Movies about World wrestling federation
Allen Neal Jones, better known by his ring name AJ Styles is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand. Jones debuted in 1998 and competed for various independent promotions before gaining initial mainstream exposure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 2001. He gained prominence after signing with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, later known as Impact Wrestling), having been described as «the cornerstone of the company since its inception»; he won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship twice, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship three times, and was the inaugural titleholder of the X Division Championship, which he won six times. He is also the first TNA Triple Crown and Grand Slam champion. Jones simultaneously appeared in Ring of Honor (ROH) from 2002 to 2006, where he became the inaugural ROH Pure Champion. Jones has also wrestled extensively internationally, in promotions such as New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he is a two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the United Kingdom based Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro), where he is a former RPW British Heavyweight Champion. Jones first appeared in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 2002, but declined a developmental contract. He returned to the company in 2016, and won the WWE Championship twice. With his second victory in Manchester, England, Jones is recognized by WWE as the first wrestler to win the title outside North America. At 371 days, he is tied with Randy Savage for the eighth-longest reign in title history. He also won the United States Championship three times, the Intercontinental Championship and the Raw Tag Team Championship once each, becoming the second wrestler (after Kurt Angle) to become a TNA/Impact and WWE Triple Crown winner and first Grand Slam champion in both promotions. Jones has been thought of as a pillar of the wrestling industry for over two decades, being respected by fans and co-workers, and is considered one of the world’s greatest professional wrestlers. He has headlined numerous pay-per-view events, including the respective premier events of WWE and TNA, WrestleMania and Bound for Glory. He ranked atop the annual Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 in 2010, the first TNA wrestler to do so, was voted PWI Wrestler of the Year three times between 2016 and 2018, and Wrestler of the Decade in 2020. Between WWE, TNA, ROH, NJPW, and RevPro, Jones has won 30 total championships (including nine world titles), having also won 10 Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards, including Wrestler of the Year in 2015 and 2016, and was inducted in their Hall of Fame in 2017.
The 20 Best Wrestling Movies
These films fully encompass the highs and lows of professional wrestling
Publikováno 22. července 2020
The sports movie genre has been blessed to have a nice selection of quality picks worth watching.
Basketball fanatics can look to Bílí muži nemohou skákat Plus Láska a basketbal as bonafide classics. Baseball enthusiasts know that Bill Durham a Moneyball are required viewing. And devoted followers of the football scene look to Friday Night Lights a Zapamatujte si Titány as the finest films about their preferred sport. When wrestling fans are forced to look for standout flicks that represent their favorite form of sports entertainment, their options aren’t as plentiful as you’d think. Pure onscreen trash such as Připraveno k Rumble a Bez jakýchkoli tabu sadly exists and should only be watched for a decent chuckle and nothing more.
If you’re on the lookout for movies based on wrestling that don’t make you feel as if you’re wasting your precious time and energy, we’ve got you covered. The 20 films we compiled for this list do a great job of covering the wild world of professional wrestling in one of two ways – through a cinematic lens that features big-time actors and even real-world wrestlers or offering a documentary presentation on the sport’s standout personalities.
These films aren’t about the rise of an amateur wrestler looking to overcome their demons and notch a triumphant win in the end – they’re more about the pomp and circumstance that comes with delivering body slams, hot promos, and other crowd popping antics.
1. ‘Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling’
Director Max Landis got sick of hearing about how pro wrestling is fake from its many detractors. And honestly, we feel the exact same way. Max then took it upon himself to put together an amazing short film that legitimizes the sport he loves so much and breaks down just how enthralling it can be as a form of entertainment. Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling flips gender roles as it retells the story of Triple H and details the many intricacies displayed by his onscreen character. And all the while, Max puts the best aspects of wrestling on full display in the most hilarious and thought-provoking ways possible.
Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling can be viewed in full on YouTube for free.
2. ‘The Wrestler’ (1974)
The Wrestler (1974) acts as a cinematic time capsule that features a who’s who of pro wrestling biggest stars from the mid-70s. If you consider yourself a true historian of the sport, then you’ll have a fun time recognizing each and every Hall of Famer that makes an onscreen appearance. The American Wrestling Association’s own Verne Gagne stars in this film as an aging champion who’s conflicted over dropping the title to a young up-and-comer played by Billy Robinson. Throughout the film are a number of cool cameos from the likes of Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Don Muraco, Pedro Morales, Nick Bockwinkel, and a host of other throwback greats.
