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Search 713 spoiler-free recommendations from 1916 to 2026. Filter by the night you want—not the list you’re supposed to finish.

Direct film viewShowing master rank #528 on its own—not above the ranking.
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DirectorAll directors

Most represented · 6+ films

More recurring directors · 3–5 films54
All directors · surname A–Z438
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Master Rank balances Greatness, Engagement, and Ease. Sort by Greatness for the artistic-canon view.

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View Million Dollar Baby film page
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

Determined boxer Maggie Fitzgerald persuades reluctant trainer Frankie Dunn to guide her late-starting professional career.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Working-class waitress Maggie Fitzgerald begins training at Frankie Dunn's Los Angeles gym despite his refusal to coach women or older beginners. Scrap-Iron Dupris quietly encourages her, while persistence and rapid progress draw Frankie into a surrogate bond.

Why it belongs

Million Dollar Baby makes boxing a language of trust between two lonely people, with Swank and Eastwood resisting easy uplift or sentimentality.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Heavy bags, taped hands, corner advice, sparse gym light, quick fight ellipses, and Eastwood's restrained score keep success grounded in labor; Hilary Swank and Clint Eastwood assemble family through discipline and mutual recognition.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Academy Awards4 wins2005 · official ceremony record ↗
Best Picture2005 · Clint Eastwood, Albert S. Ruddy and Tom Rosenberg, Producersofficial ceremony record ↗Directing2005 · Clint Eastwoodofficial ceremony record ↗Actress in a Leading Role2005 · Hilary Swankofficial ceremony record ↗Actor in a Supporting Role2005 · Morgan Freemanofficial ceremony record ↗
Golden Globes2 wins2005 · official film record ↗
Best Director - Motion Picture2005 · Clint Eastwoodofficial film record ↗Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama2005 · Hilary Swankofficial film record ↗

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Institutional reference ranks

Sight & Sound—IMDb Top 250189AFI 100—
Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness8.1
Engagement8.5
Ease8.4

English · PG-13
Narrative Feature
Mood: Absorbing & Reflective