12 Movies Like Raging Bull You Need to Watch
Find 12 powerful picks for fans of Raging Bull, from Ali and Cinderella Man to Rocky, Million Dollar Baby, and more intense sports dramas.
If you’re searching for movies like Raging Bull, you probably want the same mix of grit, emotion, and unforgettable performances that made that boxing classic endure. This roundup leans into hard-hitting biographical drama, from Raging Bull itself to Ali, Cinderella Man, and Million Dollar Baby, where every fight feels bigger than the ring. You’ll also find other strong contenders such as Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky V, and Chuck, each bringing its own take on resilience, ambition, and the pressure to keep standing. There’s room here for romance, action, and character-driven storytelling too, so the list works whether you want an intense sports drama or something with more heart. No matter what you’re after, these picks deliver the same kind of bruised, human storytelling that keeps this genre so watchable.
-
01
Chuck
biography · drama · sport
A drama inspired by the life of heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner.
Directed by Philippe FalardeauCast Liev Schreiber, Elisabeth Moss, Ron Perlman, Naomi Watts, Jim GaffiganParamount Plus -
02
Rocky II
drama · sport
After Rocky goes the distance with champ Apollo Creed, both try to put the fight behind them and move on. Rocky settles down with Adrian but can't put his life together outside the ring, while Creed seeks a rematch to restore his reputation. Soon enough, the "Master of Disaster" and the "Italian Stallion" are set on a collision course for a climactic battle that is brutal and unforgettable.
Directed by Sylvester StalloneCast Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess MeredithAMC+Paramount Plus -
03
Cinderella Man
biography · drama · romance · sport
The true story of boxer Jim Braddock who, following his retirement in the 1930s, makes a surprise comeback in order to lift his family out of poverty.
Directed by Ron HowardCast Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko, Paddy ConsidineNetflix -
04
Ali
biography · drama · sport
In 1964, a brash, new pro boxer, fresh from his Olympic gold medal victory, explodes onto the scene: Cassius Clay. Bold and outspoken, he cuts an entirely new image for African Americans in sport with his proud public self-confidence and his unapologetic belief that he is the greatest boxer of all time. Yet at the top of his game, both Ali's personal and professional lives face the ultimate test.
Directed by Michael MannCast Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles, Ron SilverNetflix -
05
Million Dollar Baby
drama · sport
Despondent over a painful estrangement from his daughter, trainer Frankie Dunn isn't prepared for boxer Maggie Fitzgerald to enter his life. But Maggie's determined to go pro and to convince Dunn and his cohort to help her.
Directed by Clint EastwoodCast Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel, Mike ColterParamount Plus -
06
Rocky V
drama · sport
A lifetime of taking shots has ended Rocky’s career, and a crooked accountant has left him broke. Inspired by the memory of his trainer, however, Rocky finds glory in training and takes on an up-and-coming boxer.
Directed by John G. AvildsenCast Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Sage Stallone, Burgess MeredithAMC+Paramount Plus -
07
Rocky
drama · sport
Rocky Balboa is a Philadelphia club fighter who seems to be going nowhere. But when a stroke of fate puts him in the ring with a world heavyweight champion, Rocky knows that it's his one shot at the big time — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go the distance and come out a winner!
Directed by John G. AvildsenCast Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess MeredithAMC+Paramount Plus -
08
Rocky III
drama · sport
Following Rocky Balboa's intense battle with his most powerful adversary yet – the ferocious Clubber Lang – Rocky joins forces with former rival Apollo Creed in an effort to get back his fighting spirit.
Directed by Sylvester StalloneCast Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess MeredithAMC+Paramount Plus -
09
Southpaw
action · drama · sport
Billy "The Great" Hope, the reigning junior middleweight boxing champion, has an impressive career, a loving wife and daughter, and a lavish lifestyle. However, when tragedy strikes, Billy hits rock bottom, losing his family, his house and his manager. He soon finds an unlikely savior in Tick Willis, a former fighter who trains the city's toughest amateur boxers. With his future on the line, Hope fights to reclaim the trust of those he loves the most.
Directed by Antoine FuquaCast Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Forest Whitaker, Oona Laurence, 50 CentStarz -
10
Christy
biography · drama · history · sport
Christy Martin never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia—until she discovered a knack for punching people. Fueled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim. But while Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it—confronting family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death.
Directed by David MichôdCast Sydney Sweeney, Coleman Pedigo, Merritt Wever, Ethan Embry, Jess GaborMax -
11
The Fighter
action · biography · drama · sport
Boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's unlikely road to the world light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother Dicky, a boxer-turned-trainer who rebounded in life after nearly being KO'd by drugs and crime.
Directed by David O. RussellCast Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, Mickey O'KeefeParamount Plus -
12
The Bronx Bull
biography · drama · sport
A combination "before the rage" and "after the rage" of world middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta's tumultuous life and times.
Directed by Martin GuiguiCast William Forsythe, Joe Mantegna, Tom Sizemore, Paul Sorvino, Penelope Ann MillerStarz
Wrapping Up
The best part of a list like this is how many different angles it gives you on athletic struggle, personal sacrifice, and redemption. Whether you want the raw edge of Raging Bull, the inspirational sweep of Rocky, or the emotional punch of Million Dollar Baby, there’s something here worth revisiting. Use this page as a quick starting point when you want a film with real stakes and memorable performances. Bookmark it and come back anytime you want a fresh watch, because this page is updated regularly with new suggestions and better matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these movies similar to Raging Bull?
These picks were matched by tone, themes, and story style using a similarity model trained on plot synopses, genres, and cast — not just shared genre tags — so the connection runs deeper than a simple category match.
Related Guides
Last updated: September 10, 2026