The 20 Best Wrestling Movies of All Time

20. Body Slam (1986)

Let’s get this straight: Body Slam is not a subtle movie. It’s a loud, flashy, rock-‘n’-wrestling fever dream that mashes together the worlds of professional wrestling and hair metal management, because of course it does. Starring Dirk Benedict (yes, The A-Team’s Face!) as a struggling music promoter who accidentally stumbles into managing wrestlers, this movie is gleefully bonkers. Wrestling legends like Roddy Piper and Captain Lou Albano show up in all their glorious, sweaty charisma, basically playing themselves – but with even more glitter. It’s the cinematic equivalent of elbow-dropping a jukebox, and that’s a compliment. This is 80s cheese at its most extra, and if that’s your jam, Body Slam will suplex its way into your heart. | © De Laurentiis Entertainment Group

19. The One and Only (1978)

Before Henry Winkler was everyone’s favorite Fonzie, he was… a struggling actor-turned-wrestler with dreams bigger than his biceps. The One and Only is a charming, oddball comedy about a guy trying to make it in the world of 1950s TV wrestling, and if that sounds oddly specific, it’s because it is. Winkler brings his signature cocky-but-lovable energy to a role that walks a fine line between satire and sweet sincerity. The movie’s wrestling scenes aren’t exactly WrestleMania-level intense, but they’re packed with theatrical flair and slapstick that totally fits the era it’s parodying. Throw in a heartwarming love story and a few winks at wrestling’s melodramatic roots, and you've got a film that pins down the funny side of body slams. | © Paramount Pictures

18. Paradise Alley (1978)

Before Rocky had fully climbed the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Sylvester Stallone was already lacing up his boots for Paradise Alley. Here, Stallone writes, directs, and stars (because why not triple down on the Stallone-ness?) in a story about three rough-and-tumble brothers in 1940s Hell’s Kitchen who try to make it big in the world of professional wrestling. It’s got grit, it’s got heart, and yes – it’s got plenty of grunting. While it lacks the polish of Rocky, there’s something undeniably endearing about watching Stallone flex his storytelling muscles, both literally and figuratively. Plus, look out for real-life wrestlers like Terry Funk, who adds some ring cred to the mix. Paradise Alley might not be the champ, but it’s definitely in fighting shape. | © Universal Pictures

17. Vision Quest (1985)

Ah yes, Vision Quest – the movie that made a generation of teens want to sweat profusely in saunas and wrestle their way through high school existential crises. Matthew Modine plays Louden Swain (which is just a phenomenal wrestling name), a high schooler with a wild dream: drop two weight classes and beat the undefeated champion. Madonna, in full 80s glam mode, pops in to perform “Crazy for You” in a bar scene that’s more iconic than it has any right to be. This is the kind of coming-of-age story that throws emotional angst into the ring with physical determination – and yes, it comes out a little melodramatic, but that’s part of its charm. It’s sweaty, sincere, and more about soul-searching than suplexes, but it still packs a punch. | © Warner Bros.

16. Sultan (2016)

When Bollywood does wrestling, you better believe it comes with slow-motion sweat, swelling music, and more emotional arcs than a whole season of Raw. Sultan stars Salman Khan as the titular champ, a small-town wrestler who rises to national fame – only to lose everything and claw his way back to glory (because obviously). Anushka Sharma holds her own as a no-nonsense female wrestler, making sure the film doesn’t get too bro-heavy. There are training montages, melodramatic love scenes, and enough inspirational speeches to make even The Rock tear up. It’s not subtle, but it doesn’t want to be. Sultan throws every dramatic trope into the ring and emerges victorious through sheer charm and cinematic spectacle. | © Yash Raj Films

15. The Backyard (2002)

If you've ever seen a bunch of teenagers jumping off garage roofs onto flaming tables and thought, "This is totally safe and well-adjusted behavior," then The Backyard is your jam – and, if you can sit through 240p, available on YouTube. This gritty, chaotic, and frankly unhinged documentary dives into the underground world of backyard wrestling – where gear is optional, medical supervision is nonexistent, and dreams of WWE glory are somehow forged in suburban dirt lots. Director Paul Hough doesn’t flinch as he captures kids body-slamming each other with light tubes and stapling flyers to their chests (yep, that happens). It’s raw, it’s brutal, and it’s kind of impossible to look away. Think of it as Jackass with more steel chairs and way more self-inflicted concussions. | © HoughFX

