Cinderella Man (2005)

Kernel Score: 84% · 2,362 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Romance, Drama, History

Released: 2005-06-02

Runtime: 144 minutes

Is Cinderella Man worth watching?

Worth watching. Russell Crowe plays a down-and-out boxer fighting his way back during the Depression. It's a familiar underdog story, but it's well acted, handsomely made and very moving in its family scenes.

Watch it if you

  • like boxing and underdog dramas
  • enjoy period pieces about hardship
  • want a classic feel-good fight film

Skip it if you

  • want a surprising plot
  • dislike boxing violence

Best for: Classic sports-drama night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Cinderella Man

  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

The true story of boxer Jim Braddock who, following his retirement in the 1930s, makes a surprise comeback in order to lift his family out of poverty.

Cinderella Man parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Cinderella Man is a PG-13 biographical drama about boxer Jim Braddock's Depression-era comeback.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Contains boxing match violence, though reviews note it relies more on personal story than brutal fight scenes.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Cinderella Man

If you liked Cinderella Man, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Rocky (1976) — 88%: The original underdog boxing story.
  • Million Dollar Baby (2004) — 90%: Deeper, more heart-wrenching boxing drama.
  • Raging Bull (1980) — 89%: Gritty boxing biopic with more intensity.
  • The Fighter (2010) — 84%: Boxing comeback story built around a family.
  • Big George Foreman (2023) — 86%: True boxing comeback with an inspiring arc.
  • Apollo 13 (1995) — 90%: True-story drama about perseverance against long odds.

Director

Ron Howard

Cast

Cinderella Man FAQ

Is Cinderella Man worth watching?

Worth watching. Russell Crowe plays a down-and-out boxer fighting his way back during the Depression. It's a familiar underdog story, but it's well acted, handsomely made and very moving in its family scenes.

Where can I watch Cinderella Man?

In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Cinderella Man OK for kids?

Cinderella Man is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Cinderella Man is a PG-13 biographical drama about boxer Jim Braddock's Depression-era comeback.

What movies are like Cinderella Man?

If you liked Cinderella Man, try Rocky, Million Dollar Baby, Raging Bull and The Fighter.