The sequel to the 'Rocky' franchise 'Creed' has proved to be one of the champions at the box office during its opening week, which is just as well given the gruelling preparation Michael B. Jordan undertook to get ready for the role. And whilst it's an exciting tale about the son of Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa's former rival and friend, it's got us thinking about some of the best boxing films there have been.

Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone in 'Creed'Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone team up in 'Creed'

It's a popular subject in sports dramas - after all, who doesn't love a good fist fight? And martial arts have always played a big part in movies. Filmmakers just can't seem to put down the gloves, but it's easy to see why:

More: 'Creed' transformed Michael B. Jordan

1. Rocky (1976) - We're going to kick this list off with the obvious; the franchise that led to 'Creed'. Directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, 'Rocky' is the most famous boxing movie of all time with the subsequent five sequels extending that fame. It's a triple Oscar winning epic about a loan shark who gets into boxing and takes a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship.

2. Southpaw (2015) - As well as 'Creed', this year also brought us this Antoine Fuqua directed flick starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams. It did fairly well in its opening weekend, finishing 5th at the box office, and it formed another example of Gyllenhaal's extreme dedication to his work as he bulked up beyond recognition.

Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Southpaw'Jake Gyllenhaal was unrecognisable in 'Southpaw'

3. Raging Bull (1980) - Coming just a year after the release of 'Rocky II', Martin Scorsese adaptation of Jake LaMotta's memoir was a black and white masterpiece starring Robert De Niro which won two well-deserved Oscars.

4. The Fighter (2010) - This double Oscar winning David O. Russell drama is based on the career of Micky Ward. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, it's about his struggle as a welterweight boxer and his family's stubborn support and management of his career - which ultimate becomes rather an embarrassment for Ward. 

Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg in 'The Fighter''The Fighter' told the story of Micky Ward

5. The Calcium Kid (2004) - Okay, so it's not exactly one of the best boxing movies out there but it's certainly a funny addition. Plus it also sees the early success of several stars such as Orlando Bloom (who'd just finished the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy and the first 'Pirates of the Caribbean'), Michael Peña, Rafe Spall and Billie Piper.

6. Million Dollar Baby (2004) - This one reigns champion when it comes to scooping awards, with four Oscars under its belt. It's directed by and starring Clint Eastwood alongside Hilary Swank, and is probably the biggest tear-jerker of them all. It sees a woman desperate to begin a boxing career despite professionals telling her she's too old, and subsequently finds herself with a life-changing injury.

'Million Dollar Baby''Million Dollar Baby' was an Oscar winning tragedy

7. Cinderella Man (2005) - The following year saw Ron Howard's take on the story of James J. Braddock with Russell Crowe and Renée Zellweger, which certainly was a 'they all lived happily ever after' tale. After breaking his hand, Braddock is forced to retire from boxing and falls on hard times. However, he soon makes a comeback and wins the Heavyweight Championship of the World against the brutal Max Baer.

8. The Hurricane (1999) - Less about boxing than about the wrongful conviction of American middleweight Rubin Carter, this film starring Denzel Washington was nominated for one Oscar. It follows Carter's false imprisonment for a triple homicide, his 20 years behind bars, and subsequent release.

9. Girlfight (2000) - Michelle Rodriguez's acting debut and probably the reason why she's such a Hollywood badass. It saw critical acclaim and won awards at Sundance and Cannes among others for its depiction of a troubled teenager who takes to boxing after her mother's suicide and subsequently finds romance in the ring.