19 Movies you can't miss if you are into combat sports

The hand-to-hand combat sequences of any action movie have always attracted a wide variety of audiences. We love watching different martial arts techniques used in movies. But it is a completely different story when the entire movie is around these combat sports. Be it boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts, these movies mostly focus on the ups and downs of those who chose that track. Their discipline, workout routine, and the will to get back from injuries are always inspiring. These movies are not just about the fights but also about how much strength of character is needed to stick to these deadly sports. So, here is a list of 19 movies if you are into combat sports.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

1. Ip Man (2008)

Directed by Wilson Yip in 2008, Ip Man stars Donnie Yen as the chill-but-deadly master of Wing Chun, a Chinese martial art that’s all about speed and precision. With a budget of $11.7 million, this action-packed biopic follows Ip Man as he reluctantly becomes a hero during the Japanese invasion of China. When his peaceful town is overrun, he is forced to trade polite sparring for bone-crunching duels. Featuring brutal fights, honorable warriors, and plenty of high-speed fistwork, it is martial arts cinema at its finest.

2. DOA: Dead or Alive (2006)

A group of super-skilled fighters, played by Devon Aoki, Jaime Pressly, and Holly Valance, get invited to a mysterious martial arts tournament with a $10 million prize. But surprise! The host has a creepy plan to steal their skills using sci-fi tech. Based on the Dead or Alive video game, this flashy flick is all about gravity-defying moves and over-the-top action. With a $30 million budget, it earned around $7.7 million. Directed by Corey Yuen in 2006, it is all about martial arts battles in beachwear.

3. The Karate Kid (2010)

When 12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) moves to China, he quickly learns that bullies don’t take days off. After getting on the wrong side of a kung fu prodigy, Dre finds an unlikely mentor in the quirky-but-wise Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). Directed by Harald Zwart in 2010, this action-packed remake swaps karate for kung fu but keeps the heart. With a budget of $40 million, it raked in a whopping $359 million. Packed with epic training montages and high-flying kicks, it’s a fun martial arts ride.

4. Perfect Addiction (2023)

It is one thing to break your opponent in a competitive match, but breaking your girlfriend’s heart is something that needs to be addressed with vengeance. Jax, a rising MMA fighter chose to cheat on his trainer, Sienna, with her sister. Well, Sienna heart broken and having nowhere to live, starts sharing an apartment with Kayden and eventually starts training him. On her journey to knock her ex off his pedestal, she finally finds the person she wants to be within Kayden. This movie, directed by Castille Landon was released in 2023.

5. Kickboxer (1989)

When kickboxing champ, Eric Sloane, gets brutally taken down by ruthless fighter, Tong Po, his younger brother Kurt (Jean-Claude Van Damme) steps up for revenge. Directed by Mark DiSalle and David Worth in 1989, this classic martial arts flick follows Kurt’s grueling training in Thailand, turning him from a rookie into a Muay Thai powerhouse. Made on a $2.7 million budget, it punched its way to over $50 million worldwide. Packed with epic training montages and high-kicking action, it’s peak ’80s fight-film fun.

6. Never Back Down (2008)

Directed by Jeff Wadlow in 2008, Never Back Down follows rebellious teen, Jake Tyler (Sean Faris), as he moves to a new school and quickly lands in trouble with local MMA hotshot, Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet). After getting humiliated in a fight, Jake trains under the wise but tough Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou) to master mixed martial arts. With a budget of $20 million, this high-energy flick blends teen drama, intense fight scenes, and plenty of adrenaline-fueled action. Think of this as The Karate Kid but with way more punches.

7. Bloodsport (1988)

Frank Dux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is an American martial artist who sneaks off to Hong Kong to compete in the ultra-secret, no-rules Kumite tournament. Facing brutal fighters, including the terrifying Chong Li (Bolo Yeung), Frank must prove his training and honor. Meanwhile, military officers try to drag him home. Made on a $2.3 million budget, it smashed expectations, earning $50 million. Directed by Newt Arnold in 1988, this cult classic delivers high kicks, epic splits, and pure martial arts mayhem.

8. Grudge Match (2013)

Two aging boxing rivals, Henry "Razor" Sharp (Sylvester Stallone) and Billy "The Kid" McDonnen (Robert De Niro), are lured out of retirement for one last fight, decades after their original grudge match. Directed by Peter Segal in 2013, this comedy-drama packs plenty of jabs, both in and out of the ring. With a budget of $40 million, it earned $44.9 million worldwide. Also starring Kevin Hart and Alan Arkin, it is a fun, punchy ride that proves old fighters still have some swing.

