“Creed 3” is directed by Michael B. Jordan and is the third film in the “Rocky” spin-off franchise. This is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, and it is safe to say that he has a promising career as a director in front of him, should he choose it. “Creed 3”, just like its predecessors, has been very well received by both critics and audiences. Especially for Jordan’s unique vision, primarily inspired by his love for anime. The fight scenes are thrilling and innovative, while the dramatic part was well handled as well. Jonathan Majors proves why he’s dubbed as one of the most talented actors working now, and his complex and layered relationship with Michael B. Jordan’s Creed makes for a personal rivalry worth watching. If you have watched “Creed 3” and are yearning for similar movies, then check out these seven sports drama movies.
Rocky (1976)
It’s hard not to talk about “Rocky “when you’re on the subject of sports dramas. “Rocky” was released way back in 1976 and played a large part in making Sylvester Stallone a certified action star. The story was surprisingly gritty and nuanced for a film where two dudes punch each other’s faces off. Sylvester Stallone gave an award-worthy performance both in the boxing sequences as well as the dramatic ones. The movie features some great performances from Burgess Meredith, his strict trainer, and an endearing relationship between Rocky and his shy girlfriend Adrian (Talia Shire), along with the creation of the iconic “Rocky” score, which stands synonymous with the franchise even today.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Directed by Clint Eastwood, “Million Dollar Baby” sees him as a grizzly old boxing coach who pairs up with an inexperienced but extremely talented young female boxer (Hilary Swank) to help her achieve boxing fame. The movie begins similarly to most boxing dramas, with an old coach reluctantly agreeing to mentor a young athlete to success, but the script takes an unexpected turn midway through the film. The movie features some great performances from Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman (who is given the job of narrator again), and Eastwood himself. “Million Dollar Baby” has a gut-wrenching ending that is sure to stay with you for days.
Fighting With My Family (2019)
“Fighting with My Family” is based on real-life British professional wrestler Paige (Saraya Knight), played by Florence Pugh when she gets selected into WWE while simultaneously following her brother Zak Knight (Jack Lowden) as he tries to cope with his failure to do the same. The movie features Dwayne Johnson as himself, Lena Headey and Nick Frost as Paige’s parents, and Vince Vaughn, among others. “Fighting with My Family” is praised for its endearing story that gives a clear glimpse of Paige’s journey, along with some brilliant characters and some surprisingly witty humour.
Raging Bull (1980)
Adapted from Italian-American professional boxer Jake LaMotta’s autobiography of the same name, “Raging Bull” explores the persona of LaMotta and how his rage and short temper, which helped him rise to the top of the boxing world, eventually brought him down. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro as the famed boxer, the movie was extremely well received by audiences and has come to be pegged as a classic. De Niro gives the performance of a lifetime as he brings out the viciousness and inner turmoil of the boxer for all to see. He also impresses everyone with his striking physical transformation from an extremely fit boxer to an overweight old man. “Raging Bull” is arguably Scorsese’s best movie, as he stuns everyone with his striking cinematography, editing, and dialogue. Scorsese’s decision to shoot the entire film in black and white, along with an unconventional narrative, makes “Raging Bull” stand out as an unique film.
Southpaw (2015)
This Jake Gyllenhaal starrer follows Billy Hope, a reigning heavyweight champion who, after the accidental death of his wife, goes on a self-destructive streak, losing his career and his daughter to child services in the process. The film chronicles his struggle to get his life back on track. Gyllenhaal is one of the most underrated actors working right now, and as usual, he brings his A-game here, delivering an emotional performance of a broken man while also putting in the work to actually look like a boxer. The movie had a mixed reception from the critics, as many complained of its mediocre plot filled with boxing movie cliches, but the action sequences do stand up well enough to make “Southpaw” worth watching.
I, Tonya (2017)
This biographical mockumentary follows the life of American figure skater Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) through her scandals and controversies. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the movie features mockumentary-style interviews with the characters. “I, Tonya” is unique in the way it approaches its story, filled with dark humour, fourth-wall breaks, and crushing emotional abuse. The movie also features some Oscar-worthy performances from Margot Robbie, Paul Walter Hauser, and Allison Janney.
Chak De! India (2007)
“Chak De! India” follows Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), a retired Indian hockey player, as he takes it upon himself to coach the National Women’s Hockey Team with the aim of winning the World Cup. Loosely based on the life of former Indian goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi, the movie follows the struggles and prejudices around women’s sports at the time while also focusing on Negi’s real-life ostracization by the public after his loss to Pakistan. Shah Rukh Khan delivers a gritty and emotional performance here as Kabir, which is easily the best part of the film. “Chak De! India (Let’s Go India)” is a movie filled with brimming patriotism and grit and is a pure underdog story.
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