Top 46 Best Wrestling Movies Of All Time [2025]

Queens of the Ring is a French film produced with the support of WWE Studios. The story follows a mother struggling to reconnect with her son, who no longer finds her interesting. Instead, his passion lies in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Determined to regain her son's admiration and seem "cool" in his eyes, she makes the bold decision to become a professional wrestler.

She doesn't embark on this journey alone—inspired, her colleagues join her, stepping into the wrestling world together. Thanks to its straightforward and lighthearted premise, the movie delivers mild entertainment and some heartfelt moments.

Despite its unique concept, Queens of the Ring ultimately garnered mixed reviews from critics.

Directed with finesse by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, "The Peanut Butter Falcon" is a touching comedy-drama featuring standout performances from Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, John Hawkes, and Zack Gottsagen.

The story centers on a young man with Down syndrome who escapes his residential care facility to follow his dream of becoming a professional wrestler.

On his journey, he crosses paths with an outlaw who soon becomes both his close friend and his coach, supporting his pursuit of happiness and independence.

The film achieved moderate success at the box office and garnered positive reactions from critics. Whether you love wrestling or simply enjoy feel-good stories, this heartfelt drama is a must-watch.

Written and directed by Tom McCarthy, "Win Win" features an outstanding cast, including Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, and Jeffrey Tambor in pivotal roles.

While many sports films fall into predictable patterns, this project delivers a refreshing and thoughtful take on the genre.

The story follows the journey of struggling lawyer Mike Flaherty, who doubles as an inexperienced wrestling coach in his spare time.

At its heart, the film explores Mike’s evolving relationship with a troubled teen named Kyle. Blending humor and emotion, "Win Win" delicately portrays family dynamics, personal sacrifice, and the transformative power of amateur wrestling to instill discipline in youth.

This heartfelt, often hilarious drama earned widespread acclaim from critics for its sincerity and engaging storytelling.

While Waves is not solely focused on wrestling, it centers around the life of a young wrestler, offering a powerful story rooted in family and ambition.

The film follows Tyler Williams, a popular high school senior and dedicated member of the school wrestling team. Driven relentlessly by his demanding father, Tyler faces a devastating injury with far-reaching consequences.

As the family copes with Tyler's setbacks, their bonds are tested even further when tragedy strikes Tyler and his girlfriend, putting the strength of their love and unity to the ultimate test.

Written, co-produced, and directed by Trey Edward Shults, Waves features a talented cast including Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucas Hedges, Taylor Russell, Alexa Demie, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Sterling K. Brown.

Directed by Bennett Miller, "Foxcatcher" is a remarkable film that redefined the public's perception of Steve Carell as an actor.

The movie earned well-deserved Oscar and Golden Globe nominations as it follows the true story of two estranged Olympic wrestler brothers, Mark and Dave. Their lives take a dramatic turn when a wealthy sponsor invites them to join Team Foxcatcher.

Featuring powerhouse performances by Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, and Vanessa Redgrave, this film stands out as both an intense crime drama and a compelling sports movie.

With its gripping storyline, tense atmosphere, and exceptional acting, "Foxcatcher" promises a movie experience that is as thrilling as it is profound.

"Fighting with My Family" is a popular sports comedy-drama inspired by the 2012 documentary "The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family" by Max Fisher.

This biographical film follows the journey of renowned English wrestler Paige, capturing her drive and determination as she strives to achieve success on wrestling's largest global stage, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, the film drew praise for the standout performances of Florence Pugh and Vince Vaughn.

It offers an inspiring portrayal of the youngest Divas Champion to ever grace the ring, with Florence Pugh receiving accolades for her compelling depiction of Paige's life and ambitions.

The movie also features Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, one of wrestling's greatest legends, as a co-producer, adding further star power to this captivating story.

Directed by Van M. Pham, Beyond the Mat is a coming-of-age sports drama set in a suburban high school in Middle America. The film explores the unique pressures and challenges faced by high school wrestlers as they grow and mature.

