Raging Bull (1980)

Based On the Life of: Jake LaMotta

Starring: Robert De Niro

Movie Budget: $18 million

Star Salary: $1 million

Robert DeNiro stars as boxer Jake La Motta in this true sports drama, which got De Niro an Oscar for Best Actor. La Motta was a middleweight boxer who rose through the ranks and ultimately gained his shot at the middleweight title. La Motta’s life story, both in and out of the ring, is told in Raging Bull, particularly his romance with Vicky La Motta—played by Cathy Moriarty.

La Motta’s inability to express his emotions and battle substance abuse catches up with him, making this film a little less-than-heartwarming. Martin Scorsese directed.