These aren't in any kind of order

Fat City-A spectacularly sad movie based on an amazing novel. Stacey Keach is a washed up pug and Jeff Bridges is an up and comer. The dark part of the sport.

Rocky-Has there even been a dumber, sweeter, more lovable character than Rocky Balboa? Has there ever been a crustier one than Mickey Goldmill?

Body and Soul-John Garfield refuses to let the mob sully his career. "Waddya gonna do? Kill me? Everybody dies!"

The Harder They Fall-Bogey's last role IIRC. The Primo Carnera story writ large. Budd Schulberg masterpiece.

Requiem for a Heavyweight-Anthony Quinn as a nearly punch drunk Mountain Rivera trying to figure out life without boxing. Jackie Gleason is fabulous as his sleazoid manager.