M$B and the success of Boxing Movies

[TalkingHead]

Million Dollar Baby is a strong Best Picture contender, and movies like Rocky and Raging Bull have been strong boxing films as well. Not to mention popular and touted movies like Ali and The Hurricane. Off the top of my head I can't think of movies about other sports that were ever Best Picture nominees.

Why is it that boxing movies are so popular and artistically recognized when other sports movies don't seem to be?

[TalkingHead]

**Bump**

Any thoughts? My initial guess would be that because boxing is an individuals struggle, it makes it easier to be turned into a compelling film than with a team....the audience can connect with the individual and feel his/her passion and struggle. What do people think?

[Dilmo]

Originally Posted by TalkingHead

Off the top of my head I can't think of movies about other sports that were ever Best Picture nominees.

Chariots Of Fire - Winner Best Picture

comes to mind right now.

[aedavela]

Seabiscuit was, Field of Dreams might have been.

[TalkingHead]

Originally Posted by aedavela

Seabiscuit was, Field of Dreams might have been.

True, I stand corrected, there are probably a couple others too. But the fact of the matter is despite being probably only the 5th or 6th biggest sport in the country in terms of regular viewership and fans, I think it is clear that boxing movies have been more succesful than those of any other sports movies. Curious what other peoples thoughts are on why this is.