It’s the movies that will have you cringing and rooting for blood. They perfectly encompass the ups and downs of living in a violent world. You can expect addictions, losses wins and failed hopes. However, these athletes would repeat it all over again.

Your time is precious, but if any of these picks have you being particular nostalgic. Why not pick up the book, The Straight Paint, and experience women boxers fighting for there dreams in every form it comes in.

6. The Fighter

Released: December 6, 2010

Cast: Christian Bale and Mark Whaulberg

Director: David O Russell

Why Its Great: The relationship between the two brothers sold this boxing jaunt for me. The Unreliable brother trainer. Making the heartbreaking decision to split from your family that you love, but is also toxic for your growth. And ultimately the coming together at the end.

Where to see it right now: Catch it on Netflix or purchase it on YouTube. Watch the trailer for now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “The Fighter’ is a clever and darkly funny character piece set against a classic sports drama backdrop – and the result is one of the most entertaining films of 2010.” – Kofi Outlaw, Screen Rant [Review from Metacritic]
• “Micky Ward gets hit a lot. The blows come from the left, the right, up high, below the belt. And once he absorbs all that punishment from his family, he still has to get inside the boxing ring.” – Paul Asay, Plugged In. (Review from Rotten Tomatoes]

7. The Hurricane

Released: December 14, 1999

Cast: Denzel Washington and Liev Schraber

Director: Norman Jewison

Why It’s Great: You’re going to want to watch number 9 after you see this one. The injustice in these types of movies will have you rage quit. But it is a good movie, worth making the list.

Where to see it right now: Catch it on Starz in your cable package or purchase on YouTube. Watch the trailer for now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Denzel Washington’s dazzling portrayal as Carter makes us see the man’s courage and heart.” – Nell Minow, Common Sense Media. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

• “Here comes the story of the Hurricane, the man the authorities came to blame, for a crime he never done; put him in a prison cell, but one time he could have been the champion of the world!” – Cameron J, User. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

8. Against The Ropes

Released: February 20, 2004

Cast: Meg Ryan and Omar Epps

Director: Charles S. Dutton

Why It’s Great: I just remember this movie being really fun to watch. But don’t expect some moving literary feat on the state of boxing. It was just a well acted, entertaining movie.

Where to see it right now: Buy on Itunes and YouTube. Watch trailer first.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Given a real character to play, and one within her range, Ryan delivers a real performance, and a really likable one, in this sassy-but-not-edgy boxing picture.” – Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
• “Against the Ropes is a rousing drama about a pioneering female boxing manager whose gift of enthusiasm is something special.” – Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

9. Rocky II

Released: June 15, 1979

Cast: Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers

Director: Sylvester Stallone

Why It’s Great: For context purposes, you may want to watch this because the son of Rocky’s opponent is the star of the Creed films. However, by itself it has so much heart. I found myself unsure of who to root for. As I wanted both Rocky and his opponent to win.

Where to see it right now: This one is on Netflix, but can also be purchased on YouTube. Watch the trailer now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “Rocky II plays like exactly what it is: a “greatest hits” version of the original, one that’s tasked with moving the story forward while also re-playing a lot of the same beats that folks loved before.” – Zaki Hasan, Zaki User. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
• “Rocky II” represents far more than just a good-looking fight. It’s all about trusting in yourself and overcoming fear in striving for greatness.” – Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star. [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]

10. Girlfight

Released: September 29, 2000

Cast: Michelle Rodriguez and Santiago Douglas

Director: Karyn Kusama

Why It’s Great: Outside of the fact that this beautiful badass girl, inspired my first novel, The Bolo Dance. This was another entertaining movie, and in a world where there aren’t many girl fighter movies. It would have been a shame not to include such a good one.

Where to see it right now: Catch this on Starz (in your cable package). Or buy on Amazon Prime or YouTube. Watch the trailer now.

What do moviegoers say:

• “It gives its fine actors room to breathe and behave — and in Michelle Rodriguez’s case, glow.” – Richard Schickel, Time Magazine [Review From Rotten Tomatoes]
• “While it wonderfully confounds our narrative expectations as a coming-of-age story and a romantic drama, it works on another level as a great sporting experience.” – Peter Howell, Toronto Star. [Review from Rotten Tomatoes]