The Wrestler (1974) can only be seen via DVD and VHS.
3. ‘Paradise Alley’
Sylvester Stallone made his feature film directorial debut with Paradise Alley, a movie that delved into the dirty dealings and underworld antics of professional wrestling. The film follows a trio of brothers – one of them convinces the more athletic brother to pursue a career in wrestling, while the third sibling takes it upon himself to manage him along the way. Plenty of drama ensues as the trio nets great success and earns the attention of a local gangster who decides to present an overwhelming challenge to their hot young prospect. Keep an eye out for cameos from Terry Funk, Dory Funk Jr., Ted DiBiase, Dick Murdoch, and several other late 70s legends.
Paradise Alley is available to watch on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video.
4. ‘Body Slam’
Seeing as how two of the biggest stars from the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection era are in this film makes total sense considering its subject matter. Tělo slam follows a struggling music promoter who decides to try something new in order to revive his career. That fresh endeavor turns out to be his mixing of rock shows that also feature a slice of professional wrestling. The comedy antics this movie thrives on are due to the roles played in part by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Captain Lou Albano, and the Wild Samoans. By the way, keep your eyes peeled for some dope wrestler cameos during the final match sequence.
Tělo slam can only be viewed on DVD and VHS.
5. ‘Queens of the Ring’
WWE Studios’ track record for producing halfway decent films is astronomically low. But from time to time, they actually release a product that’s watchable and actually quite memorable. One of those projects is the comedy called Královny prstenu. It mainly focuses on a single mother who’s having a hard time coping with her son, who’s now finding her uncool and choosing to hang out with his young friends over her. In order to appeal to his interests and regain his favor, the mother gathers her workmates together in a bid to become professional wrestlers. And of course, this setup leads to plenty of hilarious moments from start to finish.
Královny prstenu can be seen on Vudu, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, and iTunes.
6. ‘Below the Belt’
Pod pás puts the personal triumphs and losses tied to entering the wrestling business on full display in this heart-tugging drama. It especially provides a tough lesson on the many hardships tied to 80s women’s wrestling. This film selection follows a waitress who goes for a drastic career change that leads to her meeting with a professional wrestling trainer. This training period quickly transitions into her fighting for a chance to become the best in a seedy business that’s equal parts rewarding and emotionally deflating.
Pod pás is available to watch on Vudu, Sling TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
7. ‘Foul King’
The main character within Foul King is more or less a constant letdown in his bank manager’s eyes. His constant lateness is partly the reason why, which makes sense. As fate would have it, the downtrodden bank teller discovers a local wrestling trainer who decides to train him. After this event transpires, the bank teller takes on the role of an after-hours heel pro wrestler known as the “Foul King.” This South Korean film follows his humorous in-ring exploits and the troubles he gets himself into due to his newfound confidence.
Foul King can be seen on Amazon Prime Video.
8. ‘Nacho Libre’
Jack Black is a comedic joy. When he stepped into the world of Lucha Libre for Nacho Libre, his gut-busting theatrics perfectly matched up with the film’s wrestling antics. This movie pick sees Black play the part of a cook who looks to raise more money for the monastery he grew up in. In order to keep providing for the many children that reside there, he moonlights as a masked luchador who fights to keep winning and keep his real identity under wraps. Mexican wrestling legend Silver King and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla’s own Human Tornado both make cool cameos in this hilarious film.
Nacho Libre is available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, iTunes, and Netflix.
9. ‘All the Marbles’
A pair of lady wrestlers dream of making it big with the assistance of a janky but lovable manager in Všechny kuličky. This wrestling duo calls themselves the “California Dolls,” who vie to rise up the wrestling circuit ranks and make it big. The only problem is they have to contend with a pair of rival lady wrestlers by the name of the “Toledo Tigers” and a super sleazy wrestling promoter. Všechny kuličky provides a comedic look at the best and worst parts of everything that comes with competing as a women’s professional wrestler. Expect to see a mud wrestling match or two in this one.
Všechny kuličky can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu.
10. ‘Lipstick and Dynamite, Piss and Vinegar: The First Ladies of Wrestling’
Film director/producer Ruth Leitman does an amazing job of covering the early days of women’s professional wrestling by interviewing the biggest stars of the 1940s and 1950s. The legendary personalities he comes into contact with include The Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, Gladys “Kill ‘Em” Gillem, Ida Mae Martinez, Ella Waldek, and Penny Banner. This documentary features a ton of throwback footage of the women themselves and even takes a look at their post-career lives. The sequence that shows all six women meeting up to swap war stories is simply fascinating and quite the tearjerker.
