Southpaw (2015)
Kernel Score: 83% · 5,737 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Drama
Released: 2015-03-24
Runtime: 123 minutes
Is Southpaw worth watching?
Worth watching. A hard-hitting boxing drama about a champion who loses everything and has to rebuild. Jake Gyllenhaal's physical performance carries it. The story follows the boxing-comeback playbook, but it does so with force.
Watch it if you
- like boxing dramas with a redemption arc
- enjoy intense, physical acting
- want an emotional underdog story
Skip it if you
- dislike brutal violence in the ring
- want a fresh plot
Best for: Intense night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Southpaw
- Stream: Starz
- Free with ads: Fawesome
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Billy "The Great" Hope, the reigning junior middleweight boxing champion, has an impressive career, a loving wife and daughter, and a lavish lifestyle. However, when tragedy strikes, Billy hits rock bottom, losing his family, his house and his manager. He soon finds an unlikely savior in Tick Willis, a former fighter who trains the city's toughest amateur boxers. With his future on the line, Hope fights to reclaim the trust of those he loves the most.
Southpaw parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Southpaw is an R-rated boxing drama involving tragedy, family loss, and a father's fight to reclaim his life.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Boxing ring violence and a tragic death drive the plot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Southpaw
If you liked Southpaw, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Creed (2015) — 84%: Modern boxing drama about a fighter finding purpose.
- The Fighter (2010) — 84%: Gritty family-driven boxing comeback.
- Million Dollar Baby (2004) — 90%: A tougher, sadder boxing drama with heavy emotion.
- Cinderella Man (2005) — 84%: Fighter fights back after losing everything.
- Rocky (1976) — 88%: The classic underdog boxing story.
- Raging Bull (1980) — 89%: A darker, more brutal fighter portrait.
Director
Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal as Billy 'The Great' Hope
- Rachel McAdams as Maureen Hope
- Forest Whitaker as Titus 'Tick' Wills
- Oona Laurence as Leila Hope
- 50 Cent as Jordan Mains
- Skylan Brooks as Hoppy
- Naomie Harris as Angela Rivera
- Victor Ortiz as Ramone
- Beau Knapp as Jon Jon
- Miguel Gómez as Miguel 'Magic' Escobar
Southpaw FAQ
Is Southpaw worth watching?
Worth watching. A hard-hitting boxing drama about a champion who loses everything and has to rebuild. Jake Gyllenhaal's physical performance carries it. The story follows the boxing-comeback playbook, but it does so with force.
Where can I watch Southpaw?
In the US you can stream Southpaw on Starz, watch it free with ads on Fawesome and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Southpaw OK for kids?
Southpaw is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Southpaw is an R-rated boxing drama involving tragedy, family loss, and a father's fight to reclaim his life.
What movies are like Southpaw?
If you liked Southpaw, try Creed, The Fighter, Million Dollar Baby and Cinderella Man.