10 Movies & Shows Like Rocky II (1979)

Description: A gritty underdog story about a struggling boxer who gets a shot at the heavyweight title, showcasing perseverance, personal growth, and the power of self-belief.

Fact: The film was shot in just 28 days on a budget of $1 million and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Sylvester Stallone wrote the script in three days after watching a boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner.

Description: A raw and intense character study of a boxer whose personal demons and self-destructive tendencies threaten to overshadow his professional success.

Fact: Robert De Niro gained 60 pounds to play the older version of Jake LaMotta. The film was shot in black and white to emphasize its timeless, documentary-like quality.

Description: Based on the true story of a boxer wrongfully imprisoned, focusing on his fight for justice and the power of the human spirit.

Fact: Denzel Washington trained with former middleweight champion Roger Mayweather to prepare for the role. The real Rubin Carter served as a consultant on the film.

Description: A biographical drama about one of boxing's greatest legends, showcasing his career, personal struggles, and cultural impact.

Fact: Will Smith gained 35 pounds of muscle and trained for a year to portray Muhammad Ali. The film's famous fight sequences were shot in real time to capture the intensity of boxing.

Description: A Depression-era story about a boxer's comeback, highlighting themes of resilience, family, and the American dream.

Fact: Russell Crowe performed many of his own boxing stunts in the film. The production used actual newsreel footage from the 1930s to enhance the historical authenticity.

Description: A poignant tale of an underdog female boxer and her gruff trainer, exploring themes of determination, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of the sport.

Fact: Hilary Swank trained for three months to learn how to box convincingly. The film's ending was kept secret from test audiences to preserve its emotional impact.

Description: Focuses on the struggles of an underdog boxer from a working-class background, dealing with family drama and personal redemption in and out of the ring.

Fact: Christian Bale lost 30 pounds and learned to box left-handed to play Dicky Eklund. The film is based on the true story of boxer Micky Ward's rise to prominence.

Description: A powerful story about family, redemption, and the physical and emotional toll of combat sports, featuring intense MMA fights.

Fact: Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton underwent extensive MMA training for their roles. The film's climactic fight was shot over three days with real MMA fighters as extras.

Description: A dramatic portrayal of a boxer's fall from grace and his struggle to rebuild his life and career after personal tragedy.

Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal trained for five months to transform his body for the role, gaining 15 pounds of muscle. The film's boxing choreography was designed by former professional boxer Terry Claybon.

Description: A story about legacy, mentorship, and proving oneself in the shadow of greatness, featuring intense training sequences and emotional fights.

Fact: The film's boxing scenes were shot using long takes to create a more immersive experience. Michael B. Jordan trained for over a year to prepare for his role as Adonis Creed.