The Top Boxing Documentaries Every Fan Should Watch

19 July 2025

Boxing isn’t just about two fighters stepping into the ring—it's a world filled with raw emotion, personal struggles, and glory that comes at a price. It’s a sport that produces legends, but behind every champion, there’s a story waiting to be told.

If you're a boxing fan, you know that the best way to truly understand what goes on behind the gloves is through a well-crafted documentary. These films take us beyond the knockouts and into the hearts and minds of the warriors who dedicate their lives to the sport.

So, if you’re looking for the most gripping, jaw-dropping boxing films out there, you’re in for a treat. Here are the top boxing documentaries that every fan should watch—each one packed with history, triumph, and heartbreak.

1. When We Were Kings (1996)

Let’s start with a classic. When We Were Kings is more than just a documentary—it’s a masterpiece. This Oscar-winning film captures Muhammad Ali’s legendary 1974 fight against George Foreman in what became known as the "Rumble in the Jungle."

But this isn’t just about the punches thrown inside the ring. It’s about Ali’s charisma, his defiance, and the political and cultural impact of a fight that was bigger than boxing itself. With never-before-seen footage and insights from boxing legends, this one is a must-watch.

2. Tyson (2008)

Mike Tyson is one of the most controversial yet fascinating figures in boxing history. Love him or hate him, his story is impossible to ignore.

This documentary, directed by James Toback, gives us an intimate look at Tyson’s rise, fall, and redemption—told in his own words. He dives deep into his troubled childhood, his dominance in the ring, and the scandals that followed him outside it.

It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’ll make you see Iron Mike in a way you never have before.

3. Champs (2015)

What does it really take to be a champion? Champs answers that question through the eyes of three legendary boxers: Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Bernard Hopkins.

But this isn’t your typical boxing documentary. It goes beyond the sport, exposing the brutal realities of fame, fortune, and the struggles that many fighters face after their careers end. From financial ruin to the criminal justice system, Champs sheds light on the darker side of boxing that few people talk about.

If you want a doc that digs deeper than just knockouts and title belts, this one’s a knockout.

4. Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson (2004)

Before Ali, before Tyson, there was Jack Johnson—the first Black heavyweight champion of the world. But his journey wasn’t just about boxing; it was about defying racism and societal expectations in early 20th-century America.

Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, this Ken Burns documentary paints a powerful portrait of Johnson’s life, his battles inside and outside the ring, and how he paved the way for future generations of fighters.

If you love history and boxing, this documentary is an absolute must-watch.

5. Facing Ali (2009)

Muhammad Ali’s impact on the world of boxing—and beyond—was unmatched. But what was it like to fight him?

Facing Ali answers that question by bringing together ten former opponents of The Greatest, each sharing their experiences and the lasting impact Ali had on their lives. From Joe Frazier to George Foreman, their stories offer a unique perspective on Ali’s legendary career.

It’s a tribute to a man who was more than just a boxer—he was an icon.

6. The Kings (2021)

If you love the golden era of boxing, this one’s for you. The Kings takes us back to the 1980s, a time when legends like Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Durán, Marvin Hagler, and Thomas Hearns ruled the sport.

These four warriors gave us some of the most unforgettable fights in boxing history, and this documentary breaks down their rivalries, struggles, and the impact they had on the sport.

With archival footage and insightful analysis, The Kings is a deep dive into an era of boxing that will never be replicated.

7. Road to Redemption: The Arturo Gatti Story (2023)

Arturo Gatti was one of the most exciting fighters the world had ever seen. His fights were all-out wars, and his heart inside the ring made him a fan favorite. But his life outside the ring? A mystery that still haunts boxing fans.

This documentary explores Gatti’s legendary career, his brutal trilogy with Micky Ward, and the chilling controversy surrounding his tragic death. Was it suicide, or was foul play involved?

One thing’s for sure—this doc will have you hooked from start to finish.

8. Manny (2014)

Manny Pacquiao’s story is the definition of a rags-to-riches fairytale. He went from poverty in the Philippines to becoming one of the greatest boxers of all time.

Narrated by Liam Neeson, Manny takes us through Pacquiao’s journey—from selling doughnuts on the streets to defeating boxing legends. But beyond the glory, the film also touches on his struggles with politics, family, and the pressures of fame.

If you’re a Pacquiao fan (or even if you aren’t), this one is a must-watch.

9. Legendary Nights: The Tale of Gatti-Ward (2013)

Some boxing rivalries go down in history, but few compare to Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward. Their trilogy is the stuff of legends, and this HBO documentary captures every brutal, heart-stopping moment.

Through interviews and unseen footage, Legendary Nights revisits the three fights that defined an era of boxing. If you love toe-to-toe wars inside the ring, this doc is pure gold.

10. Cradle of Champions (2018)

Not all boxing stories are about world champions. Cradle of Champions takes a different approach, focusing on the golden gloves tournament in New York—the proving ground for future boxing legends.

Following three young fighters chasing their dreams, this documentary captures the hunger, sacrifice, and drive it takes to make it in the fight game.

It’s an underdog story at its finest, and it’ll have you rooting for these young warriors every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Boxing documentaries aren’t just about fights—they’re about life, dedication, and the cost of being great. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, these films will give you a whole new appreciation for the sweet science.

From iconic moments in history to untold stories of struggle and redemption, these documentaries capture the essence of boxing in a way nothing else can. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a ringside seat to some of the greatest boxing stories ever told.