The Best Wrestling Movies
Wrestling movies in Hollywood have a long and illustrious history, with some of the most iconic films of all time being centered around the sport. From early silent films to modern blockbusters, wrestling movies have been loved by audiences for generations.
These movies have become particularly popular in the last few decades, with the emergence of superstars like “The Rock” and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. With their larger-than-life personas and over-the-top storylines, wrestling movies have become some of the most popular and lucrative films in Hollywood.
Vision Quest (1985)
Starring Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, and Michael Schoeffling, “Vision Quest” is a coming-of-age drama about a high school wrestler who embarks on a quest to win the state championship while dealing with the challenges of growing up. The film follows Louden Swain (Modine) as he struggles to make weight and confront the toughest wrestler in the state while finding love and dealing with his own personal demons.
Along the way, he is supported by his friends, family, and a mysterious mentor who helps guide him toward his goal. “Vision Quest” is an inspiring and uplifting story of determination and self-discovery that speaks to viewers of all ages.
Foxcatcher (2014)
Foxcatcher is a gripping drama that follows the story of two Olympic wrestlers, Mark and Dave Schultz, and the eccentric millionaire John du Pont. Du Pont, a man with a troubled past, recruits the Schultz brothers to join his wrestling team in Foxcatcher, his estate in Pennsylvania. The movie follows the brothers’ journey as they attempt to achieve their Olympic dreams while dealing with the many obstacles presented by du Pont.
As du Pont’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, the brothers are forced to make a difficult decision that has far-reaching consequences. Foxcatcher is an intense and powerful film, driven by strong performances from Channing Tatum, Steve Carell, and Mark Ruffalo. The movie paints a haunting portrait of the dark and complex nature of the human condition, exploring themes of ambition, power, and family. Foxcatcher is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Nacho Libre (2006)
Nacho Libre is a 2006 sports comedy film starring Jack Black and directed by Jared Hess. The film follows the story of Ignacio, a Mexican orphan who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. He teams up with a tag-team partner, Esqueleto, in order to save the orphanage he grew up in. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, faith, and following his dreams. The film was a box office success, earning over $99 million worldwide.
Fighting With My Family (2019)
Fighting With My Family is a 2019 British-American biographical sports comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephen Merchant. It is based on the 2012 documentary The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family by Max Fisher and follows the story of Saraya Bevis, better known as WWE wrestler Paige. The film stars Florence Pugh, Jack Lowden, Nick Frost, Lena Headey, and Dwayne Johnson.
The film follows the story of Saraya Bevis (Florence Pugh), a young wrestler from Norwich, England, who strives to make it in the world of professional wrestling. Saraya’s parents, Ricky (Nick Frost) and Julia (Lena Headey), run a wrestling promotion and have groomed their two children, Saraya and Zak (Jack Lowden), to be professional wrestlers.
When Saraya and Zak are invited to join the WWE, they must leave their family and friends behind to pursue their dreams of becoming professional wrestlers. However, Saraya soon discovers that the world of professional wrestling is much more cutthroat than she expected.
The film explores the challenges that Saraya faces as she strives to make it to the top. Along the way, she learns to appreciate the support of her family and the lessons she has learned from them, which enables her to succeed. The film is a heartfelt and inspirational story about embracing your own unique journey, no matter how challenging it may be.
The Wrestler (2008)
The Wrestler is a 2008 American sports drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, and Evan Rachel Wood. The film follows the story of a professional wrestler struggling to make a living and gain acceptance in his life outside the ring.
The Wrestler received critical acclaim, with Rourke’s performance receiving widespread praise. The film was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actor for Rourke’s performance. It won the Golden Lion at the 65th Venice International Film Festival.
Ready To Rumble (2000)
Ready to Rumble is a 2000 American sports comedy film directed by Brian Robbins and starring David Arquette, Scott Caan, and Oliver Platt. The film follows two fans of professional wrestling, Gordie Boggs and Sean Dawkins, who attempt to help their favorite wrestler, Jimmy King, reclaim his championship title.
The film received generally negative reviews from critics, with many citing it as formulaic and lacking in originality. It was a box office bomb, grossing only $20.4 million against its $35 million budget. Despite this, it was a success on home video and has become a cult classic among wrestling fans.
