Boxing Outsider

If you’re anything like me, when you want to learn more about a particular subject, you go and rent some movies. Luckily for you, boxing has spawned some of the most hard-hitting, exciting, and emotional films in the history of sports cinema (and some might say in the history of cinema itself). Without further ado, here are the films you have to check out.

1. Rocky Series: While each installment has its supporters, if you can only check out one, make sure you get the original. It epitomizes the boxing spirit in its classic underdog hero, who also manages to woo the girl of his dreams while learning the art of the sweet science.
2. Raging Bull: This is the other film that leaps to mind whenever you put the words “boxing” and “movie” together. Since it’s directed by Scorsese, though, you should also know that “amazing” goes along with it. Based on the true story of Jake LaMotta, the film shows what happens when a boxer can’t “shut it off” when he steps out of the ring. It’s a dark look at why some boxers do what they do.
3. Fat City: Based on the only novel by Leonard Gardner, this film is another look at boxers inside and outside the ring. Two men–one an old pro, the other just a young buckturn to boxing as a ray of hope in their difficult lives. While the film has a depressing tone, it can be quite inspirational in parts.
4. Million Dollar Baby: The newest of the boxing greats, this film is also notable for focusing on a woman in boxinga rare occurrence for a mainstream film. Clint Eastwood is an aging trainer who takes in Hilary Swank’s character, a vulnerable housewife who has the potential to be a great fighter.
5. When We Were Kings: The Muhammad AliGeorge Foreman fight in 1974 is considered one of the greatest fights in history. This documentary tells the story of the legendary bout, going into the motivations and psychology of both men.