14. Cassandro (2023)

In a genre stacked with sweaty machismo, Cassandro floats in like a fabulous elbow from the top rope. Based on the real-life story of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay luchador who broke gender norms and bones in equal measure, the film stars Gael García Bernal in a performance that practically sparkles with charm. Bernal leans into the glam, the grit, and the glitter with equal gusto, and his chemistry with Bad Bunny (yes, that Bad Bunny) in a surprise role is as smooth as a lucha libre roll-up pin. Director Roger Ross Williams doesn’t just make this about wrestling – it’s about identity, courage, and rhinestone-covered rebellion. Who knew a bodyslam could be so beautiful? | © Amazon Studios

13. Queen of the Ring (2024)

Move over, muscle bros – Queen of the Ring lets the women take center stage and dropkick the patriarchy into the ropes. This recently released biopic takes us into the life of Mildred Burke, the real-deal queen of 1940s women’s wrestling, who grappled just as hard outside the ring as in it. Emily Blunt (because who else?) steps into the role with fire and finesse, proving she can throw a mean promo as well as a right hook. The film doesn’t shy away from the sexism she fought through, but it also doesn’t forget to have fun – there are sequins, mid-century sass, and a cameo from Florence Pugh as a rival wrestler who may or may not throw a chair or two. It's historic, it's fierce, and it's got suplexes with style. | © Netflix

12. Unstoppable (2024)

Based on the incredible true story of Anthony Robles, Unstoppable is a powerful crowd-pleaser that body-slams adversity with heart. Jharrel Jerome transforms into the one-legged wrestling phenom, delivering a performance as tenacious as Robles himself – who, fun fact, acted as his own wrestling stunt double. Jennifer Lopez brings quiet fire as Anthony’s fiercely devoted mom, while Michael Peña and Don Cheadle round out the coaching corner. Directed by Oscar-winner William Goldenberg, the film mixes intense mat action with emotional weight, never letting the inspirational vibe slip into cheesy territory. It’s a sports movie that earns every cheer – and every tear. | © Artists Equity / Amazon MGM Studios

11. You Cannot Kill David Arquette (2020)

Oh David Arquette. Remember when he won the WCW Championship in 2000 and fans were not thrilled? Well, You Cannot Kill David Arquette is his redemption arc – and what a wild, hilarious, surprisingly touching arc it is. This documentary is part real-life underdog story, part celebrity mid-life crisis, and part love letter to the absurdity of pro wrestling. Arquette, bruised in body but not in spirit, returns to the ring to earn back the respect of fans and wrestlers alike. Along the way, he gets slammed, choked out, and nearly impaled – but he also shows heart and serious hustle. Featuring cameos from Ric Flair, RJ City, and even Courteney Cox, this film is the rare wrestling doc that’s as entertaining as it is oddly inspiring. | © Super LTD

10. Man on the Moon (1999)

Jim Carrey goes full chameleon as the brilliantly weird Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon, and yes – it absolutely earns a spot on this list because of the infamous Andy vs. Jerry Lawler wrestling subplot. Carrey morphs into Kaufman with such eerie precision that it’s equal parts hilarious and unsettling, especially as he leans into the performative chaos of Andy’s love affair with wrestling-as-performance-art. And let’s not forget Jerry Lawler himself shows up to actually wrestle with Carrey (both in the movie and behind the scenes – seriously, the tension was real). This one’s more of a psychological moonsault than a straightforward sports movie, but it captures the absurd theater of wrestling better than most. | © Universal Pictures

9. Win Win (2011)

If you’ve ever wanted a wrestling movie where the emotional grappling is just as intense as the physical, Win Win will pin your heart in the best way. Paul Giamatti plays a weary lawyer-slash-wrestling-coach who stumbles into mentoring a troubled teen prodigy, and yes, it’s as tender and awkwardly hilarious as it sounds. Giamatti brings his signature blend of schlubby charm and quiet desperation, and young Alex Shaffer, a real-life wrestler, brings legit moves to the mat. It’s a small film with big feelings – no steel chairs, no flashy entrances, just heart, humor, and the quiet satisfaction of a perfectly executed takedown. Honestly, Win Win wins. Twice. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

8. Beyond the Mat (1999)

You think you know wrestling? Beyond the Mat pulls back the curtain (and sometimes the bandages) on the lives of pro wrestlers, and hoo boy – it ain’t all glitz and pyro. This doc goes deep, spotlighting legends like Mick Foley, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and Terry Funk at their most raw and unguarded. Mick gets his head bashed in at Royal Rumble, Jake wrestles with addiction, and Funk contemplates retirement (again) – it’s dramatic, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s totally gripping. Forget kayfabe – this is the stuff that hurts. The camera doesn’t flinch, and by the end, you’ll have a new respect for what these larger-than-life figures go through outside the ring. | © Universal Pictures

