Best movies like Rocky Balboa
Last updated March 2024
Looking for movies similar to Rocky Balboa? Contribute your knowledge to navigate others to films and tv series you've already watched that might appeal to them too. Facilitate broadening the circle of people putting forward videos expertise one another. We encourage your involvement!
Plot Summary:
When he loses a highly publicized virtual boxing match to ex-champ Rocky Balboa, reigning heavyweight titleholder, Mason Dixon retaliates by challenging Rocky to a nationally televised, 10-round exhibition bout. To the surprise of his son and friends, Rocky agrees to come out of retirement and face an opponent who's faster, stronger and thirty years his junior.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 229000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, touching, melancholic, action packed, realistic, sentimental, motivational, action adventure, entertaining
Best tv shows and movies like Rocky Balboa (2006):
Similar in 86%
Split Decisions (1988)
Plot Summary:
When a boxer is killed because he wouldn't take a dive, his brother tries to find a way to avenge him even if only symbolically.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: independent film, exciting, sincere, serious, realistic
Similar in 90%
Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)
Plot Summary:
Sequel to the 2002 film. This time, Heavyweight Champ George "Iceman" Chambers (White) is sent to a Russian jail on trumped-up drug charges. In order to win his freedom he must fight against the jailhouse fighting champ Uri Boyka (Adkins) in a battle to the death. This time he is not fighting for a title, he is fighting for his life!.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 39000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: suspenseful, serious, realistic, exciting, rough, saga, cult classic, unusual plot structure, extraordinary, weird
Similar in 81%
Carman: The Champion (2001)
Plot Summary:
Former champion boxer Orlando Leone (Carmen) is "The Preacher" at an inner-city youth center. Wanting to give something back to the community, he bought a large building for a church youth center. But the cash ran out before he could finish fixing it up and now, the mortgage company is about to foreclose. With his bills mounting he agrees to one last fight.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 845
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 82 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, christian film, sincere
Similar in 81%
Unbeatable (2013)
Plot Summary:
Fai, once a world champion in boxing, escapes to Macau from the loan sharks and unexpectedly encounters Qi, a young chap who is determined to win a boxing match. Fai becomes Qi's mentor and rediscovers his passion to fight not only in the ring but for his life and the cares.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 122 min
Plot tags: tense, exciting, rough, serious, realistic, captivating
Similar in 75%
Fighting (2009)
Plot Summary:
Small-town boy Shawn MacArthur has come to New York City with nothing. Barely earning a living selling counterfeit goods on the streets, his luck changes when scam artist Harvey Boarden sees that he has a natural talent for streetfighting. When Harvey offers Shawn help at making the real cash, the two form an uneasy partnership.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 34000
Genere: Action, Crime, Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, suspense, intense, harsh, stylized, exciting, rough, realistic, suspenseful, serious
Similar in 80%
Grudge Match (2013)
Plot Summary:
A pair of aging boxing rivals are coaxed out of retirement to fight one final bout -- 30 years after their last match.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 62000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: emotional, inspirational, intense, humorous, realistic, parody, cult classic, semi serious, buddy comedy, funny
Similar in 87%
Gladiator (1992)
Plot Summary:
A story of two teenagers trapped in the world of illegal underground boxing. One is fighting to save his fathers life and using the money pay off gambling debts accumulated by his father. The second is fighting for the money to get out of the ghettos. While being exploited by a boxing promoter the two teens become friends. An explosive ending puts the two friends in the ring against each other.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, rough, harsh, hood, motivational, exciting, sentimental, inspirational, touching
Similar in 80%
Creed II (2018)
Plot Summary:
Follows Adonis Creed's life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with new found fame, issues with his family, and his continuing quest to become a champion.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 152000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 130 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, captivating, motivational, melancholic, touching, serious, bloody, hood, cult classic
Similar in 84%
Rocky IV (1985)
Plot Summary:
