Movies Like Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)

Requiem for a Heavyweight is a 1962 drama film from Ralph Nelson with a MovieMagicScore of 7.2/10. Here are 20 similar films, ranked by real viewer ratings — starting with Tyson and The Greatest.

Drama

Tyson

1995

The story of Mike Tyson. From his early days as a 12 year old amateur with a powerful punch, to the undisputed title of "Heavyweight Champion of the World", and ultimately to his conviction for rape. The story of his turbulent life moves quickly, never focusing for long on anything in particular.

6.0

MagicScore

The Greatest

1977

Muhammad Ali's life story up to the late 1970s, which includes his Olympic boxing triumphs as Cassius Clay, his conversion to Islam, his refusal of the Army draft and the legal battle after being stripped of his World Title.

5.4

MagicScore

When We Were Kings

1996

It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King.

7.6

MagicScore

Real Steel

2011

Charlie Kenton is a washed-up fighter who retired from the ring when robots took over the sport. After his robot is trashed, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son to rebuild and train an unlikely contender.

7.1

MagicScore

The Champ

1931

A broken-down alcoholic prizefighter struggles to keep custody of his adoring son.

7.1

MagicScore

Hard Times

1975

In the depression, Chaney, a strong silent streetfighter, joins with Speed, a promoter of no-holds-barred street boxing bouts. They go to New Orleans where Speed borrows money to set up fights for Chaney, but Speed gambles away any winnings.

6.8

MagicScore

The Ring

1927

Both Jack Sander and Bob Corby are boxers in love with Mabel. Jack and Mabel wed, but their marriage is flat. The young wife looks to Bob for comfort.

5.9

MagicScore

Rocky V

1990

A lifetime of taking shots has ended Rocky’s career, and a crooked accountant has left him broke. Inspired by the memory of his trainer, however, Rocky finds glory in training and takes on an up-and-coming boxer.

5.8

MagicScore

Battling Butler

1926

A meek millionaire masquerades as a boxing star to win a girl's heart.

6.8

MagicScore

#10

Down to You

2000

College coeds in New York City, Al, the son of a celebrity chef, and Imogen, a talented artist, become smitten the second they lay eyes on one another at a bar. However, the road to happiness is not a smooth one. Outside forces, including a predatory porn star who wants to lure Al into her bed, threaten to pull apart the young lovers before their romance has a chance to really flourish.

5.2

MagicScore

#11

Second Act

2018

Value Shop assistant manager Maya Vargas wants only one thing for her 43rd birthday -- a promotion. While her résumé may not scream upper management, her track record certainly does; she is an innovator who listens to her customers and delivers results. When she loses the job to a college-educated candidate, Maya sets out to prove to Madison Avenue that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts -- and it's never too late for a second act.

6.3

MagicScore

#12

The Turning Point

1977

As young dancers, they were best friends and fierce rivals. Deedee left the stage for marriage and motherhood, while Emma would become an international ballet icon. But when Deedee's teenage daughter is invited to join Emma's dance company and begins an affair with a young Russian star, the two women are forced to confront the choices they've made, the resentments they've hidden and the emotional truths they must face at the turning point.

6.5

MagicScore

#13

The Daytrippers

1997

Eliza D'Amico thinks her marriage to Louis is going great until she finds a mysterious love note to her husband. Concerned, she goes to her mother for advice. Eliza, her parents, her sister Jo, and Jo's boyfriend all pile into the station wagon and go to the city to confront Louis with the letter. On the way, the five explore their relations with each other and meet many interesting people.

6.5

MagicScore

#14

The Switch

2010

Kassie is a smart, fun-loving single woman who, despite her neurotic best friend Wally’s objections, decides it’s time to have a baby – even if it means doing it herself… with a little help from a charming sperm donor. But, unbeknownst to her, Kassie’s plans go awry because of a last-minute switch that isn’t discovered until seven years later… when Wally gets acquainted with Kassie’s cute, though slightly neurotic, son.

6.2

MagicScore

#15

Only When I Laugh

1981

A boozy Broadway actress comes out of a 12-week cure to face the problems of her best friends as well as her needy daughter. She tries to balance the terrors of returning to work with the demands of all around her with humor and insight, while staying off the booze.

5.7

MagicScore

#16

Raging Bull

1980

The life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it.

7.9

MagicScore

#17

Somebody Up There Likes Me

1956

The story of boxer Rocky Graziano's rise from juvenile delinquent to world champ.

7.3

MagicScore

#18

City for Conquest

1940

The heartbreaking but hopeful tale of Danny Kenny and Peggy Nash, two sweethearts who meet and struggle through their impoverished lives in New York City. When Peggy, hoping for something better in life for both of them, breaks off her engagement to Danny, he sets out to be a championship boxer, while she becomes a dancer paired with a sleazy partner. Will tragedy reunite the former lovers?

6.8

MagicScore

#19

Nickel Boys

2024

Chronicles the powerful friendship between two young Black teenagers navigating the harrowing trials of reform school together in Florida.

6.6

MagicScore

#20

The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin

1967

To restore his family's lost wealth, a young Boston lad stows away on a ship bound for the California Gold Rush. When their very proper butler gives chase, all roads lead to nonstop adventure, wild and woolly characters, and a lucky punch that leads to a bonanza of belly laughs!

6.5

MagicScore

Frequently asked

What are the best movies like Requiem for a Heavyweight?

The top films similar to Requiem for a Heavyweight by MovieMagicScore are Tyson (6.0), The Greatest (5.4), When We Were Kings (7.6). Each shares drama themes and is ranked by real viewer ratings, not critics or studios.

Is Requiem for a Heavyweight worth watching?

Requiem for a Heavyweight holds a MovieMagicScore of 7.2/10 from 75 viewer ratings, putting it among the better-reviewed titles in its genre.

What kind of movie is Requiem for a Heavyweight?

Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962) is a drama film directed by Ralph Nelson, starring Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason, Mickey Rooney.

Where can I find more recommendations like Requiem for a Heavyweight?

Browse the full ranked list above, or explore more drama recommendations on MovieMagicScore, where every list is ordered by genuine viewer ratings.

Keep exploring

Movies like Tyson Movies like The Greatest Movies like When We Were Kings Movies like Real Steel Movies like The Champ Movies like Hard Times

About movies like Requiem for a Heavyweight

This ranked list pairs Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962), a drama film from Ralph Nelson, with similar titles by genre, theme and cast overlap (fans of Anthony Quinn take note). Unlike critic-driven sites, every position here is ordered by MovieMagicScore — a rating built only from real viewers, with no studio marketing or paid placement. Scores update as more people rate, so the list stays current.

← Back to Requiem for a Heavyweight