Body Slam (1986)
Body Slam is a 1986 American comedy sports film directed by Hal Needham and starring Dirk Benedict, Tanya Roberts, Roddy Piper, Sam Fatu, and Jesse Ventura. The film tells the story of a professional wrestling promoter (Benedict) who is forced to take a washed-up wrestler (Piper) and turn him into a star.
It also features cameos by several real-life wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, André the Giant, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and Jesse Ventura. The film was released in the United States on August 22, 1986. It was a box office bomb but received generally positive reviews from critics.
Beyond The Mat (1999)
Beyond the Mat is a wrestling documentary film released in 1999. Directed by Barry W. Blaustein, it features an inside look at the world of professional wrestling, focusing mainly on the life and career of wrestler Mick Foley. It also features interviews with other wrestlers such as The Rock, Terry Funk, Chyna, and Vince McMahon.
Beyond the Mat provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the lives of professional wrestlers, who spend their lives in the spotlight of the ring and the backstage of the wrestling business. The film reveals the physical and emotional toll that professional wrestling takes on those involved, and how it affects those closest to them. It takes us through the highs and lows of a wrestler’s career, from the thrill of the ring to the despair of injury.
Beyond the Mat is a compelling and eye-opening look into the world of professional wrestling, and the personal struggles of those involved. It paints a vivid and honest portrait of a life that is often misunderstood and underappreciated. The film offers an inside look at the world of wrestling and provides a unique perspective on the passion and dedication of those who make it their life’s work.
Paradise Alley (1978)
Paradise Alley is a 1978 American sports drama film written and directed by Sylvester Stallone. It stars Stallone, Lee Canalito, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film follows three Italian-American brothers who enter the world of professional wrestling in an effort to gain financial security and escape the poverty of their Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.
The film was not a box office success upon its release but has since gained cult status. It has been praised for its authentic depiction of the wrestling world and its naturalistic dialogue. Stallone’s performance has also been praised, with some critics noting that it is one of his best.
No Holds Barred (1989)
No Holds Barred is a 1989 American wrestling film comedy-drama film starring Hulk Hogan, Kurt Fuller, and Joan Severance. It was produced by New Line Cinema and released on June 2, 1989. The film follows Hulk Hogan as a professional wrestler who is forced to fight an evil promoter’s champion in a no-holds-barred match.
The film also features a number of real-life wrestlers as supporting cast members, including Jesse Ventura, Tiny Lister, and Andre the Giant. It was Hogan’s first leading role in a feature film. The film was generally panned by critics and was a box office bomb, grossing only $6 million in its domestic run.
Legendary (2010)
Legendary is a gripping and inspiring story about the power of determination, friendship, and family. It follows the struggles of teenager Cal Chetley, a high-school wrestler from a broken home, as he works to overcome personal obstacles and prove himself on the mat.
At the start of the movie, Cal is a shy and withdrawn teenager who has yet to find an outlet for his emotions. His parents’ divorce has left him with an emotional void, and his passion for wrestling is the only thing that keeps him going. Despite his lack of confidence, he is determined to make it as a wrestler and prove himself to his estranged family.
Throughout the movie, Cal’s determination is put to the test. He faces obstacles in the form of a tyrannical coach, a rival wrestler, and even his own insecurities. But despite these challenges, he perseveres. With the help of his mentor, a former wrestling champion, Cal begins to gain confidence and find strength in himself.
The movie’s uplifting message is a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything can be achieved. Cal’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and it’s an inspiring example of how to overcome personal obstacles and achieve greatness.
Legendary is an emotional and inspiring story about the power of determination, friendship, and family. It is a testament to the belief that with hard work and dedication, anything can be achieved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wrestling movies have been a mainstay of Hollywood for decades. From early silent films to modern blockbusters, these movies have entertained audiences of all ages and backgrounds. With explosive action, larger-than-life characters, and thrilling storylines, wrestling movies have become some of the most profitable and beloved films in Hollywood. Their success speaks to the power of the genre and the continued appeal of professional wrestling.