7. Fighting With My Family (2019)

Florence Pugh as WWE Superstar Paige? Yes please. Fighting With My Family takes the true(ish) story of Saraya-Jade Bevis’ rise from scrappy British indie wrestling to WWE stardom and turns it into a hilarious, heart-tugging crowd-pleaser. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shows up playing, well, The Rock (but with some top-tier motivational one-liners), and Nick Frost and Lena Headey shine as Paige’s ultra-rowdy wrestling parents. Pugh gives it grit and heart, showing that even in a business built on showmanship, authenticity still wins. The film is a suplex of sincerity and humor – a perfect blend of body slams and British sass. | © MGM / WWE Studios

6. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

The Peanut Butter Falcon is like if Huckleberry Finn put on a pair of wrestling boots and elbow-dropped cynicism into the river. This modern fable follows Zak, a young man with Down syndrome who escapes his care home to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler. He’s joined by a down-on-his-luck drifter played by Shia LaBeouf (at his grungy best) and a surprisingly gentle Dakota Johnson. The heart of the story lies in Zak’s unshakable belief in himself and the power of wrestling as something pure, hopeful, and yes – kind of magical. Plus, real-life wrestler Jake “The Snake” Roberts shows up, because of course he does. It’s sweet without being saccharine, and strong without ever raising a fist. | © Roadside Attractions / Armory Films

5. André the Giant (2018)

André the Giant is more than just a documentary – it’s a love letter to a literal and figurative giant of wrestling history. This HBO doc peels back the curtain (and carefully steps over it, because André was that big) to reveal the man behind the myth. Narrated by friends, fans, and famous faces like Hulk Hogan, Rob Reiner, and Vince McMahon, it’s a touching tribute that showcases his gentle soul, towering physicality, and the pain that came with being a legend in a world not built for you. The Princess Bride stories alone make it worth the watch (“Anybody want a peanut?”), but the wrestling tales? Pure gold. A must-see for anyone who’s ever cheered a bodyslam or cried over a fallen hero. | © HBO Documentary Films

4. Nacho Libre (2006)

Let’s be real – Nacho Libre is completely ridiculous, totally quotable, and exactly what happens when Jack Black puts on stretchy pants in the pursuit of righteousness. Loosely (and I mean loosely) based on the real-life story of Fray Tormenta, a priest who moonlighted as a luchador, this comedy leans hard into absurdity and somehow body-slams its way into our hearts. Jack Black is all in – singing, leaping, and flailing with reckless, sweaty abandon. The film is a fiesta of fried beans, face paint, and feel-good vibes, all wrapped in a mariachi-infused soundtrack. It’s not technically accurate wrestling – but spiritually? It’s got the soul of a champion. | © Paramount Pictures / Nickelodeon Movies

3. Foxcatcher (2014)

Take one part Olympic wrestling, one part true-crime thriller, and one part Steve Carell in the creepiest fake nose you've ever seen, and you get Foxcatcher. This chilling drama tells the real-life story of Olympic wrestlers Mark and Dave Schultz and their involvement with eccentric millionaire-turned-murderer John du Pont. Channing Tatum trades in his usual charm for brooding intensity, while Mark Ruffalo gives a quietly heartbreaking performance as the older brother caught in the crossfire. Carell is haunting, playing du Pont like a socially awkward time bomb in a Team USA tracksuit. It’s slow, heavy, and intense – but like a perfectly timed takedown, it’ll knock the wind out of you. | © Sony Pictures Classics

2. The Iron Claw (2023)

Grab some tissues and brace your soul – The Iron Claw is a suplex straight to the heart. This biographical drama chronicles the legendary (and legendarily tragic) Von Erich wrestling family, with Zac Efron absolutely transforming into Kevin Von Erich. It’s not just about dropkicks and Texas death matches – it’s about grief, family curses, toxic masculinity, and desperately trying to hold it all together in a world that demands toughness over tenderness. Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Holt McCallany round out the family roster with raw, vulnerable performances, and if you're not crying by the end...well, you're probably in a heel faction. Brutal, beautiful, and unforgettable. | © A24

1. The Wrestler (2008)

At the top of the turnbuckle stands The Wrestler, a quiet, aching gut-punch of a film that proves wrestling isn’t just performance – it’s sacrifice. Mickey Rourke gives a career-defining (and career-resurrecting) performance as Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a washed-up legend chasing one last shot at glory in a world that’s all but forgotten him. Darren Aronofsky directs with gritty tenderness, peeling away the layers of glam to reveal a man broken by the very ring that once made him. Marisa Tomei stuns as a parallel lost soul, and the film’s final shot? Pure poetry. It’s the ultimate tale of pain, perseverance, and the people who keep going even when the cheers stop. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures