Five of the best boxing films - Rocky leads a knockout collection of movies
Sports News Blitz loves a bit of boxing - and we are also partial to watching movies, hence launching Film News Blitz in readiness for Oscars weekend.
Leeds Trinity University sports journalism student Jonathon House steps into the ring himself and has an undefeated streak of four fights and four wins.
He’s also a Barnsley FC fan so is a massive football follower - but with Oscars buzz ringing around everyone’s social channels, we asked him to write about his favourite boxing films.
Let’s get into it shall we…
Passion for boxing
I’ve always had a passion for boxing. The thrill of the sport, the adrenaline, and the excitement it generates are what make it so special.
I remember the buzz around the Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder II fight in America, when all the Brits stayed up late to support their fellow countryman, and the excitement when he won.
Boxing has a way of getting people fired up and bringing people together. Boxing also offers escapism. It allows you to forget about your own troubles for a while and enjoy the knuckle-biting action of a boxing fight.
I’m also a lifelong movie fan, and I believe that films and boxing go hand in hand.
Like boxing, movies offer escapism from real life. You can turn on the TV, put your feet up for two hours and leave everything behind for a time.
Movies can capture the raw emotion and realism of boxing, showing what it really means to fight.
Whether the film is based on real life or completely fictional, there is always a relatable element.
Here are my top five combat sports films of all time…
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5. Rocky (1976)
This film brought boxing into the mainstream of movies and TV.
I believe this is what sparked people’s interest in the sport.
Most people have heard of the Rocky films and its iconic theme tune.
Sylvester Stallone did a fantastic job portraying a tough boxer who captures the crowd’s love.
The realism of the first film is what led to multiple sequels.
4. Embattled (2020)
I first watched this movie on a plane to Florida in 2022, and it left a lasting impression.
It’s a deeply emotional story about a young man who wants to become an MMA world champion like his father.
However, his father is an abusive and cruel figure, and the film highlights the tension between ambition and family.
The father and son face off in the cage at the end, which is both intense and cathartic (I won’t spoil the ending).
3. Rocky III (1982)
Probably an unpopular opinion but the third Rocky in my opinion is better than the first.
In this film, Rocky faces off with the fierce Clubber Lang (Mr T from the iconic A Team).
The movie also showcases the growing friendship between Rocky and Apollo Creed, making it one of the most iconic in the series.
2. Southpaw (2015)
For me, this is the most realistic combat sports film.
It tells the story of boxer Billy Hope, who spirals into a dark place after losing his wife.
As his daughter is placed into care, he fights to change his life so he can win her back.
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1. Rocky IV (1985)
This is my number one.
In this movie, Apollo Creed is killed in the ring by the Russian boxer Ivan Drago.
Rocky, driven by the loss of his friend, travels to Russia to fight Drago and ultimately wins.
There’s something uniquely special about this film that makes it my all-time favourite.
If you take anything from this it’s that the Rocky films are unmatched when it comes to portraying the sport of boxing.
It’s my number one recommendation.
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