Some fighters live lives that seem as if they must have been dreamt up by a screenwriter. For this reason, many boxers have had their stories told on the silver screen -- with performances that rank among the finest ever committed to celluloid.
1. Raging Bull (1980)
Martin Scorsese's compelling look at Jake La Motta (Robert DeNiro) vividly captures the fighter's rage and violence -- both inside and outside of the ring. DeNiro and editor Thelma Schoonmaker won richly deserved Academy Awards. The voters who selected Ordinary People over Raging Bull for Best Picture in 1981 haven't got a clue.
2. Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)
Starring a young Paul Newman, this classic adaptation of boxer Rocky Graziano's autobiography chronicles the fighter's rise from the streets of New York City to a world title.3. Joe Louis Story (1953)
Somewhat hokey but still worthwhile looks at one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all-time. Intersperses actual Louis fight footage with actor Corey Wallace handling the dramatic chores.4. The Hurricane (1999)
Denzel Washington was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance as wrongly imprisoned prizefighter Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. After many years in prison, Carter is finally released with the help of an African-American boy and his Canadian mentors who are convinced of his innocence.5. The Great White Hope (1970)
Based on the life of Jack Johnson, James Earl Jones stars as Jack Jefferson, America's first black heavyweight champion. Both Jones and Jane Alexander, as his white mistress, were nominated for Academy Awards.