Rtěnka a dynamit, moč a ocet: První dámy wrestlingu can be seen on Amazon Prime Video and Sling TV.
11. ‘My Breakfast with Blassie’
Andy Kaufman knows a thing or two about the wrestling business. He made big box office money during his feud with Jerry “The King” Lawler, after all. If you’re looking for a primer on that money-making grudge, check out the Kaufman biopic Man on the Moon. And if you’re in the mood to watch “Classy” Freddie Blassie use his sharp tongue during a morning meet-up with Kaufman, check out this film as well. Moje snídaně s Blassie acts as a spoof of the 1981 film Moje večeře s Andreou (not the giant). This parody sees Kaufman and Blassie improvise their funny quips and introspective conversation as they interact with each other and some, let’s say enthusiastic fans.
Moje snídaně s Blassie can be seen on Tubi, iTunes, Sling TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
12. ‘GLOW: The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling’
If you’ve followed every season of the ZÁŘE drama series on Netflix and are interested in the backstory behind the popular 80s promotion, then this documentary film is a must-watch. GLOW: Příběh nádherných dam wrestlingu is an inside look at the rise and fall of the wrestling federation that ran from 1986 to 1989. Several of GLOW’s most recognizable personalities, such as Mountain Fiji, Matilda the Hun, and Lightning, speak over archival footage and reminisce over their days as bonafide wrestling stars.
GLOW: Příběh nádherných dam wrestlingu can be viewed on CONtv through Amazon.
13. ‘The Resurrection of Jake the Snake’
Jake “The Snake” Roberts stood near the top of the wrestling mountain during the 80s. Fans still celebrate his haunting promos, devastating DDT finisher, and memorable feuds with other top wrestling stars. But Jake’s well-documented inner demons have played a huge part in his downfall. This incredible documentary gives fans a deep look at Jake’s fight to reclaim his life and regain the trust of his family with the assistance of another wrestling legend – Diamond Dallas Page. Vzkříšení Jakea hada is an inspiring film that puts the spotlight on wrestlers looking to recover from their debilitating issues.
Vzkříšení Jakea hada can be seen on iTunes, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu.
14. ‘Fighting With My Family’
Paige is one of WWE’s greatest success stories from within the company’s now thriving women’s division. Her ascent from NXT to the main roster helped kick off the rise of the Women’s Revolution and give the wrestling landscape a welcome makeover. This fascinating biopic tells the tale of Paige’s upbringing with her wrestling family, her close relationship with her brother, and what it took for her to climb the ladder in WWE to championship status. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s co-starring role in this film gives it an even stronger sense of legitimacy among avid wrestling fans.
Boj s rodinou can be viewed on iTunes, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu.
15. ‘Kayfabe: A Fake Real Movie About a Fake Real Sport’
The best mockumentaries of all time fully embrace their source material and embrace the ridiculousness of it all. For wrestling fans, Kayfabe: A Fake Real Movie About a Fake Real Sport is required viewing. This film follows the impending shutdown of an indy wrestling fed called the (*takes deep breath*) Tri-City International Championship Wrestling Federation. During the TCICWF’S run of final shows, viewers get to follow the lives of the promotion’s lovable yet goofy wrestlers and get a lesson on the real/fictitious aspects of professional wrestling.
Kayfabe: A Fake Real Movie About a Fake Real Sport is available to watch in full for free on YouTube.
16. ‘Beyond the Mat’
“HE’S GONNA…HE’S GONNA PUKE!» That infamous line is derived from the classic 1999 documentary that fans of Mick Foley, Terry Funk, and Jake “The Snake” Roberts remember fondly. This Barry W. Blaustein passion project details the triumphs and failures of numerous wrestling legends and the rookies looking to make a play for the big leagues at the time. The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) get plenty of screen time here as cameras document the behind-the-scenes drama that ensues within both companies.
Beyond the Mat can be seen on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.
17. ‘Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows’
Director Paul Jay got extremely lucky when he decided to follow Bret “Hitman” Hart around during 1997. In doing so, his documentary ended up catching one of the most infamous moments in wrestling history on camera, which was the Montreal Screwjob. Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows follows Bret from SummerSlam 1997 right up until his controversial bout with Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997. Fans get to see Bret consider his options as his contract for the WWE comes to a close, plus it features a behind-the-curtain peek at Bret’s fellow wrestling journeymen and his home life.
Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows can only be seen on DVD.
18. ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’
Shia LaBeouf stars in this heartwarming tale about a man with Down syndrome who decides to break free of his nursing home lockdown to pursue his dream. And that dream happens to be his pursuit of becoming a professional wrestler. Shia’s character ends up befriending the rambunctious young man and becomes a coach/best friend to him in the process. During their journey together, they begin to learn even more about each other and find a way to stay one step ahead of a social worker played by Dakota Johnson.
Sokol arašídového másla is available for viewing on Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and Sling TV.
19. ‘Andre the Giant’
Quite literally, Andre Rene Roussimoff was larger than life. His world travels placed him in the biggest wrestling promotions and pitted him against a who’s who of the most recognizable personalities in the sport. All the while, he captured the attention of even non-wrestling fans due to his gargantuan size, lovable personality, and jaw-dropping feats when it came to his beer drinking. This HBO documentary details Andre’s rise to fame and the personal struggles he dealt with due to his gigantism. With amazing anecdotes from his friends/family plus archival footage, this doc breaks down the legend of the eighth wonder of the world in a truly fascinating manner.
You can check out this documentary on YouTube, Vudu, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Go.
20. ‘The Wrestler’ (2008)
Mickey Rourke’s comeback trail can be charted back to his amazing performance in this film. His role as the downtrodden wrestler known as Randy “The Ram” Robinson showcased his amazing penchant for displaying a character’s inner struggles onscreen. The Wrestler (2008) details the trials and tribulations of former wrestling legends that continue to compete even when it’s clear that their best years are behind them. This film showcases Randy as he mixes it up with recognizable wrestlers on the indy scene and attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter. As for the film’s ending, it’s completely left up to your interpretation.
The Wrestler (2008) can be seen on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Best Movies About Wrestling
Movies and series about wrestling, whether it be professional or amateur, are few and far between. Even during the glory days when the WWE was the WWF and the WCW was the wrestling promotion challenging the WWF for television bucks and dominance, not many films about wrestling were produced. There have been some, though, and some have made a lasting impression.
We have cobbled together a list of the best wrestling films. Some are silly (and why not), some tell stories about amateur wrestling, and some tell horrific true stories. Take a look at our list and tell us your favorite wrestling movie.
Best Movies About Wrestling
Body Slam (1986)
Tělo slam is one of the oldest films on our list and one that suffered at the box office because it never received a theatrical release, instead going direct-to-video.
It stars Dirk Benedict as M. Harry Smilac, a one-time successful music promoter. Looking for a way to make a buck to pay his ever-mounting bills, Harry somehow becomes a wrestling manager, gaining success by promoting wrestling alongside rock and roll music.
The film also stars then-wrestling superstars Rowdy Roddy Piper, Sam Fatu, Captain Lou Albano, Ric Flair, and Bruno Sammartino. It also starred non-wrestlers Tanya Roberts and Kellie Martin.
Ready to Rumble (2000)
Some say this film was the nail in the coffin for the wrestling promotion, WCW, but we say that there was no saving the WCW at that time. Be that as it may, Připraveno k Rumble is actually a fun film starring Scott Caan and David Arquette as two sanitation workers who are on a quest to rehabilitate their favorite wrestler, Jimmy King.
King has fallen into mass depression, turning to the bottle as his answer. The boys must first get Jimmy sober, then back in the ring, and then the top of the WCW. This film brought Arquette recognition inside the WCW ring as he somehow became the WCW World Champion. As we said, there was no saving the WCW.
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Sokol arašídového másla is a heartwarming comedy about a young man with Down syndrome who aspires to be a professional wrestler. Zack Gottsagen is Zak, a young man who escapes from a state-run care facility in an attempt to train with his hero, the Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Hayden Church).
Along the way, Zak meets up with Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), another man on the run. Together they track down the Salt Water Redneck and Zak begins his journey as a wrestler.
The movie also stars Dakota Johnson as the social worker searching for Zak, Jon Bernthal, Bruce Dern, and former professional wrestlers Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Mick Foley.
No Holds Barred (1989)
It has to be said – Bez jakýchkoli tabu is not a great movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it holds our number seven slot for one big (24-inch pythons big) reason – Hulk Hogan.