At its core, the story follows two close friends whose bond is tested by the competitive world of high school wrestling. Their emotional journey delves deeply into the complexities of teenage life and the enduring importance of friendship.

Through the struggles of protagonist Aaron Miller, viewers experience sub-themes of love, loyalty, commitment, and camaraderie. In weaving together these elements, Beyond the Mat ultimately becomes a compelling narrative about self-discovery and personal growth.

Directed by Price James and David Darg, this gripping documentary chronicles actor David Arquette’s unexpected quest to return to professional wrestling. After finding his acting career at a standstill, Arquette sets his sights on the ring once again.

Labeled "the most despised man in wrestling" due to his controversial WCW World Heavyweight Championship win in 2000, Arquette faces widespread criticism and skepticism. Many believe his reputation in wrestling is tarnished beyond repair.

Determined to prove his doubters wrong, Arquette embarks on a challenging journey—competing in a series of intense matches. Through these efforts, he aims to regain self-respect and restore his standing in the wrestling world.

"Vision Quest" stars Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, and Michael Schoeffling, with direction by Harold Becker. The film draws inspiration from Terry Davis' acclaimed 1979 novel of the same name.

Set in Spokane, it follows a dedicated high school wrestler who unexpectedly finds love with an older woman. This relationship becomes a turning point, motivating him to strive for more than he ever thought possible.

With support from his newfound love, he courageously challenges expectations and seeks to prove his worth. Notably, the film features a young Madonna in her first-ever feature film appearance.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Dangal remains the highest-grossing Indian film of all time. Featuring Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan alongside Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Zaira Wasim, and Sanya Malhotra, the movie boasts a stellar ensemble cast.

Dangal tells the inspirational true story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a devoted yet strict father determined to realize his dream of winning a gold medal for India. When his own career is cut short, he resolves to train his daughters to achieve this ambition.

Through rigorous discipline and unwavering commitment, Mahavir’s daughters transform into champion wrestlers, striving to capture the gold medal he once sought for himself.

The biographical sports drama was widely acclaimed for its sensitive handling of an important and timely subject. Critics and audiences alike praised its rich blend of humor, heartfelt family dynamics, and powerful wrestling sequences.

In addition to dominating the Indian box office, Dangal became a record-shattering blockbuster internationally, particularly in China.

Since its global release in 2016, no other Indian feature film has managed to surpass Dangal's overseas earnings, cementing its place in cinematic history.

"The Resurrection of Jake the Snake" is a gripping documentary-drama that delves into the journey of legendary wrestler Jake Roberts as he seeks redemption. The film follows Roberts' determined efforts to reclaim his former glory after his life spirals out of control, both personally and professionally.

Viewers witness the struggles of a fallen superstar who must confront his troubled past in order to rebuild his relationship with his family—one that appears to have lost hope in his recovery and comeback.

The documentary features interviews with several renowned wrestlers, offering unique insights into Roberts' career and battles. Upon its debut at the 2015 Slamdance Film Festival, the film received mixed to positive reviews from critics.

The Legend of Baron To'a tells the compelling story of a young man from Tonga who grapples with the powerful legacy left behind by his wrestling icon father. Struggling to find his place, he confronts both his family's history and his own expectations.

Determined to honor his late dad, he embarks on a mission to reclaim a championship belt stolen from his father. His journey pushes him into the wrestling world his father once dominated, fueled by a sense of purpose and love for his family.

Directed by Kiel McNaughton, the film masterfully weaves themes of action, father-son relationships, legacy, and the vibrant influence of Tongan culture. It stands as both an adrenaline-charged adventure and a heartfelt tribute to heritage and familial bonds.

Directed by Alex Ranarivelo, this film offers a powerful exploration of high school wrestling set against the backdrop of cultural conflict. The story follows 17-year-old Ali Jahani, who is forced to flee Iran in the aftermath of the 1980s hostage crisis.