After iron man Drago, a highly intimidating 6-foot-5, 261-pound Soviet athlete, kills Apollo Creed in an exhibition match, Rocky comes to the heart of Russia for 15 pile-driving boxing rounds of revenge.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 223000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: inspirational, tense, suspenseful, entertaining, action packed, saga, feel good, patriotic, action adventure, psychological
Similar in 88%
Paradise Alley (1978)
Plot Summary:
Sylvester Stallone is fighting the odds again, this time in the wrestling ring. As Cosmo Carboni, he and his two brothers dream of getting out of Hell's Kitchen (circa 1946) and into the big time. The exit signs point to Paradise Alley, a sleazy private club where the floorshow consists of raucous wrestling matches with big purses. Stallone not only starred in and wrote this action-packed film, he also made his directorial debut in this tale of three guys who could take anything Hell's Kitchen could dish out.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: realistic, semi serious, sincere, touching, cult classic, independent film
Similar in 75%
Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011)
Plot Summary:
Four fighters different backgrounds come together to train under an ex MMA rising star and then ultimately have to fight each other and the traitor in heir midst.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 20000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: exciting, suspenseful, serious, realistic, inspirational, suspense, erotic, cult classic, teen, visually appealing
Similar in 90%
Best of the Best (1989)
Plot Summary:
A team from the United States is going to compete against Korea in a Tae Kwon Do tournament. The team consists of fighters from all over the country--can they overcome their rivalry and work together to win?.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 15000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: inspirational, emotional, exciting, serious, suspenseful, realistic, cult classic, independent film, feel good, unusual plot structure
Similar in 83%
Creed (2015)
Plot Summary:
The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 306000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 133 min
Plot tags: inspirational, reflective, brutal, emotional, suspense, sentimental, touching, intense, sincere, serious
Similar in 82%
Rocky II (1979)
Plot Summary:
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.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 227000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, rough, feel good, captivating, entertaining, action packed, saga, action adventure, motivational
Similar in 85%
Never Back Down (2008)
Plot Summary:
Rebellious Jake Tyler is lured into an ultimate underground fight Scene at his new high school, after receiving threats to the safety of his friends and family Jake decides to seek the mentoring of a veteran fighter who trains him for one final no-holds-barred elimination fight with his nemesis and local martial arts champion Ryan McCarthy.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 105000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: inspirational, serious, exciting, entertaining, intense, suspenseful, teen, motivational, cult classic, realistic
Similar in 81%
Rocky III (1982)
Plot Summary:
Now the world champion, Rocky Balboa is living in luxury and only fighting opponents who pose no threat to him in the ring, until Clubber Lang challenges him to a bout. After taking a pounding from Lang, the humbled champ turns to former bitter rival Apollo Creed for a rematch with Lang.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 208000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: inspirational, captivating, suspenseful, action packed, action adventure, suspense, psychological, motivational, uplifting, saga
Similar in 86%
Girlfight (2000)
Plot Summary:
Diana Guzman begins to train as a boxer and achieves impressive success, blazing new trails for female boxers, all while keeping it a secret from her father.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: uplifting, independent film, captivating, touching, realistic, serious, cult classic, rough, gloomy, sincere
Similar in 79%
Friday Night Lights (2004)
Plot Summary:
A small, turbulent town in Texas obsesses over their high school football team to an unhealthy degree. When the star tailback, Boobie Miles, is seriously injured during the first game of the season, all hope is lost, and the town's dormant social problems begin to flare up. It is left to the inspiring abilities of new coach Gary Gaines to instill in the other team members -- and, by proxy, the town itself -- a sense of self-respect and honor.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 66000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA, Germany
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: inspirational, intense, sincere, serious, captivating, realistic, motivational, sentimental, philosophical, emotional
Similar in 79%
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Plot Summary:
Set in the world of drone technology and fifth generation fighters, this sequel will explore the end of the era of dogfighting.
