Southpaw is the 2015 drama-thriller film directed by Antoine Fuqua, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker, and Oona Laurence. The story surrounds professional boxer Billy “The Great” Hope, who hits rock bottom after losing his family and falls into depression. His encounter with a former boxer gives him hope to stand up once again and rebuild his life. Gyllenhaal undergoes a massive transformation to portray this character, and with a strong, emotional performance from McAdams, this film is a must-watch for drama film fans.
If you enjoyed Southpaw, here is a list of ten similar films I think you should watch next.
The Fighter (2010)
Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg star as sporty siblings in this drama. The story surrounds Micky Ward (Wahlberg), a struggling boxer, who teams up with his older, more successful half-brother Dicky Eklund (Bale), who’s a recovering drug addict, to get his career back on track and reunite their fractured family.
Creed (2015)
This boxing drama film is an excellent one to watch after Southpaw because it’s just as emotional and powerful. The story follows Adonis Johnson, the son of heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who embraces his legacy as a boxer and seeks mentorship from Rocky Balboa, his father’s old friend and rival.
Rocky (1976)
Probably the most famous boxing film of all time; it would be stupid not to have it on this list. Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, he plays a small-time boxer who gets a chance to fight the world heavyweight champion, and he blindly jumps into the ring in a bid to earn respect and glory. It’s well-written, extremely well-acted, and packs a powerful punch.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
A film for those wanting a strong female protagonist and a hard-hitting, intense storyline. Audiences follow Frankie, an old, angry coach who reluctantly agrees to train female boxer Maggie. Her determination and talent inspire him, and he builds her to become the best; the two form an unlikely bond.
Warrior (2011)
Tom Hardy gives an excellent performance in this intense drama. It is an emotional and physical battle for former Marine Tommy, who returns home and gets his father to train him for a mixed martial arts contest. However, the stakes are high when he has to fight his own brother.
Never Back Down (2008)
Another fighting film that surrounds mixed martial arts and not boxing but still packs a punch when watching. Here, a frustrated and conflicted teenager arrives at a new high school to discover an underground fight club. After he loses, he seeks the help of an instructor, who builds his skills, and he goes on to compete in a tournament.
Big George Foreman (2023)
This film tells the story of George Foreman, who led an incredible life. From Olympic gold medalist to World Heavyweight Champion, the film shows how he finds his faith, retires, and becomes a preacher. George has to step back in the ring and regain the championship at age 45, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history, in order to help save his family from financial pressures.
Real Steel (2011)
This science fiction film stars Hugh Jackman and Dakota Goyo, who play an estranged father and son who want to make it big in the sport of robot boxing. They discover each other while trying to win with an old robot. It’s a futuristic take on the sport and is extremely entertaining to watch.
Raging Bull (1980)
Jake La Motta was the best boxer of all, but his rude attitude made people dislike him. He wants to be a professional boxer, but his paranoia, jealousy, and rage scuttle his professional growth. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro, the film is shot almost entirely in black-and-white and won a multitude of Oscars, including Best Actor and Editing.
Grudge Match (2013)
Starring boxing actor legend Sylvester Stallone, the story surrounds two aging boxing competitors who are coaxed out of retirement to battle against each other in one final match. This takes place thirty years after the last contest — can these old guys take it? It’s fun, it’s wholesome, and certainly worth the watch.
Do you have any other recommendations for movies like Southpaw? Let us know in the comments.
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