Creed and 5 more great boxing films available to stream

By , on August 2, 2016

Creed is this week's iTunes Film of the Week, meaning you can rent it for just 99p.

Ryan Coogler's Rocky spin-off got us to thinking about other top boxing films that are currently available to stream or rent for a decent price.

Whether you're talking about Robert De Niro, Steve McQueen, or Tom Hardy, there are some true acting heavyweights represented in the following list.

Creed (iTunes, 99p)

Creed

PIC: Warner Bros.

Let's start with the inspiration for this feature. Ryan Coogler's Creed is an nicely poised spin-off from the Rocky series, with Stallone's battered ex-boxer reluctantly taking up training duties for Michael B. Jordan's Adonis Creed - who happens to be the son of his late friend and arch-rival Apollo Creed.

Warrior (Netflix)

Warrior

PIC: Opulence Studios

It's not a boxing film as such, but Warrior's portrayal of the brutal mixed martial arts scene contains plenty of impressively choreographed pugilism. Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton are two tough but very different brothers pursuing their own paths to tournament victory. It's no spoiler to reveal that they end up fighting each other.

The Fighter (Netflix)

The Fighter

PIC: Paramount Pictures

David O. Russell's classy drama tells the true-life story of professional boxer Micky Ward (played by Mark Wahlberg) and his dysfunctional family, which includes drug addict half-brother and occasional trainer Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale). Amy Adams also has a notable turn as Ward's strong-minded new girlfriend, who helps him to break some of his damaging family ties.

Raging Bull (iTunes, £7.99)

Raging Bull

PIC: MGM

Okay, so this one isn't available to rent at the time of writing. But it is available to buy at a very reasonable price, and no list of top boxing films is complete without Martin Scorsese's bio of Jake LaMotta, as played so memorably by Robert De Niro. Strikingly shot in black and white, with one of the most iconic fight scenes in cinema, it's a bit of must-watch.

Ali (Google Play, £2.49)

Ali

PIC: Columbia Pictures

In the year that we lost arguably the greatest boxer of all time, it seems fitting that we include Michael Mann's 2001 bio of the man. Even Will Smith in the title role can't hope to emulate Ali's charisma, but he gives it a darned good shot. What's more, the film itself smartly touches on Ali's political and social impact as much as his pugilistic excellence.

Somebody Up There Likes Me (iTunes, £3.49)

Somebody Up There Likes Me

Probably the least familiar film on this list to many, Somebody Up There Likes Me is also by far the oldest. Released in 1956, it tells the true life story of boxing great Rocky Graziano and his hard-fought ascent to the top of the sport. More interesting than the film itself is the story of its casting - the role of Graziano was meant to go to James Dean, but he died before filming commenced. The role went instead to a young Paul Newman, and a new star was born.