Wrestling has always been larger than life, blending athleticism with storytelling in a way that hooks audiences like no other. That same energy translates perfectly to film, whether in heartfelt dramas about underdog wrestlers chasing their dreams or bombastic action flicks featuring real-life wrestling icons. From cult classics to critically acclaimed hits, wrestling movies capture the grit, glory, and sometimes sheer absurdity of the industry.
Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling fan or just looking for an entertaining watch, these films deliver. We’ve rounded up the ten best wrestling movies of all time, ranking them based on their storytelling and sheer entertainment value.
A movie so bad it’s…well, just bad—but that doesn’t mean No Holds Barred isn’t a wild ride. Starring Hulk Hogan at the peak of his fame, the film follows wrestling champion Rip Thomas as he takes on sinister TV executive Tom Brell. After refusing to sell out, Rip is forced to face the network’s monstrous new creation, Zeus—played by Tiny Lister, best known as Deebo from Friday. What follows is exactly what you’d expect: over-the-top action, bizarre line deliveries, and Hogan at his most Hulktastic.
Not only was this Hogan’s first major film role, but he also co-wrote and produced it alongside WWE boss Vince McMahon. Whether you see it as a fascinating misfire or a guilty pleasure, No Holds Barred is undeniably one-of-a-kind.
Body Slam is ’80s wrestling in a nutshell. It follows down-on-his-luck music promoter M. Harry Smilac (Dirk Benedict), who gets booted from the music business and, in a twist of fate, mistakes wrestling icon “Rowdy” Roddy Piper for a musician. Taking a chance, Smilac pivots to managing wrestlers, eventually teaming up with Tonga Tom—played by real-life wrestler Sam Fatu, aka The Tonga Kid. As he navigates the wild world of pro wrestling, Smilac finds himself clashing with the villainous manager Lou Murano (Captain Lou Albano).
Set during the iconic Rock ‘n’ Wrestling era, this film oozes ’80s wrestling nostalgia from start to finish.
Produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Fighting With My Family tells the true story of AEW’s Paige and her notorious family of British wrestlers, focusing on her relationship with her brother, Zak. While Paige rises to WWE stardom, Zak struggles to find the same success, and the film explores her challenges—not just with fame but with keeping her dysfunctional family together.
A heartfelt wrestling story from start to finish, this one’s a must-watch, courtesy of The Great One himself.
In a role that Jim Carrey was destined to play, Man On The Moon follows the incredible life of legendary comedian Andy Kaufman. While the movie focuses on various aspects of Kaufman’s career, including his budding stand-up career and his turn on SNL, a major moment of the movie is the legendary feud he has with WWE Hall of Famer and Memphis hero Jerry “The King” Lawler. A die-hard wrestling fan himself, Kaufman becomes enamored with wrestling early on and can’t help himself from entering the squared circle.
What ensues is talked about in wrestling circles to this day when mentioning the greatest moments of wrestling history.
This wrestling movie delivers an unexpected emotional punch. Zack Gottsagen stars as Zak, a young man with Down syndrome who escapes a state-run facility to chase his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Along the way, he meets Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), a runaway crab catcher who takes Zak under his wing, teaching him life skills and getting him in fighting shape.
With plenty of heart, the film follows two unlikely friends on a journey of self-discovery—plus, cameos from WWE legends like Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Mick Foley lend some fun.
Ready to Rumble is a fever dream of a wrestling movie and perfectly captures what it was like being a wrestling fan in the late ‘90s, during the height of the Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW. David Arquette and Scott Caan star as two die-hard WCW fans who, after witnessing their idol Jimmy King get screwed out of the WCW Championship (and his job), embark on a quest to redeem their hero–and maybe meet some Nitro Girls while they are at it.
This movie did not win any Oscars, to say the least, but it hits the spot if you want slapstick comedy, poo jokes, and a plethora of wrestler cameos such as Diamond Dallas Page, Sid Vicious, Rey Mysterio, and, of course, Sting. Oliver Platt is a delight as Jimmy King, and he alone is worth the price of admission.
Talk about an unflinching behind-the-curtain look at the WWE during the height of the Attitude era. Featuring notable wrestling legends, including Mick Foley, Terry Funk, The Rock, and, of course, Vince McMahon himself, Beyond The Mat is one of the best documentaries ever produced on the subject of pro wrestling. McMahon and co gave documentarian Barry Blaustein rare access to the inner workings of the WWE (then known as WWF)–for better or worse.
We witness the mind of a maniacal genius at work, get a glimpse into wrestlers’ daily lives, and see how they navigate life beyond the squared circle. Most notably, this film features the infamous “I Quit” Match between The Rock and Mankind (Foley)—a bout still debated for pushing the limits of what was acceptable. It would be years before another documentary of this caliber emerged, with Netflix’s recent deep dive into McMahon himself. This one’s a must-watch.
A tale so tragic you might find it hard to believe this movie is based on a true story.
Focusing on the Von Erichs’ wrestling dynasty, Iron Claw takes us through the family’s history, which seemed to have been destined only for tragedy and death. The Von Erich brothers–Kevin, Kerry, and David–are the sons of American wrestling legend Fritz Von Erich, a three-time world champion and six-time NWA United States Champion. The three young wrestlers strive to be as successful, if not more, than their father, but as they chase their dreams, they’re met with misfortunes, injuries, and tragedies. Zac Efron (Kevin) isn’t wrong when he says his family is “cursed.”
It’s a sad story, to say the least, but it also contains incredible performances from Efron, The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White, and Mindhunter’s Holt McCallany. The cast alone makes the movie a must-see.
Hilarious performances, gorgeous set pieces, and beautiful cinematography… Yes, we’re talking about Nacho Libre.
Nacho Libre is a severely underrated movie about the world of Lucha Libre. Jack Black plays Ignacio, an orphan raised in a monastery with dreams of one day becoming a famous luchador. This is seen as a sin by the members of the monastery, who forbid Ignacio from pursuing his dream. This doesn’t stop Ignacio from donning a mask and wrestling under the name Nacho, hoping to use his winnings to provide better conditions for his fellow orphans. But when a beautiful nun arrives at the Monastery, Nacho wrestles not only with his dreams but also with his hidden desires.
It’s an earnest portrait of an orphan with big dreams and good intentions, and a can’t-miss for wrestling and comedy fans alike.
If you are looking for an authentic wrestling experience, for better or worse, look no further than The Wrestler. Mickey Rourke’s comeback as Randy “The Ram” Robinson gives us an unflinching look at a wrestler who is way past his prime and looking for ways to make a few bucks and, if he’s lucky, maybe even reclaim some of his past glory.
And it’s more than just fiction: For every John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, or The Rock, a dozen other real-life wrestlers struggle to make ends meet.
Rourke’s devastating performance as a former legend looking for one last bout in the limelight is one to be studied.