IMDB Rating: 8.3
IMDB Votes: 646000
Genere: Action, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 130 min
Plot tags: realistic, entertaining, saga, inspirational, uplifting, intellectual, epic, emotional, sad, predictable
Similar in 75%
Warrior (2011)
Plot Summary:
The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament - a path that puts the fighter on a collision course with his estranged, older brother, an ex-marine with a tragic past.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 491000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags: emotional, serious, inspirational, touching, rough, exciting, tense, sentimental, realistic, entertaining
Similar in 84%
Rocky V (1990)
Plot Summary:
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.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 148000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: inspirational, serious, realistic, action packed, saga, action adventure, suspense, cult classic, sincere, feel good
Similar in 85%
Southpaw (2015)
Plot Summary:
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.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 254000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: Hong Kong, USA
Duration: 124 min
Plot tags: touching, inspirational, dramatic, sentimental, rough, intense, emotional, serious, exciting, suspense
Similar in 81%
Soul Surfer (2011)
Plot Summary:
Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic life on Kauai, participating in national surf competitions with her best friend Alana (Lorraine Nicholson), when everything changed. On Halloween morning, a 14-foot tiger shark came out of nowhere and seemed to shatter all her dreams.Soul Surfer reveals Bethany's fight to recover from her ordeal and how she grappled with the question of her future. Strengthened by the love of her parents, Tom (Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (Helen Hunt), and supported by her youth group leader Sara (Carrie Underwood), Bethany refuses to give in or give up, and begins a bold return to the water.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 52000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: christian film, touching, uplifting, sentimental, motivational, feel good, emotional, serious, realistic, inspirational
Similar in 86%
The Rookie (2002)
Plot Summary:
Jim Morris never made it out of the minor leagues before a shoulder injury ended his pitching career twelve years ago. Now a married-with-children high-school chemistry teacher and baseball coach in Texas, Jim's team makes a deal with him: if they win the district championship, Jim will try out with a major-league organization. The bet proves incentive enough for the team, and they go from worst to first, making it to state for the first time in the history of the school. Jim, forced to live up to his end of the deal, is nearly laughed off the try-out field--until he gets onto the mound, where he confounds the scouts (and himself) by clocking successive 98 mph fastballs, good enough for a minor-league contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Jim's still got a lot of pitches to throw before he makes it to The Show, but with his big-league dreams revived, there's no telling where he could go.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 37000
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 127 min
Plot tags: feel good, inspirational, sentimental, touching, uplifting, entertaining, light, sweet, realistic, sincere
Similar in 76%
The Fighter (2010)
Plot Summary:
The Fighter, is a drama about 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.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 384000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 116 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, realistic, uplifting, serious, motivational, tense, depressing, suspense, stylized
Similar in 75%
Rocky (1976)
Plot Summary:
When world heavyweight boxing champion, Apollo Creed wants to give an unknown fighter a shot at the title as a publicity stunt, his handlers choose palooka Rocky Balboa, an uneducated collector for a Philadelphia loan shark. Rocky teams up with trainer Mickey Goldmill to make the most of this once in a lifetime break.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 617000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, motivational, touching, cult classic, captivating, dramatic, action packed, saga, action adventure
Similar in 86%
The Karate Kid (2010)
Plot Summary:
12-year-old Dre Parker could have been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying but the cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make him an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is a kung fu master. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 201000
Genere: Action, Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA, China
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, feel good, sentimental, sincere, touching, serious, entertaining, teen, stylized
Similar in 79%
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Plot Summary:
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.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 713000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 132 min
Plot tags: emotional, sad, touching, depressing, bad ending, bleak, harsh, poignant, motivational, sentimental
Similar in 80%
Glory Road (2006)
Plot Summary:
In 1966, Texas Western coach Don Haskins led the first all-black starting line-up for a college basketball team to the NCAA national championship.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 48000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, emotional, intense, sentimental, serious, uplifting, touching, feel good, period piece
Similar in 80%
Cinderella Man (2005)
Plot Summary:
The true story of boxer, Jim Braddock who, in the 1920’s after his retirement, has a surprise comeback in order to get him and his family out of a socially poor state.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 196000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 144 min
Plot tags: touching, inspirational, motivational, uplifting, sentimental, sincere, emotional, period piece, compassionate, feel good