic focuses on the life of Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán, known for his fierce fighting style and his famous "No más" fight against Sugar Ray Leonard. It's a story of raw talent and personal demons.

Fact: Édgar Ramírez underwent extensive boxing training to portray Durán. The film also features real-life footage of Durán's fights.

Description: This film dramatizes the life of Joe Louis, the heavyweight champion who became a symbol of hope for African Americans during the 1930s and 1940s. It's a historical piece that captures the era's racial tensions.

Fact: Coley Wallace, who played Louis, was an actual boxer, adding realism to the fight scenes. The film was made during Louis's lifetime, with his blessing.

Description: This TV movie portrays the life of Rocky Marciano, the undefeated heavyweight champion known for his relentless fighting style. It's a tribute to one of boxing's most enduring legends.

Fact: Jon Favreau, who later directed "Iron Man," played Marciano. The film was made for television, providing a detailed look at Marciano's personal and professional life.

Description: An earlier biopic of Muhammad Ali, this film covers his life from his early days to his conversion to Islam and his refusal to serve in Vietnam. It's a comprehensive look at one of boxing's most iconic figures.

Fact: Ali played himself in the film, providing an authentic portrayal of his own life. The movie was one of the first to use Ali's real name, Muhammad Ali, rather than his birth name, Cassius Clay.