"Chuck" (also known as "The Bleeder") tells the story of Chuck Wepner, a journeyman boxer who gained notoriety for lasting 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali. Liev Schreiber delivers a compelling performance as Wepner, capturing his blue-collar charm and his struggles with fame. The film explores Wepner's life before and after his famous fight, including his battles with addiction and his turbulent relationships. Naomi Watts and Elisabeth Moss add depth to the supporting cast. "Chuck" offers a glimpse into the life of a man who, while not a champion, left his mark on boxing history. It's worth noting that Wepner's fight with Ali partly inspired the movie "Rocky".

"Hands of Stone" recounts the life of Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán, focusing on his relationship with his trainer Ray Arcel. Édgar Ramírez embodies Durán's fierce spirit and raw talent, while Robert De Niro portrays Arcel with his usual gravitas. The film explores Durán's rise to fame, his rivalry with Sugar Ray Leonard, and the controversial "No Más" fight. While the film may not reach the heights of other boxing classics, it provides an engaging glimpse into the life of a legendary fighter. Ruben Blades, the famous salsa singer, plays Durán's manager Carlos Eleta.

"Bleed for This" tells the incredible true story of Vinny Pazienza, a boxer who defied the odds after suffering a near-fatal spinal injury. Miles Teller portrays Pazienza with energy, capturing his stubborn determination to return to the ring. While the film showcases Pazienza's resilience, it sometimes struggles to delve deeper into his character beyond his physical recovery. Aaron Eckhart delivers a solid performance as Kevin Rooney, Pazienza's trainer, providing support and guidance. The film's strength lies in its depiction of Pazienza's grueling rehabilitation and his unwavering belief in himself. It is a story of recovery and redemption that will keep you glued to your seat.

"Champion", released in 1949, features Kirk Douglas as a ruthless boxer, Midge Kelly, who rises to fame through ambition and a willingness to betray those closest to him. Douglas delivers a powerful performance, portraying Kelly's relentless drive and moral decay. The film is a classic example of film noir, exploring the dark side of the American dream and the corrupting influence of power. "Champion" was a breakthrough role for Douglas, solidifying his status as a leading man. It won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing.

"Southpaw" stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Billy Hope, a boxer who loses everything after a personal tragedy and must fight to regain custody of his daughter. Gyllenhaal underwent a rigorous physical transformation for the role, and his dedication is evident in his intense performance. While the film follows a familiar redemption arc, it offers a raw and emotional look at grief, loss, and the struggle to rebuild one's life. Forest Whitaker gives a solid performance as Tick Wills, Hope's new trainer, offering guidance and support. The soundtrack, featuring Eminem, complements the film's gritty tone.

Michael Mann's "Ali" offers a glimpse into the life of the legendary Muhammad Ali, focusing on a pivotal decade in his career. Will Smith delivers a powerful performance as Ali, capturing both his charisma and his unwavering convictions. The film explores Ali's boxing career, his conversion to Islam, and his activism against the Vietnam War. While the film might not delve as deeply into Ali's psyche as some might hope, it offers a broad and engaging portrait of a complex and influential figure. The cast is incredible: Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight and Mario Van Peebles.

Ron Howard's "Cinderella Man" tells the inspiring true story of James J. Braddock, a boxer who makes an improbable comeback during the Great Depression. Russell Crowe delivers a compelling performance as Braddock, capturing his determination to provide for his family against all odds. The film vividly depicts the struggles of the era and the hope that Braddock's success brought to a nation in need of inspiration. Paul Giamatti shines as Braddock's manager, Joe Gould, adding depth and humor to the story. The final fight scenes are very tense and worth the watch.

"Creed" revitalizes the Rocky franchise, bringing a fresh perspective with Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed. The film seamlessly blends nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, creating a compelling narrative about legacy, identity, and the pursuit of greatness. Sylvester Stallone reprises his role as Rocky Balboa, now as a mentor, delivering a nuanced performance that earned him an Oscar nomination. The boxing sequences are expertly choreographed, putting you right in the ring with Adonis as he battles his way to proving himself. This film proves that the heart of Rocky beats strong in a new generation.

"The Fighter" delivers a knockout punch with its gritty portrayal of Micky Ward's rise in the boxing world, set against the backdrop of a struggling working-class town. Christian Bale's performance as Dicky Eklund, Micky's brother and a former boxer battling addiction, is electrifying and earned him an Academy Award. The film masterfully balances the intensity of the boxing ring with the complexities of family dynamics, showcasing the love and loyalty that bind Micky and Dicky together, even amidst their struggles. Mark Wahlberg, who actually trained extensively in boxing for the role, truly captures Ward's determination and work ethic. The film is based on the real life of Micky Ward and his half-brother Dicky Eklund.

"Rocky" isn't just a boxing movie; it's an inspirational story about the underdog fighting for a chance. Sylvester Stallone, who also wrote the screenplay, created an iconic character in Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets an improbable shot at the world heavyweight title. The film's training montage is legendary, and its themes of perseverance and the pursuit of the American dream resonate deeply. While the boxing scenes are exciting, it's Rocky's relationship with Adrian and his unwavering spirit that truly define the film's enduring appeal. Did you know that Stallone fought tooth and nail to play Rocky himself, even when the studio wanted a more established star? His dedication paid off, launching him into superstardom and creating a cinematic icon.

Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull" is a cinematic masterpiece. Robert De Niro delivers a transformative performance as Jake LaMotta, capturing the self-destructive rage of the boxer. Shot in stark black and white, the film's brutal fight sequences are as poetic as they are disturbing. Beyond the boxing ring, the film delves into LaMotta's personal demons, his jealousy and paranoia, painting a portrait of a man battling himself more than his opponents. The film's unflinching honesty and De Niro's dedication (he gained a significant amount of weight to portray LaMotta in his later years) solidify its place as one of cinema's greatest achievements. A must-see for any serious film enthusiast.