Best movies like Requiem for a Heavyweight
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Mountain Rivera is at the end of his boxing career after a knockout by Cassius Clay in the seventh round. His left eye is one punch from permanent trauma, his ears turned to cauliflower, his speech slurred from "being hit a million times," and he slings punches anytime he hears a bell, but his trainer and 'cutman' Army, and Miss Miller, a manipulative social worker, support his illusion that he could be a movie usher, a camp counselor, or a romantic partner for Miller.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: black and white, atmospheric, bleak, retro, sincere, rough, serious, realistic, contemplative, gloomy
Best tv shows and movies like Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962):
Similar in 78%
Crying Fist (2005)
Plot Summary:
Jobless, besieged by creditors, and abandoned by his wife, the once silver medalist Tae-shik has sunk to street hustling, becoming a human punching bag. Meanwhile, young Sang-hwan's delinquent ways land him behind bars. Both men look to boxing to turn around lives gone astray, aiming for the amateur title, ultimately pitting them against each other, but more importantly, against themselves.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: South Korea
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: rough, serious, realistic, tense, gloomy
Similar in 78%
Diggstown (1992)
Plot Summary:
Gabriel Caine has just been released from prison when he sets up a bet with a business man. The business man owns most of a boxing-mad town called Diggstown. The bet is that Gabe can find a boxer that will knock out 10 Diggstown men, in a boxing ring, within 24 hours. "Honey" Roy Palmer is that man - although at 48, many say he is too old.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: cult classic, witty, neo noir, comedy drama, humorous, realistic, semi serious, independent film, tense, light
Similar in 89%
Crossing the Line (1990)
Plot Summary:
An unemployed Scottish miner (Liam Neeson) is forced into bare-knuckle boxing to make ends meet.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Sport
Country: UK
Duration: 116 min
Plot tags: rough, serious, realistic, cult classic, sincere, bleak, gloomy, independent film, cult film
Similar in 84%
Hard Times (1975)
Plot Summary:
In the depression, Chaney, a strong silent streetfighter, joins with Speed, a promoter of no-holds-barred street boxing bouts. They go to New Orleans where Speed borrows money to set up fights for Chaney, but Speed gambles away any winnings.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: realistic, tense, harsh, serious, neo noir, atmospheric, captivating, cynical, action adventure, exciting
Similar in 76%
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 78%
Body and Soul (1981)
Plot Summary:
A young man struggles to become a boxing champ, but success blinds him. It is only through the love of his girlfriend that he is brought back to reality.
IMDB Rating: 4.5
IMDB Votes: 386
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: neo noir, grindhouse, independent film, sincere, rough, serious, realistic, eighties
Similar in 87%
The Challenger (2015)
Plot Summary:
A legendary trainer comes out of retirement to help an underdog boxer fight his way to a better life.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: inspirational, captivating, tense, realistic
Similar in 90%
The Prize Fighter (2003)
Plot Summary:
After a life of hard knocks and wrong turns, boxer Ed Jones gets a second chance at fulfilling his life long dream of a World Boxing Championship. With the help of veteran promoter, Arliss King and the guidance of a former champ, Ed embarks on the come back of a lifetime. When Ed starts winning and with his popularity soaring, he draws the attention of an unscrupulous fight promoter, White Ferguson. Although tempted by promises of big money and boxing glory, Ed makes a decision to remain loyal to Arliss. His dream in sight, Ed is on top of the world and at the top of his game.
IMDB Rating: 3.2
IMDB Votes: 52
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: realistic, captivating, psychological, exciting, inspirational, serious
Similar in 78%
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 86%
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 83%
A Fighting Man (2014)
Plot Summary:
Two men meet in the ring for a fight that will change their lives.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, suspense, disturbing, exciting, sincere, touching
Similar in 75%
Undefeated (2003)
Plot Summary:
Lex 'El Animal' Vargas is a promising Portorican boxer in Queens, but lacks ambition to aim for the big career. That changes after his brother Paulie is accidentally shot dead by a teenager in an amateur hold-up on their late dad's shop, which he now closes to turn professional boxer. His star rises fast, but success brings its own problems, as he he lacks experience to handle professionals and resist the abuse they and his ghetto past entourage make of his generous nature.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 801
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, realistic, suspense
Similar in 90%
Hands of Stone (2016)
Plot Summary:
The legendary Roberto Duran and his equally legendary trainer Ray Arcel change each other's lives.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 17000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Panama, USA
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, exciting, tense, inspirational, period piece, cult classic, serious, hot, extraordinary
Similar in 78%
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%
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 78%
Fat City (1972)
Plot Summary:
Two men, working as professional boxers, come to blows when their careers each begin to take opposite momentum.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, realistic, neo noir, serious, captivating, cynical, cult classic, bleak, ironic, entertaining
Similar in 86%
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 83%
Phantom Punch (2008)
Plot Summary:
From his discovery by a priest while serving time at the Missouri State Penitentiary to the infamous 'Phantom Punch' by Cassius Clay which effectively ended his career, the movie spans the years from 1950 to Liston's mysterious and untimely death in 1971.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 837
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: rough, captivating, realistic, sincere, serious, emotional, gloomy
Similar in 75%
The Bronx Bull (2016)
Plot Summary:
A combination "before the rage" and "after the rage" of world middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta's tumultuous life and times.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 697
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic, captivating
Similar in 75%
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 89%
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 87%
Price of Glory (2000)
Plot Summary:
An ex-boxer, living with the knowledge that his fight career was cut short by a crooked manager, channels his bitter disappointment in a single-minded quest for boxing championships for his three sons. We see them in pee-wee Silver Glove matches with dad constantly pushing them. Ten years later, they're young men, with dad as both father and manager. A professional promoter, Nick Everson, wants to sign the boys, but dad rejects those offers. Then, in expressions of their varied relationships with their father, each son makes his own decisions. Can dad ever step aside, and can the family hold together?.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 899
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: sincere, realistic, serious, tense
Similar in 87%
The Opponent (2000)
Plot Summary:
Patty Sullivan (Erica Eleniak) is a battered woman who decides to take charge of her life by taking boxing lessons to better protect herself when her boyfriend becomes violent. Patty soon learns she has some talent for boxing and sets her sights on competing in a professional fight. More is on the line than just the woman's title.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 253
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: sincere, rough, serious, independent film, realistic, uplifting
Similar in 81%
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 84%
Tyson (1995)
Plot Summary:
The story of Mike Tyson. From his early days as a 12 year old amateur with a powerful punch, to the undisputed title of "Heavyweight Champion of the World", and ultimately to his conviction for rape. The story of his turbulent life moves quickly, never focusing for long on anything in particular.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 85%
The Hustler (1961)
Plot Summary:
Fast Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary Minnesota Fats to a high-stakes match.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 86000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: black and white, atmospheric, suspense, psychological, cynical, grim, tense, realistic, talky, thought provoking
Similar in 85%
Rocky Balboa (2006)
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
Similar in 85%
The Champ (1979)
Plot Summary:
The more you love, the harder you fight.The world looks at Billy Flynn and sees a has-been who seemingly never was, an ex-boxing champion slammed to the mat years ago by booze and gambling. But Billy's son TJ sees what the world doesn't. He knows his flawed but loving father is, was and always will be The Champ.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sad, emotional, heartbreaking, neo noir, tear jerker, heartfelt, weeping, sincere, uplifting
Similar in 86%
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 78%
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