Let’s face reality. Real men cry during movies. Sometimes during romantic comedies, other times during dramatic tearjerkers, and most certainly during the next 5 films. Yes, they all have plots heavily centered around fighting, but underneath lie powerful, heartwarming tales that are sure to make any man weep.
5. Gladiator (1992)
James Marshall and Cuba Gooding, Jr. play high-school students who battle it out in an underground fighting circuit. Great fighting scenes, but an even better story about friendship and courage with an ending that should at least tug on your tear ducts.
Drama, Action
Rated R, 100 min.
Director: Rowdy Herrington
Writers: Lyle Kessler, Robert Kamen
Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., James Marshall, Brian Dennehy
4. Jet Li’s Fearless (2006)
Based on the real life story of Huo Yuanjia, a legendary martial artist and founder of the Jin Wu Sports Federation. This film is an allegory of how the human spirit can triumph over any adversity or tragedy. One of the best martial-arts films of the decade — for the fighting scenes, and emotionally powerful story-telling.
Drama, Action
PG-13, 104 min.
Director: Ronny Yu
Writer: Chris Chow
Cast: Jet Li, Li Sun, Yong Dong
3. Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
A marvelous tribute to the most famous martial-artist in the history of mankind. Jason Scott Lee does a super job of portraying the legendary Jeet Kune Do master in a very heartfelt movie that will have you cheering and crying at the same time.
Drama, Action
PG-13, 124 min.
Director: Rob Cohen
Writers: Edward Khmara, John Raffo
Cast: Jason Scott Lee, Lauren Holly, Robert Wagner
2. Best of the Best (1989)
A pretty good martial-arts flick with a decent storyline, but the reason why it’s number two on the list is because it has possibly the most tear-inducing ending of any fighting film ever. There’s absolutely no way you’ll be able to hold back the tears.
Drama, Action
PG-13, 93 min.
Director: Robert Radler
Writer: Paul Levine
Cast: Eric Roberts, Phillip Rhee, Sally Kirkland
1. Warrior (2011)
One of the best fighting movies of all time, and one of the best movies of the year. The actual fighting scenes are only above average — but the real story is about love, redemption, and forgiveness — and that’s what really makes this movie a masterpiece. WARRIOR is so full of heart, it’s nearly impossible not to cry. Make sure to keep a big box of tissues handy for this one.
Drama, Action
PG-13, 140 min.
Director: Gavin O’Connor
Writers: Gavin O’Connor, Anthony Tambakis
Cast: Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte
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