Upon arriving in California, Ali struggles to adapt to a new way of life while facing prejudice fueled by the crisis back home. Despite these challenges, he is determined to carve out his own place in his new community.

To help himself fit in, Ali decides to join the school's wrestling team, a bold move that changes the trajectory of his life.

As the story unfolds, viewers watch Ali rise from outsider to star wrestler, anchoring the team with his determination. George Kosturos leads this acclaimed biographical sports drama with an inspiring performance.

Directed by Jennifer Reeder, this indie comedy-drama explores the life of a Pakistani Muslim lesbian living in Chicago. She shares her home with her loving mother, who has a passion for television, creating a charming and unique family dynamic.

The narrative takes an intriguing turn when the protagonist unexpectedly falls in love with a professional wrestler. This twist adds both excitement and heart to her journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Premiering at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2017, the film offers a delightful cross-cultural romance. It's a touching and relatable story that invites audiences to experience the joy of love and belonging at least once.

Written and directed by Masayuki Suo, Sumo Do, Sumo Don't is widely regarded as one of the most authentic cinematic portrayals of sumo wrestling in Japan.

The film centers on a lackluster university sumo team that, after suffering a humiliating defeat, vows to claim the league title against all odds.

Honored as Best Film at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony, this project earned acclaim for its thoughtful execution and heartfelt storytelling.

Critics praised the movie for its skillful direction and emotional resonance, highlighting its exploration of how even the most unlikely individuals can rise to become heroes within the world of competitive sumo.

Directed by Hamish Grieve, Rumble is a computer-animated sports comedy inspired by Rob Harrell's graphic novel, "Monster on the Hill." This imaginative film takes place in a world where monsters live alongside humans, and monster wrestling is an extremely popular sport.

The story centers on Winnie, a determined young woman who dreams of becoming a manager like her admired father. She embarks on a mission to transform an inexperienced, underdog monster into a formidable contender in the wrestling ring.

Although Rumble received mixed critical reviews upon release, its vibrant animation and lively voice performances were widely praised. Young audiences, in particular, are likely to enjoy this entertaining tale of monster wrestling more than adults.

Directed by Jared Hess, this sports comedy-drama stars the humorous and talented Jack Black in the role of Ignacio, a humble monastery cook with an unusual dream.

Ignacio aspires to become a luchador, hoping to earn more money while secretly pursuing his passion for wrestling. Aware that his fellow monks would disapprove, or possibly even expel him, Ignacio bravely moves forward.

Teaming up with a crafty local thief named Steven, Ignacio embarks on a heartfelt and hilarious journey to follow his ambitions.

Although "Nacho Libre" initially received mixed reviews, it has since achieved cult status among wrestling enthusiasts since its 2006 premiere.

"Paradise Alley" is an American sports drama film that was written, directed by, and stars the renowned Sylvester Stallone. This project marked Stallone's directorial debut and showcased his talents both in front of and behind the camera.

The story follows three Italian-American brothers living in Hell's Kitchen, New York City, as they find themselves drawn into the gritty world of professional wrestling during the 1940s.

Despite its intriguing premise and strong performances, the film received largely unfavorable reviews at the box office upon its release.

Much of the criticism stemmed from unjust comparisons with Stallone's iconic sports drama "Rocky," particularly since "Paradise Alley" was made between the first and second installments of the "Rocky" franchise. This connection may have influenced the film’s style and audience expectations.

"The Sheik" is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and career of Iranian-born pro wrestler Khosrow Vaziri, famously known as "The Iron Sheik." The film explores his rise to fame and his larger-than-life persona in the wrestling world.

This documentary offers fascinating insights for both dedicated wrestling fans and newcomers alike, providing a vivid look at the man behind the iconic character. Viewers will find it entertaining and informative as it delves into his unforgettable legacy.