The story is simple enough, Hogan stars as Rip Thomas, the big-talking, big-walking professional wrestler whose rival wrestling promotions would love to have. After Rip rebuffs the advances of a rival network chief, Tom Brell (Kurt Fuller), Brell decides to get even.
When his first attempt fails, Brell decides to get at Thomas through intimidation and sets up a Battle of the Tough Guys where Rip must fight Zeus, a hulk of an ex-con. It’s not award-winning, but it is fun and is Hulk Hogan’s first starring role after he cameoed 7 years prior in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky III.
Nacho Libre (2006)
What Jack Black did for rock in Škola skály, he does for lucha libre in Nacho Libre, a wrestling movie with heart and smiles. The film is based loosely on real-life Mexican Catholic priest, Sergio Gutiérrez Benítez, who wrestled for 23 years to help feed the children in his orphanage.
Black is Ignacio, a young monastery cook who is searching for ways to earn extra money to get better food for the kids at the orphanage. He comes up with the idea of wrestling, but the monastery forbids it as it is considered to be a sin of vanity.
But Ignacio feels it is his duty and calling, so he enlists the help of a street thief and the pair begin their moonlighting careers. Héctor Jiménez plays Nacho’s partner-in-crime, Esqueleto while Ana de la Reguera is Sister Encarnación.
Beyond the Mat (1999)
If you are looking for reality in the “professional” sporting world of wrestling, it doesn’t get any more real than Beyond the Mat. The documentary was made by Barry Blaustein, a self-professed huge wrestling fan, that focuses on the lives of three wrestlers at various stages of their careers.
Terry Funk, who is nearing retirement, Mick Foley, who is at the height of his popularity, and Jake Roberts who has fallen into the nightmare of being a crack cocaine addict.
Blaustein presents a fascinating look at the dark underbelly of wrestling fame and fortune and the sacrifices made by each wrestler. Give this one a look.
Boj s mou rodinou (2019)
Boj s mou rodinou tells the true (mostly) story of Paige, the WWE wrestler, and her rise to wrestling fame. Florence Pugh brilliantly plays Paige, whose real name is Saraya Bevis, a young woman who comes from a wrestling family and who is destined for big things.
Saraya and her brother Zak get a chance to try out for the WWE before an event at the O2 Arena in London, where Saraya adopts her wrestling name of Paige. She makes the cut, getting a chance to go to America to train for the WWE while her brother doesn’t get chosen.
The story then follows Paige as she struggles early on before finally making it big in the WWE. Lena Headey, Nick Frost, Vince Vaughn, and The Rock himself, Dwayne Johnson, also star.
Vision Quest (1985)
Vision Quest is the oldest movie of the bunch and one of the best on the list. It stars Mattew Modine as Louden Swain, a high school wrestler whose goal as a senior is to drop two weight classes so he can defeat the undefeated Brian Shute, a wrestler with impeccable skills.
Standing in Louden’s way is the drastic weight cut and Carla (Linda Fiorentino), an older woman who is a boarder at Louden’s home.
Foxcatcher (2014)
Steve Carell is brilliant as John du Pont, the billionaire heir to the du Pont family fortune, and the man responsible for Foxcatcher Farms, a place where wrestlers vying for the U.S. Olympic team could train.
He was also the man who shot and killed Olympic medalist Dave Schultz. The film follows wrestling enthusiast du Pont as he uses his fortune to ensure the U.S. team has the best training they could get. The film focuses on the Schultz brothers, Mark (Channing Tatum) and Dave (Mark Ruffalo), and their sometimes strained relationship with du Pont.
As time goes on, du Pont begins to exhibit increasingly strange behavior, culminating in his visit to Dave’s home, where he shoots Dave in the driveway.
Wrestler (2008)
Mickey Rourke’s career has been filled with numerous off-screen troubles and on-screen questionable choices, but the one thing we can all agree on is that his performance in The Wrestler is probably the finest piece of work he’s done.
Rourke stars in this Darrin Aronofsky film as Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a now past-his-prime wrestler who is trying to hold on to his success from years prior. Randy’s health has become an issue and fame isn’t what it used to be.
Steroid use is Randy’s answer to looking fit, but when he suffers a heart attack after a hardcore match, Randy is forced to take stock in his life. This means mending fences with his estranged daughter and having a relationship with an aging stripper.
Evan Rachel Wood is Randy’s daughter while Marisa Tomei plays the aging stripper Candy.
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