9. Warrior (2011)

Two estranged brothers, Tommy (Tom Hardy) and Brendan (Joel Edgerton) enter the same high-stakes MMA tournament, each fighting for their own reasons. Directed by Gavin O’Connor in 2011, this emotional knockout of a film delivers intense action and family drama. With a budget of $25 million, it sadly only earned $23.3 million but later became a fan favorite. Also, starring Nick Nolte as their troubled father, Warrior is a gripping mix of brutal fights, broken bonds, and one epic brotherly showdown.

10. Creed (2015)

Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), son of boxing legend Apollo Creed, wants to step out of his father’s shadow and make his name in the ring. To do that, he seeks out Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), who reluctantly agrees to train him. Directed by Ryan Coogler in 2015, this knockout drama blends heart, nostalgia, and intense boxing action. Made on a $35-40 million budget, it raked in an impressive $173.6 million. With powerful performances and electrifying fights, Creed is a true underdog triumph.

11. Ali (2001)

Ali is a biographical film that follows the legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali (Will Smith), through key moments in his career, from his rise to fame to his controversial stand against the Vietnam War. Directed by Michael Mann in 2001, the film showcases Ali’s charismatic personality and fierce boxing skills. With a budget of $107 million, it earned $87 million worldwide. With a knockout performance by Smith, Ali dives into the world of professional boxing and the man who changed it forever.

12. Hands of Stone (2016)

Directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz in 2016, Hands of Stone tells the story of legendary boxer, Roberto Durán (Édgar Ramírez), and his rise to fame, as well as his rivalry with Sugar Ray Leonard (Usher Raymond). With his fists of fury and a fiery personality, Durán takes the boxing world by storm. Made on a $20 million budget, the film earned $5 million. Focused on the high-stakes world of professional boxing, it delivers both action and drama.

13. Here Comes the Boom (2012)

Here Comes the Boom is a comedy about a high school teacher, Scott Voss (Kevin James), who enters the world of MMA to raise money for his school’s music program. Directed by Frank Coraci in 2012, Scott teams up with his reluctant friend, Bella Flores (played by Salma Hayek), to train for the big fight. With a budget of $42 million, it earned $73.1 million. Packed with martial arts action, this feel-good film shows that even an underdog teacher can pack a punch.

14. Boyka: Undisputed (2016)

Scott Adkins’ awesome martial arts skills take center stage in Boyka: Undisputed, where he plays the fierce fighter, Yuri Boyka. After accidentally injuring a man in the ring, Boyka seeks redemption by fighting in an underground tournament for a chance to free an innocent woman. Directed by Todor Chapkanov in 2016, the film features brutal MMA action.

15. 60 Minutes (2024)

In 60 Minutes, Octavio Bergmann (Emilio Sakraya) is a mixed martial arts fighter who faces a tough choice: compete in a crucial match or attend his daughter Leonie's birthday party to maintain custody. Directed by Oliver Kienle in 2024, this German thriller delivers a high-stakes race against time. The film showcases intense MMA action, highlighting the sport's raw intensity and personal stakes.

16. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Million Dollar Baby is a heartfelt drama about Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), a determined woman who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. She convinces grizzled trainer, Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood), to take her under his wing. Directed by Clint Eastwood in 2004, this movie packs an emotional punch. With a budget of $30 million, it earned over $216 million. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress. It is a knockout story of grit, heart, and the fight of a lifetime.

17. Rocky (1976)

Rocky tells the inspiring story of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the world heavyweight title. With determination and heart, he trains for the fight of his life against champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Directed by John G. Avildsen in 1976, this iconic film had a budget of just $1 million but earned over $225 million worldwide. Based on boxing, Rocky won three Oscars, including Best Picture, proving that heart and sweat can make you a champion.

18. The Fighter (2010)

Directed by David O. Russell in 2010, The Fighter follows the true story of boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), who struggles to escape the shadow of his troubled half-brother Dicky (Christian Bale), a former fighter and drug addict. With the support of his determined mother (Melissa Leo) and girlfriend (Amy Adams), Micky fights his way to the top. Made on a $11 million budget, the film earned $129 million. It is a boxing story with heart, grit, and plenty of family drama.

19. Southpaw (2015)

Fame looks good from the outside. Especially if it comes from the art of boxing. Billy Hope, at the peak of his career, lost everything. His wife is shot dead accidentally in an argument with Miguel, that went too far. He lost his daughter as she was sent to a foster family. Hope’s only Hope to get his daughter back is by getting his life together. This 2015 release was named ‘Southpaw’ as Hope switched to southpaw from orthodox to land the uppercut that knocked out Miguel.