Boxing as a sport has never fallen behind in making an impact all over the world due to the intense mental and physical prowess needed to master the sport. And filmmakers have used this craze for the sport to bring out intense narratives and create the best sports drama films. The factors that grip the viewers to such kind of films are the struggles and sacrifices made by a person committed to a sport.
For those who respect that level of dedication and value discipline, here’s a list of best boxing movies available on Netflix for streaming:
Bayonet (2018)
Cast: Brontis Jodorowsky, Miriam Balderas, Laura Birn, Luis Gerardo Méndez
Directed by: Kyzza Terrazas
This is a 2018 Finnish-Mexican drama film that chronicles the life of Miguel “Bayoneta” Galíndez, a retired boxer who is haunted by a horrifyingly tragic incident from his past. He tried moving to a different country thinking that the change of scenery might help him stabilize, however, all of his effort went in vain. But suddenly, fate gave him another chance to get in the ring and he just couldn’t help but grab the opportunity.
Ali (2001)
Cast: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Ron Silver, Barry Shabaka Henley
Directed by: Michael Mann
Mohammad Ali is one of the biggest names in the field of boxing and who doesn’t know him. But what is unknown are his set of problems he faced in his personal life and his path of success. The movie covers ten year from 1964 to 1974 in his life, which include major episodes like his capture of heavyweight title, his conversion to Islam, Vietnam War criticism, banishment from boxing, his return to fight Joe Frazier and reclaiming the title from George Foreman in 1974.
Sparring (2018)
Cast: Mathieu Kassovitz, Olivia Merilahti, Billie Blain
Directed by: Samuel Jouy
Unlike movies about people who become hugely popular after a rough patch in life, Sparring shows the life of an underdog who struggles to stay afloat. A boxer with no wins in his record, he decided to become a sparring partner. This isn’t an inspirational movie for the viewers but a mirror that shows the hard truths that come with an unsuccessful career.
Mary Kom (2014)
Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Darshan Kumar, Sunil Thapa
Directed by: Omung Kumar
Starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, it shows the life of the only woman boxer to have won the World Amateur Boxing Championship six times, Mary Kom. But none of it came to her so easily. She had her own set of challenges, naysayers and hardships which she overcame in order to reach where she is now.
Bleed for This (2016)
Cast: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal, Ciarán Hinds, Ted Levine
Directed by: Ben Younger
This 2016 American Biographical movie is based on the life of the former world champion boxer, Vinny Pazienza. Vinny Pazienza (Miles Teller), a local Providence boxer, wins two world titles before getting into a fatal car crash. The accident broke his neck and the doctor said he’ll never walk again. Just a year after the accident, renowned trainer Kevin Rooney (Aaron Eckhart) agrees to help Vinny return to the ring, despite the condition, for what could be the last fight of his life.