10 Movies & Shows Like The Hammer (2017)

Description: The quintessential underdog sports story about a small-time boxer getting a once-in-a-lifetime chance to prove his worth. The film combines gritty realism with inspirational themes of perseverance and self-belief.

Fact: Sylvester Stallone wrote the script in just three days. The famous training montage was filmed in sub-zero temperatures in Philadelphia.

Description: A brutal and artistic portrayal of a boxer's rise and fall, examining the destructive nature of violence both in and out of the ring. The black-and-white cinematography emphasizes the raw, uncompromising nature of the story.

Fact: Robert De Niro gained 60 pounds to play the older version of LaMotta. The film was shot in black and white against the studio's wishes.

Description: A dramatic story about a former boxer and political prisoner trying to rebuild his life, with boxing serving as both a metaphor for and means of personal redemption. The film explores themes of violence, peace, and second chances.

Fact: Daniel Day-Lewis trained for three years with former boxing champion Barry McGuigan for the role. The film was shot in sequence to allow the actors' physical transformations to appear natural.

Description: An emotionally charged boxing drama that transcends the sport to explore profound themes of determination, mentorship, and difficult moral choices. The story evolves from a traditional sports narrative into a deeper examination of human dignity.

Fact: Clint Eastwood insisted on shooting in sequence, which is rare in filmmaking. Hilary Swank trained for three months with a professional boxer to prepare for her role.

Description: A futuristic take on boxing where humanoid robots replace human fighters, but still maintaining the core elements of training, strategy, and underdog triumph. The story blends sports action with father-son relationship dynamics.

Fact: The robot boxing matches were created using a combination of practical effects and CGI. The film is loosely based on a Richard Matheson short story.

Description: A biographical sports drama depicting the turbulent career of a boxer and his complicated family relationships. The film realistically portrays the sacrifices and challenges of professional boxing while exploring themes of family loyalty and personal growth.

Fact: Christian Bale lost 30 pounds for his role. The real Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund appeared as spectators in the final fight scene.

Description: A gritty, character-driven drama about a washed-up athlete struggling to reclaim past glory, set in the world of professional wrestling. The film explores themes of redemption, physical and emotional pain, and the harsh realities of aging in a physically demanding profession.

Fact: Mickey Rourke performed many of his own wrestling stunts in the film. The movie's budget was only $6 million but it earned widespread critical acclaim.

Description: A powerful sports drama focusing on mixed martial arts, featuring intense physical battles mirroring the characters' emotional struggles. The story delves into family dynamics, personal demons, and the pursuit of redemption through athletic competition.

Fact: Tom Hardy gained 28 pounds of muscle for his role. Many real MMA fighters appeared in the film as extras and opponents.

Description: A boxing drama centered on a champion's fall from grace and his determined comeback, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the sport. The narrative emphasizes personal loss, fatherhood, and the struggle to rebuild one's life.

Fact: Jake Gyllenhaal trained for five hours a day for six months to prepare for his role. The film's boxing scenes were choreographed by former professional boxer Terry Claybon.

Description: A modern boxing story about legacy, mentorship, and proving oneself in the shadow of famous predecessors. The film combines intense training sequences with emotional character development and underdog triumph.

Fact: The famous one-take boxing match was achieved in the first take. Michael B. Jordan trained for a year to prepare for the role.