Films about wrestling dive into the world of professional and amateur wrestling, exploring the personal struggles, triumphs, and vibrant characters within this unique sporting and entertainment realm. These movies range from dramatic tales of underdogs and their quest for glory to comedic ventures and heartfelt biographies, offering audiences a captivating look into the physical and emotional battles faced by wrestlers in and out of the ring. Below is a list of films centered on the theme of wrestling, capturing its essence through various narratives and perspectives.
“Foxcatcher”, 2014
Director: Bennett Miller
This gripping true-story drama delves into the dark and complex relationship between Olympic Wrestling Champion Mark Schultz and eccentric billionaire sponsor John du Pont, leading to unexpected tragedy.
Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Sienna Miller, Vanessa Redgrave, Anthony Michael Hall, Guy Boyd, Brett Rice, Jackson Frazer, Samara Lee;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Foxcatcher” on the website imdb.com
“The Wrestler”, 2008
Director: Darren Aronofsky
A poignant portrayal of an aging professional wrestler, Randy “The Ram” Robinson, as he faces health issues, attempts to reconcile with his family, and struggles to retain his status in the wrestling world.
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry, Wass Stevens, Judah Friedlander, Ernest Miller, Dylan Keith Summers, Tommy Farra;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “The Wrestler” on the website imdb.com
“Fighting with My Family”, 2019
Director: Stephen Merchant
Based on a true story, this comedy-drama follows the journey of Saraya “Paige” Bevis, from her humble beginnings in a wrestling family in England to becoming a WWE Diva.
Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Lowden, Nick Frost, Lena Headey, Dwayne Johnson, Vince Vaughn, Stephen Merchant, Julia Davis, James Burrows, Thea Trinidad;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: biography, sport, drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Fighting with My Family” on the website imdb.com
“Vision Quest”, 1985
Director: Harold Becker
A high school wrestler, Louden Swain, decides to drop two weight classes to challenge the seemingly unbeatable Brian Shute in a quest for self-discovery and personal growth.
Starring: Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, Michael Schoeffling, Ronny Cox, Harold Sylvester, Charles Hallahan, J.C. Quinn, Daphne Zuniga, R.H. Thomson, Gary Kasper;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama, melodrama, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Vision Quest” on the website imdb.com
“Nacho Libre”, 2006
Director: Jared Hess
In this comedy, Jack Black stars as Ignacio, a monastery cook who moonlights as a luchador (Mexican wrestler) named Nacho Libre to save an orphanage from financial ruin.
Starring: Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jiménez, Darius Rose, Moises Arias, Diego Eduardo Gomez, Carlos Maycotte, Richard Montoya, Cesar Gonzalez, Rafael Montalvo;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: comedy, family, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 92 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
More information about the film “Nacho Libre” on the website imdb.com
“Ready to Rumble”, 2000
Director: Brian Robbins
A comedy that follows hardcore wrestling fans Gordie and Sean as they attempt to help their favorite wrestler, Jimmy King, return to glory after a humiliating defeat.
Starring: David Arquette, Scott Caan, Oliver Platt, Bill Goldberg, Rose McGowan, Dallas Page, Richard Lineback, Chris Owen, Steve Borden, Joe Pantoliano;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: comedy, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,3;
More information about the film “Ready to Rumble” on the website imdb.com
“Reversal”, 2001
Director: Alan Vint
This drama focuses on a high school wrestler dealing with intense training pressures from his father, who is also his coach, as he aims for a state championship.
Starring: Danny Mousetis, Derrick Nelson, Jimi Petulla, Dawn Lafferty, Kelly Vint Castro, John Lloyd Sr., Jeff Breese, Justin Spates, Guido Föhrweißer, Paul E. Reihner II, Heather Connor, Ben Policz, Rich Burgdolt, Tim Mousetis, Claire Throckmorton, Alton Butler, Chuck, Jerry W. Seaman, Julie Wallace Deklavon, Bracken Burns, Mary Boone, Roger Cuccaro, Frank Rotunda, Hollis Zemany;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, melodrama, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Reversal” on the website imdb.com
“Legendary”, 2010
Director: Mel Damski
A drama featuring John Cena, where a bookish high school student seeks to reconnect with his estranged brother, a former wrestling champion, and convince him to train him.
Starring: Patricia Clarkson, Devon Graye, John Cena, Madeleine Martin, Danny Glover, John Posey, Tyler Posey, Teo Olivares, Kareem J. Grimes, Christopher Alan Weaver;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “Legendary” on the website imdb.com
“Beyond the Mat”, 1999
Director: Barry W. Blaustein
A documentary that provides a behind-the-scenes look into professional wrestling, focusing on the lives of Mick Foley, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and Terry Funk.
Starring: Barry W. Blaustein, Vince McMahon, Jim Ross, Jim Bell, Darren Drozdov, Roland Alexander, Tony Jones, Michael Modest, Terry Funk, Mick Foley;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: documentary, biography, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Beyond the Mat” on the website imdb.com
“No Holds Barred”, 1989
Director: Thomas J. Wright
A wrestling movie starring Hulk Hogan as Rip Thomas, a popular professional wrestler who goes up against an unscrupulous television executive and his prized fighter.
Starring: Hulk Hogan, Joan Severance, Kurt Fuller, Tom Lister Jr., Mark Pellegrino, Bill Henderson, Charles Levin, David Paymer, Patrick O'Bryan, Jesse Ventura;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: action, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,4;
More information about the film “No Holds Barred” on the website imdb.com
Each of these films offers a unique window into the multifaceted world of wrestling, showcasing the passion, dedication, and spectacle that define this sport and entertainment.
In conclusion, films about wrestling stretch beyond the confines of the sport itself, encapsulating a myriad of human emotions and societal reflections. These cinematic works, from the high-flying dramas of personal triumph in the face of adversity to the dark comedies that expose the absurd yet poignant reality of the wrestling world, offer audiences more than just a glimpse into the physicality of the sport. They invite viewers into the very hearts and minds of those who live and breathe wrestling, presenting it not merely as a profession but as a profound metaphor for life's perpetual struggle. As these films continue to evolve, they not only entertain but also challenge and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape and enriching the broader conversation about what it means to fight, fall, and rise again in the grand arena we call life.