Well-produced and engaging, "The Sheik" appeals to audiences who appreciate stories of immigrants chasing the American Dream, especially through the lens of a charismatic villain whose impact on pro wrestling is undeniable.

Directed by Oren Kaplan, The Hammer was originally released under the name Hamill. This inspiring sports drama follows the remarkable journey of Matt Hamill, a deaf wrestler who defies the odds to achieve greatness.

The movie captures Hamill's determination as he overcomes obstacles on his way to becoming a three-time NCAA champion and later, a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter.

To ensure authenticity and depth, the filmmakers cast deaf actor Russell Harvard in the lead role, allowing the story to be portrayed with genuine emotion and realism.

Harvard's exceptional performance serves as the driving force of the film, delivering both heart and inspiration to this compelling narrative.

This sports drama about a high school wrestler has been directed by Alan Vint. The film is based on a true story.

The story follows a high-schooler named Leo Leone who has been wrestling since the tender age of seven.

However, now, he seems to be tired of living the dream of his father, who also happens to be his coach.

Irrespective of the fact that his next steps may cost him his scholarship and a shot at the Olympics, Leo just wishes to have some fun while he can at his age.

Reversal shows its lead character questioning his motivation for wrestling and his tricky relationship with his well-intentioned but pushy father. Even though a bit syrupy, it is a decent watch.

Starring India's biggest movie star Salman Khan in the titular role, Bollywood movie Sultan traces the journey of a middle-aged wrestler named Sultan Ali Khan, who decides to hang his boots after the death of his newborn son.

Years later, a golden opportunity to regain his lost love and respect comes knocking on his door. A bit underconfident and yet determined, Sultan sets out to revive his career by fighting for his self-esteem and estranged wife.

This blockbuster motion picture won the top three honors at the Tehran International Sports Film Festival. While it won the Best Actor and Actress titles for megastar Salman Khan and leading lady Anushka Sharma, director Ali Abbas Zafar also ended up grabbing an award for Best Director.

The sports-themed drama was appreciated for cutting across borders, cultures, and languages with its powerful story and performances. In addition, its outstanding album featured several chartbuster melodies.

Sultan continues to be one of the highest-grossing full-length features in Bollywood history and one of Salman's finest movies to date.

This South Korean comedy-drama has been written and directed by Kim Jee-Woon. It strives to tell the story of a bullied and incompetent bank clerk who decides that he needs to find an outlet for his heightening frustration.

Therefore, he dons a face mask and ends up becoming a professional wrestler. The film thrives on its comedic parts and promising performances and is hilarious and poignant in equal measure.

Also, it'd be safe to say that it is not only for the fans of wrestling but, in fact, for everyone who works in an office and wishes to find an outlet to vent.

This Johnny Legend directorial venture is a spoof of My Dinner With Andre that shows comedian Andy Kaufman and professional wrestler "Classy" Freddie Blassie coming together to talk about topics like personal hygiene.

As absurd as the basic plot may sound, the flick thrives on the chemistry that the two men share.

Also, those who have a knack for Kaufman's comedy will enjoy the humor involved here. Having said that, what would amuse our readers is the fact that My Breakfast with Blassie was shot in four and a half hours in a single day.

Helmed for the screen by Robert Aldrich, this sports comedy-drama stars Peter Falk, Vicki Frederick, and Laurene Landon in crucial roles.

It also features the Pittsburgh Steeler Hall of Famer, "Mean" Joe Greene, who can be seen playing himself. All the Marbles, which has been reissued as The California Dolls, follows the journey of a female wrestling tag team and their manager Henry. 

We catch the manager facing a mountain of challenges while trying to supervise a tag team of female wrestlers as they are prepare to partake in an event at Reno, Nevada.

While the motion picture failed to mint money at the ticket counters, the cast members were acknowledged for their performances.

This Menahem Golan directorial venture stars actors Sylvester Stallone, Robert Loggia, Susan Blakely, and David Mendenhall in pivotal roles.

