Boxing is, by far, the most popular combat sport in the world today. While mixed martial arts is growing in popularity, it still has not reached the huge popularity that one of the oldest combat styles holds.
Practiced since the Ancient Era, archeologists believe that boxing developed in the earliest human civilizations as one of the two main fighting methods: grappling (wrestling) and striking (boxing).
Today, boxing is the exemplification of what we think of when we think of striking. Fast and strong punches meant to knock down an opponent. It is perhaps this simplicity that draws in a ton of sports fans and punters to the sport. If we were to visit any online sportsbook, we would find that boxing dominates the field of martial arts. It is by far the most popular fighting sport, especially in countries like the UK, USA, Mexico, etc. On top of that, websites like novibet.ie review online casinos with excellent casino games like roulette (both American and French), slots, and blackjack.
The popularity of the sport has also touched a lot of artists. Filmmakers especially are drawn to the sport. So, in this article, we would like to look at the best boxing movies that any fan of the sport should check out at least once.
The Rocky Series (1976 - )
The Rocky series is the perfect embodiment of the “underdog” trope. Rocky Balboa is a young amateur boxer, challenged by the world champion, Apollo Creed. After facing off against Creed, Rocky manages to go the distance. And while he still loses by points, he is propelled to national superstar status.
The Rocky series has recently been revived in the form of Creed. The soft reboot follows Rocky as a manager and coach for the son of Apollo Creed, Adonis. Sylvester Stallone returns to the role, and his chemistry with Michael B. Jordan (Adonis) is spectacular. So much so, that in the eyes of many Creed even surpasses the original Rocky.
Snatch (2000)
Guy Ritchie’s 2000 black comedy Snatch is widely considered one of the best cult films of all time. The movie sees two small time crooks turn to the world of boxing promotion. They hear about a pugilist pikey, portrayed incredibly by Brad Pitt, and get embroiled in an incredibly convoluted criminal plot.
We don’t want to say much for fear of spoiling this film. Needless to say, any fan of black comedy, crime, or boxing should check this one out. Especially if you are already a fan of Guy Ritchie’s other films, like Sherlock Holmes, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, etc.
Real Steel (2011)
If grounded films bore you, perhaps we should move over to the realm of sci-fi? In the near future, Robot fighting has become an internationally beloved sport. Former boxer Charlie Kenton and his son find an old model, Adam, and take a tour of the robot fighting world.
Robot boxing may seem silly. However, the film takes itself only as seriously as it needs to in order to keep you engaged. With a great story paralleling that of Rocky, fantastic characters, and a fun science fiction concept, Real Steel is sure to tickle the fancy of fans of boxing and sci-fi alike.
