10 Best Movies Like Bruised

Bruised is the new film from Halle Berry, in what is her feature film directorial debut. The film tells the story of a retired MMA fighter who decides to return for an unsanctioned match. Along the way, she deals with the return of her young son who she gave up for adoption when he was a baby.

Following in the footsteps of other combat sports movies, Bruised treads familiar ground that is recognizable for moviegoers. Whether it’s a movie about boxing, wrestling, or MMA, there are plenty of films to enjoy after watching Bruised.

Rocky Balboa (2006) – Available On HBO Max

The best sports movies give viewers drama both in the arena of play and off, as well. Sylvester Stallone’s long-awaited return to the role in Rocky Balboa gave audiences a healthy dose of both.

Following the aging Balboa as he is called out of retirement by sports TV speculation, the film shows that the desire to compete never really dies in an athlete. The theme of an athlete coming out of retirement for one more go-around is somewhat cliche, but it is the perfect setup for a sports movie. Though it is one of the most unrealistic sports movies, it still keeps viewers entertained.

The Fighter (2010) – Available On Hulu

The Fighter tells the real-life story of two brothers, a boxer and his trainer, and revolves around their failed boxing careers. They’ve both fallen on hard times and agree to take part in a documentary about their lives.

When the documentary is unflattering, they decide to get back in fighting shape and reignite their careers in boxing. A comeback story is quintessential to a successful sports movie and a real-life story gives it even more gravitas.

The Wrestler (2008) – Available On Hulu

Mickey Rourke’s career was revitalized by his portrayal of Randy “The Ram” Robinson in The Wrestler. Offering an unflinching look at the realities of the professional wrestling industry, the film follows “The Ram” who is a washed-up pro-wrestler from the 1980s who still wrestles in small independent promotions, despite his horribly failing health.

The drama out of the ring soars and gives viewers who aren’t wrestling fans something to latch on to. The story told in the ring is in service of the larger plot and offers some of the most gripping drama of any sports film. Because it is about the engaging and accessible sport of professional wrestling, it is one of the best sports movies for people who don’t like sports.

Ali (2001) – Available On Netflix

The biopic of the legendary Muhammad Ali was stuffed with compelling action, both in and out of the squared circle. The life story of one of the most prominent combat athletes of all time was the perfect subject for a film and it further propelled Will Smith’s already successful career.

Ali’s life was so much more than what he did in the ring and the film had a lot to pull from in terms of story. Drama abounds throughout, as Ali struggles with his career as a boxer and how it clashed with his outspoken political views.

Cinderella Man (2005) – Available On HBO Max

During the great depression, a retired boxer is forced to return to the ring to earn a living, and along the way, he shocks the world by winning it all. The real-life story of James J. Braddock was the perfect subject for a sports film.

One theme that a lot of sports films deal with is the idea of hope in the face of impossible odds. Sports give everyone the opportunity to have their moment and Cinderella Man is the quintessential example of every dog having their day.

The Champ (1931) – Available To Rent On Amazon

King Vidor’s The Champ set in stone the structure that most fighting movies followed after. An alcoholic ex-boxer attempts to bring himself and his son out of the bad life they are living by returning to the ring.

Though it may seem cheesy in contrast with the grittier sports films of subsequent decades, The Champ is undeniably important to the genre because it helped to establish it. Though it was made mere months into the sound era of film, it is a fascinating watch for viewers to see just how much influence the film had on the genre.

Fat City (1972) – Available On Amazon Prime

Oftentimes, a sports film is a product of its time and Fat City is a perfect example of that. An aging boxer is spurred to return to competition when he meets a young up-and-comer who inspires him.

The film depicts the gritty realities of life on the streets in Stockton, California. The equal screentime between the in-ring action, social commentary and interpersonal drama is what drives the film and keeps it engaging for viewers.

Raging Bull (1980) – Available On FuboTV

Martin Scorsese’s foray into the sports film genre is often considered one of the best movies he ever directed. Telling the real-life story of Jake LaMotta, a boxer whose violent tendencies controlled his life, Raging Bull’s focus is on his out-of-the-ring life, but the in-ring sequences are some of the best in the entire genre.

Though not a flattering portrayal of the man, it’s considered a realistic depiction of his life and pulled no punches with the drama. Fans of sports films and more traditional dramas will find a lot to take away from the movie.

Girlfight (2000) – Currently Not Available For Streaming

Girlfight added a fresh perspective to the usual combat sports film formula by having a female protagonist. A troubled teenager decides to focus all of her negative feelings on boxing and struggles with her family’s disapproval and the sports world’s reluctance to let a woman in.

A breath of fresh air for fight film fans, Girlfight opened the door for new dramatic opportunities by introducing new conflicts in the sports community itself. Where traditional boxing films focused on a person trying to overcome the odds and win a championship, Girlfight is also about overcoming an entirely different type of adversity.

Million Dollar Baby (2004) – Available On HBO Max

Million Dollar Baby is about so much more than just boxing, and that’s what makes it one of the best sports movies of all time. An aging trainer is reluctant to teach a female boxer when she shows up at his gym. Eventually, he learns to overcome his own prejudices and allows her to fight, and she quickly becomes notable for her knockouts.

With gut-wrenching drama and interpersonal conflict, the film establishes itself as an unrelenting force throughout. Though it is often dour and somewhat hopeless, Million Dollar Baby offers viewers both in-ring action and gripping drama.

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