The film chronicles the journey of a trucker who wishes to rebuild his relationship with his son after the untimely demise of his wife.

However, hoping to take control of his life which he thinks is going out of his hands, he also decides to participate in an arm-wrestling championship.

Over the Top is a routinely made sports drama that opened to strictly average reviews at the box office.

Director Mel Damski's sports drama stars actors Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover, and Devon Graye in significant roles. However, the film's major selling point was the inclusion of WWE superstar John Cena in its star cast.

The motion picture traces the journey of a soft teenager who gets himself enrolled in his school's wrestling unit.

His only aim is to train hard to ensure that he is able to reunite his disturbed family; members of which have gone their separate ways after the death of his father.

Legendary opened to unanimous poor reviews at the ticket windows.

Director Carl Reiner's The One and Only stars actors Henry Winkler, Kim Darby, and Gene Saks in prominent roles.

It tells the story of a would-be actor, who brings his girlfriend to New York in the 1950s but, somehow, ends up becoming a garish pro wrestler.

The film opened to mixed reviews with some of the critics finding it mildly funny while others not acknowledging its humor at all.

The motion picture thrives on Henry Winkler's genuine character projection. Like most wrestling stories, The One and Only also talks about the heartbreak and hard work involved with the profession.

Body Slam is a rock and roll wrestling comedy that aims to tell the story of a washed-out music promoter, whogoes on to become a pro wrestling manager.

The main attraction of this Hal Needham directorial venture, along with Roddy Piper and Dirk "Faceman" Benedict, were the numerous other larger-than-life wrestlers from the era.

However, despite its attractions, this raucous action comedy was released to unfavorable reviews on television. The arguments between the director and producers resulted in lawsuits that, consequently, led to an unwanted delay in the motion picture's release.

This is precisely why it was decided to be launched on television directly.

Directed by Brian Robbins, this buddy comedy feature is based on Turner Broadcasting's now perished professional wrestling promotion, World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

The story follows sewage workers Gordie Boggs and Sean Dawkins, who catch their favorite wrestler Jimmy King getting cheated out of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship title.

Soon after, the duo embarks on a journey to redeem their hero's seemingly lost glory.

Ready to Rumble was a title that was derived from ring announcer Michael Buffer's popular catchphrase, "Let's get ready to rumble!". Several wrestlers from WCW can be seen making an appearance in the movie.

Directed by Mike Norman and Patrick Norman, Pinned is a documentary drama that not a lot many wrestling fans may have heard of.

However, the project tries to encompass everything that a wrestler has to deal with while in the business. The story follows two young men from different high schools in Ohio, who are training rigorously to become the ultimate state wrestling champions.

The drama does a fair job of mixing the right amount of wrestling with doses of excitement and emotions for its rather niche audience.

In addition, it goes on to cast a light on the role that family and friends play in a wrestler's tough life. Not only that but it is one of the few projects that manages to take you into the exciting but harsh world of high school wrestling.

While it is a tough movie to rank due to its subject matter, one cannot deny the fact that it certainly was a labor of love for its makers.

Directed by Todd Hickey and Kirk Ledger, Takedowns and Falls is yet another documentary feature to make it to our list.

The story traces the journey of an ambitious squad of high school wrestlers who can be seen competing throughout Pennsylvania with only one aim - to make it to the PIAA State Championships successfully.

However, their journey asks more of them than just their ability to perform in the ring. Needless to mention, a lot of pain, sacrifices, and commitment take precedence as the young wrestlers march toward their dream.

This documentary does a good job of demonstrating wrestling at the college level. Add to that the fact that you get to learn a lot about the American work ethic through it; all while being told implicitly that hard work, determination, and a never-say-die attitude can push you to succeed no matter what.

This Rob Fowler-helmed motion picture tracks the journey of a smart waitress from New York City, who is chosen for a whirlwind wrestling expedition.

