Top 10 Best Wrestling Movies

Script written by Matthew Thomas

Top 10 Movies About Wrestling

You say it’s fake; we say it’s predetermined. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 movies about wrestling.

For this list, we’re looking at movies that feature wrestling as a major plot point. A movie like “Man on the Moon,” though fantastic and fascinating for any wrestling fan, doesn’t make the cut, as it’s not primarily focused on the sport. Both amateur and professional wrestling related films were up for consideration, but not arm wrestling, so we’re going to have to disappoint you “Over the Top” fans. We’ve also left out documentaries released by the WWE since they’re in another weight class. 

#10: “Ready to Rumble” (2000)

Two small-town sanitation workers live their lives for wrestling, WCW and Monday Night Nitro. When they witness their favorite tough guy get the soundest beating of his career, they take it upon themselves to get him back to the top of his game, with all the training sequences, one-liners and toilet humor that entails. Starring Oliver Platt, Scott Caan and real-life wrestling enthusiast and one-time wrestler David Arquette, this movie features a mix of actors and real wrestlers in an attempt to produce a love letter to the sport. Fans liked it more than the critics, but how can you not fall for a movie that features a crotch shot montage over the end credits?

#9: “Requiem for a Heavyweight” (1962)

Starring legendary stars like Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason and Mickey Rooney, as well as the giant wrestler known as Haystacks Calhoun and a young man named Cassius Clay, “Requiem for a Heavyweight” definitely has the cast necessary to produce a good wrestling movie. But there’s more to love than just the acting. Focusing on a boxer who’s tried – and failed – to make a better life for himself, the film sees the athlete enter the wrestling world to make ends meet and save his friend, a move he sees as a step down. This film likely would’ve ranked higher had it depicted the wrestling world in a more positive light, but its stellar performances and writing ensure it earns its place.

#8: “No Holds Barred” (1989)

Not only was this WWE-produced film the first starring role for Hulk Hogan; it was also a watershed moment in the history ofwrestling – despite the negative critical reception it received. The Hulkster plays Rip Thomas, a massively popular wrestler whose brother is pummeled and sent to the hospital by the villainous Zeus. So, as you can probably imagine, the film climaxes with an epic confrontation. Though it wasn’t a huge success, it targeted wrestling fans with its humor and action, and today is one of themovies that’s hilarious, in spite of itself. Even Hulk’s delivery of a simple one-word line has become infamous for fans ofwrestling.

#7: “Nacho Libre” (2006)

Many of you may be shocked to learn that the plot of this film is loosely based on a real life Mexican priest, Fray Tormenta, who wrestled in Lucha Libre to support an orphanage. Starring Jack Black as a priest who makes the same decision, this film is played for laughs more than feels, but Lucha fans are likely to enjoy the in-ring action as well. Portraying the athletic events as legitimate fights, there are ample references to the reality of the profession for adults to enjoy, as well as an underdog story for the kids, giving it something for everyone.

#6: “Win Win” (2011)

Sometimes movie plots can be pretty cliché, but this film about Mike, an attorney who moonlights as an amateur wrestling coach, and his relationship with a young man named Kyle, is not. The grandson of one of Mike’s clients, Kyle comes from a troubled home, and begins to see Mike as a father figure. That is, before truth rears its ugly head. A touching film about family and sacrifice, as well as how big an impact the discipline of amateur wrestling can have on a young life, “Win Win” is no loser.

#5: “The Resurrection of Jake the Snake” (2015) 

Wanna see what professional wrestling is REALLY all about? This is the documentary for you. In what can almost be considered a sequel to “Beyond the Mat,” we see Jake the Snake finally reach a breaking point after years of drug and alcohol abuse, ultimately turning to his friend and contemporary Diamond Dallas Page for help. Jake himself is as good a central character to this film as you could ever write, full of personality and a desire to succeed but cursed by inner demons. Does this documentary flip the genre on its ear with one badass DDT? No, but sometimes a straightforward and nostalgic story following a down-and-out wrestler’s attempt at a comeback is all you need.

#4: “Beyond the Mat” (1999)

Showing the sacrifices wrestlers must make in terms of their health and their lives, as well we the struggles they go through, “Beyond the Mat” was originally made in conjunction with the WWE, meaning its behind-the-scenes access was quite something. However, Vince McMahon eventually pulled his endorsement of the film – but that didn’t stop fans from seeing and loving it. Awrestling documentary that can appeal even to non-wrestling fans, “Beyond the Mat” is universally praised as a thoughtful look at the humans behind the in-ring personalities. 

#3: “Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows” (1998)

Bret Hart: the WWE Champion who signed a 20 year contract with the company for good money but was approached by boss Vince McMahon and encouraged to go elsewhere. Since Vince said he couldn’t afford him, the Hitman made a deal with a competitor. However, he was still champion and he needed to drop the belt and therein the controversy begins. This documentary, coincidentally, captured all of the backstage controversy on video – including a recording of McMahon lying to Hart. Depicting what is arguably the most controversial event in wrestling history; “Wrestling with Shadows” had unprecedented access behind-the-scenes at the Montreal Screwjob and as a result is an absolutely amazing documentary.

#2: “Foxcatcher” (2014)

The film that changed the way the world perceived Steve Carell, “Foxcatcher” was nominated for Oscars and Golden Globes for good reason. Portraying the relationship between the wealthy and eccentric John du Pont and the American Amateur wrestlingteam, there is an indecent proposal feeling to it all. Although the film is more of a true crime drama than a sports flick, thewrestling world is its setting and is a supporting character in its own right, acting as the element that drives the plot forward. Ending in tragedy for the team and the people involved, “Foxcatcher” is filled to the brim with unique personalities and as a result is an incredibly memorable wrestling film.

Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Body Slam” (1987) 
- “Paradise Alley” (1978) 
- “Vision Quest” (1985) 
- “Reversal” (2001) 
- “Night and the City” (1950)

#1: “The Wrestler” (2008)

Randy “The Ram” Robinson’s is a cautionary tale for anyone who’s on top of the world. Like several other films on our list, “The Wrestler” how far former wrestling stars can fall, but it also depicts what keeps them coming back to their chosen sport again and again. When “The Ram” takes part in a hardcore match featuring staplers and lots of violence, we see the toll it can all take on someone. But when he headlines a show in front of a comparatively tiny crowd that utterly embraces him, we see just a small glimmer of the love that passes between wrestlers and their fans, and we understand what keeps them coming back between the ropes.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite movie about wrestling? For more bone crushing top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.