There have been countless boxing movies over the years, but there is something that feels special about The Fighter. Based on a true story, the movie stars Mark Wahlberg as Mickey Ward, a Boston boxer who struggled to make a name for himself in the ring while also dealing with his dysfunctional family, including former boxer Dickie Eklund (Christian Bale).
The movie is a funny, inspiring and thrilling sports drama filled with amazing performances and brought to life by its unique characters. It’s a movie worth revisiting but if you’re a fan, there are some other similar titles worth checking out as well. Here some movies to watch if you love The Fighter.
Rocky (1976)
We’ll start with an obvious one as pretty much every underdog story and every boxing movie ever made will be compared to Rocky. The Fighter covers both angles, so of course, the film that introduced the world to the Italian Stallion is going to make this list.
Sylvester Stallone gives an iconic performance as the simple yet determined amateur boxer from Philadelphia who is given an incredible opportunity to fight the world champion. It is an entertaining boxing movie but it is also a movie about heart and going the distance which seems to be at the heart of many great boxing films.
Patriot’s Day (2016)
Boston-set films seem to share a connection that goes beyond the simple setting. There is a certain feel to the people who live there that, if captured effectively, gives the film a very authentic feel. It’s also likely that a film set in Boston will star Mark Wahlberg.
Wahlberg does indeed star in this intense drama about the horrific 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent manhunt to find those responsible. The film does not hold back on the horror of that day while also honor the bravery of the people of Boston.
Southpaw (2015)
Southpaw is one of the lesser-seen boxing films in recent years but is still working seeking out. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Billy Hope, a promising fighter who experiences a tragedy that sends him on a downward spiral. He finally attempts to revive his career while trying to also be a good father to his daughter.
Gyllenhaal gives a stunning performance in a film that explores the battles in the ring and outside of the ring. The focus on relationships and dealing with personal demons hit the same chord as The Fighter in that regard.
The Departed (2006)
Yet another Boston movie that once again stars Mark Wahlberg, along with an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jack Nicolson. This Martin Scorsese gangster film focuses on the violence search for informants inside the police department as well as within the mob.
The Departed feels akin to The Fighter in the amazing way it depicts the harsh attitude of Boston people. It adds so much fun, laughs and color to the film. And with Scorsese directing this critically acclaimed remake of the Hong Kong crime epic Infernal Affairs, it’s no surprise it’s stellar entertainment.
Ford V Ferrari (2019)
Ford V Ferrari (alternatively titled Le Mans ‘66) is another hugely entertaining sports movie that also features another amazing performance from Christian Bale. The film is based on the true story of Carol Shelby and Ken Miles who were hired by Ford Motor Company to build and race a car that could beat Ferrari in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
Bale and Matt Damon are excellent as Miles and Shelby respectively, two hard workers trying to allow their genius to shine through while working under corporate restrictions. Like The Fighter, the film showcases people who might be rough around the edges but whose talents cannot be ignored.
Creed (2015)
Though the Rocky franchise got a little ridiculous as it went on, Creed represented a brilliant and clever way of revisiting the series and bringing it back to basics. Michael B. Jordan stars as Adonis Creed, the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed who seeks the help of Rocky Balboa to follow in his father’s footsteps in the world of boxing.
The movie matches The Fighter in terms of its immersive and thrilling boxing scenes. Ryan Coogler creates a glossy and stylish sports drama that also serves as a moving story of proving something to yourself.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
It is a testament to the versatility of David O. Russell as a filmmaker that he could go from a boxing drama like The Fighter to a unique romantic comedy like Silver Linings Playbook. However, the films do have more in common than it might seem.
Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence star as two people with their own mental struggles who find a strange yet powerful connection with each other. The movie is also a fun and entertaining look at family dysfunction which also plays an important role in The Fighter. Russell is great at making it feel authentic in both films.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting is another Boston film though this is one of the few in which Mark Wahlberg does not appear. Even still, the film does feel like a similar drama to The Fighter as it stars Matt Damon as a violent young man with a troubled past who is secretly hiding his brilliance in mathematics.
There’s not a lot in common between boxing and math, but this is also an underdog story about building yourself up from an unlikely place and proving yourself to the world. It is a powerful and entertaining drama with amazing performances from its talented cast.
Stronger (2017)
Like Patriot’s Day, Stronger deals with the Boston Marathon bombing, however, in a much more intimate and personal way. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff Bauman, a real-life Boston native who lost his legs in the terrorist attack. As he tries to adjust to the injury, he became a symbol of hope for the city - whether he wants to or not.
Like The Fighter, this is the story of someone who comes from humble beginnings to represent something bigger than himself. Jeff is not a typical hero and he struggles with that. He also deals with his own dysfunctional family that feels very reminiscent of what we see in The Fighter.
Warrior (2011)
Warrior is another drama set in the world of professional fighting (this time, in the arena of mixed martial arts) that also serves as a story about brotherhood. Tom Hardy and Joel Egerton star as two estranged brothers each facing hardships who individually enter a world championship for mixed martial arts which sets them on a collision course with each other.
The film doesn’t have the same level of humor as The Fighter, but it is a powerful and thrilling experience nonetheless. Hardy and Egerton are outstanding as the two brothers who come from a dark past. It is also a rare look at mixed martial arts in film which makes for fascinating fight sequences.
