If you were captivated by the raw intensity and gripping drama of The Bronx Bull (2016), this article is for you. We’ve curated a list of 10 movies and shows that share the same gritty realism, underdog spirit, and powerful storytelling. Whether you loved the biographical depth of Jake LaMotta’s life or the visceral boxing scenes, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rocky (1976)
Description: An iconic story of an underdog boxer striving for greatness, emphasizing perseverance, heart, and the human spirit against all odds.
Fact: Sylvester Stallone wrote the script in just three days and refused to sell it unless he was cast as the lead.


Raging Bull (1980)
Description: A gritty biographical drama about a troubled boxer, showcasing the physical and emotional toll of the sport, with intense fight sequences and deep character study.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white to emphasize its raw and timeless quality, and Robert De Niro gained 60 pounds to portray the older version of his character.


The Hurricane (1999)
Description: A powerful biographical drama about a boxer wrongfully imprisoned, focusing on injustice, resilience, and the fight for freedom both inside and outside the ring.
Fact: Denzel Washington spent time with Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter to accurately portray his mannerisms and speech patterns.


Ali (2001)
Description: A biographical epic about a legendary boxer, capturing his charisma, struggles, and impact both in and out of the ring.
Fact: Will Smith trained for a year to physically and mentally prepare for the role, gaining 35 pounds of muscle.


Cinderella Man (2005)
Description: A Depression-era boxing drama about a fighter's comeback, emphasizing hope, family, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Fact: Russell Crowe performed many of his own stunts and trained extensively to portray the boxing sequences authentically.


Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Description: A poignant story about an underdog boxer and her mentor, exploring themes of determination, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of the sport.
Fact: Clint Eastwood insisted on minimal rehearsals to capture raw, authentic performances from the actors.


The Fighter (2010)
Description: Focuses on the struggles of a boxer dealing with personal and professional challenges, highlighting family dynamics and redemption through perseverance.
Fact: Christian Bale lost 30 pounds for his role and based his performance on real-life boxer Dicky Eklund, whom he shadowed during filming.


Warrior (2011)
Description: A gripping tale of two brothers in the world of mixed martial arts, dealing with family conflict, redemption, and the brutal nature of combat sports.
Fact: Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton underwent intense physical training to perform their own fight scenes, adding to the film's realism.


Southpaw (2015)
Description: A dramatic portrayal of a boxer's fall and redemption, dealing with loss, personal demons, and the fight to reclaim his life and career.
Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal trained for five months to transform his physique and learn boxing techniques for the role.


Creed (2015)
Description: A modern underdog boxing tale that blends intense training sequences with emotional depth, focusing on legacy and personal growth.
Fact: The film's fight scenes were shot in single takes to create a more immersive and realistic experience for the audience.