However, she has to fight her way to the top of the list. But, as you'd have guessed, the "fight", both on and off stage, won't be easy.

Below the Belt is a fair attempt to demonstrate the sacrifices that an individual makes while being involved with the wrestling business.

Moreover, aside from the personal triumphs, it also casts a light on the hardships the female wrestlers had to face during the 1980s.

Each of the aforementioned sub-plots has been coupled with a heart-tugging drama that not many wrestling fans seem to be aware of in the real world.

Director James A. Westman's The Wrestler featured actors such as Ed Asner, Elaine Giftos, Verne Gagne, and Billy Robinson in pivotal roles.

The story endeavors to track how mobsters try to muscle in on a wrestling promoter, his partner, and a contender for the coveted British championship.

While the motion picture strives to demonstrate how competitive a sport wrestling truly is, a true fan of the sport will have a great time recognizing several Hall of Famers who makes an appearance in it.

The Wrestler, which sheds light on the athleticism of the wrestlers, opened to mixed reviews at the box office.

Tales of Masked Men needed to have more takers among the hardcore fans of professional wrestling. We feel so because this fascinating documentary allows the viewer to dive into the mysterious world of Lucha libre (Mexican wrestling).

The documentary drama has been shot extensively in Mexico and the United States of America. It is apparently only available for download these days; that too if you're lucky to find it online.

This exciting project does its best to study the history of Lucha Libre and how it has managed to sustain its popularity domestically for 9 long decades now.

This Canadian sports drama motion picture tells the story of an aged and a young professional wrestler, who end up becoming bonafide adversaries for a young woman.

The feature film earned 11 Canadian Film Award nominations at the 29th Canadian Film Awards. Not only was it nominated for the Best Picture award but it also received nominations for Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.

For his performance in the movie, Beckman won the well-deserved Best Supporting Actor award. Directed by Paul Lynch, Blood & Guts exudes the vibe of being a typical ‘70s title.

Director Allan Holzman Grunt! The Wrestling Movie tells the story of a documentary filmmaker, who tries to verify that a new wrestler named the Mask is, in fact, the late great Mad Dog Joe.

The feature film works to create a whole lot of humor for the fans of wrestling, while showing the interviews of officials and wrestlers on Mad Dog's shocking disappearance.

What works about this feature is the fact that it strives to shed light on how the profession of wrestling actually works.

The True Story of WrestleMania, a DVD produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), is a real treat for the fans of professional wrestling.

For more than 30 years, WrestleMania has gone on to host some of the biggest matches comprising some of the biggest wrestling stars in the business.

Finally, this documentary attempts to trace the journey of the mega sporting event from its early beginnings. The fans can find fresh and intriguing interviews with their favorite superstars in this documentary.

So, if you are a true wrestling enthusiast who is looking to savor the glory days of WWE, look no further than this WWE-backed documentary.

As a part of a series of documentary films airing on ESPN under the title "30 for 30", Nature Boy was a brave attempt to capture the charismatic life of The "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.

One of World Wrestling Entertainment's legendary performers, Ric Flair had a larger-than-life personality and an unmatched ability to keep the viewers hooked to their television screens.

This documentary chronicles how Flair's on-screen persona and the man behind it became the same. Needless to say, this Rory Karpf-helmed project reveals fascinating details about the "Nature Boy" that may end up pleasantly surprising thousands of ardent wrestling fans.

This wrestling documentary has been helmed by Donald G. Jackson. It attempts to trace how two wrestling superstars, namely The Sheik and Andre the Giant, fight each other to become the indomitable in-ring superstar.

Basically, I Like to Hurt People is a mockumentary that was developed comprising a ton of official ringside footage involving famous wrestlers from the 1980s.

It presents a dose of fashion, attitude, and culture of the '70s and '80s successfully; all while trying to stay true to its basic and entertaining theme of professional wrestling. It is strictly for the die-hard fans of the sport.