9.
The Champ (1931): A classic, but not
because of its boxing scenes. Wallace Beery, whose name you don't hear
mentioned much anymore, won an Oscar© for his performance as the washed up
boxer/father to Jackie Cooper. Don't forget the hankies.
8. Fat City (1972): John Huston film starring Stacy
Keach and Jeff Bridges as boxers on their way down and up, respectively, in
Stockton, CA. A depressing piece of work, but how many boxing movies
aren't?
7.
When We Were Kings (1996): All right, so it is a
documentary. It's one heck of a documentary. Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman in
the Rumble in the Jungle. Exemplifies why Ali was The Greatest.
6. Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962): Anthony Quinn stars
as Mountain Rivera in this theatrical release of the Rod Serling classic
teleplay. One of the best examples of why mamas don't let their babies grow up
to be boxers.
5.
Gentlemen Jim (1942): The Old Bill pick. Errol Flynn
stars as James J. "Gentlemen Jim" Corbett, in one of his best performances.
Ward Bond as John L. Sullivan is also outstanding. More than worth a look if
you can find it.
4. Rocky (1976): I saw this the first night it came out
in Hollywood, with absolutely no expectations. It is still the only movie I've
ever been in when the entire theater was on its feet at the end. I defy anyone
to not like this movie. Just forget for a moment that it's Sylvester
Stallone.
3. Champion (1949): Okay, okay, so maybe I was wrong.
It's not the finest boxing movie ever made (even if it is the finest Stanley
Kramer boxing movie ever made). But it's close. Kirk Douglas is grand as Midge
Kelly.
2.
Body and Soul (1947): The grandfather of all boxing
movies, and a big inspiration for No. 1. John Garfield is wonderful as Charley
Davis.
And the winner, and still
champeen.....
1.
Raging Bull (1980): An absolute masterpiece. Robert
DeNiro, as Jake LaMotta, commands the movie like no other actor could. Not
exactly light entertainment, but the transformation DeNiro undergoes to play
LaMotta is remarkable.
10. The Great White Hope (1970): James Earl Jones, in his first major role, portrays "Jack Jefferson", the first black heavyweight champion, in this fictionalized version of the life of Jack Johnson. Jane Alexander co-stars as his love interest. The interracial romance gives this movie an edge others lack.