Over the years, numerous wrestlers have ventured into Hollywood, and while many sports have inspired countless films globally, movies centered around sports entertainment remain relatively scarce. Although wrestling itself has recently gained more mainstream attention, Hollywood’s portrayal of the wrestling world remains unpredictable. Here’s a look back at the notable wrestling-themed feature films released over time.
Starting with Ready to Rumble (2000), Eric Bischoff was initially slated to play a role, and the movie features a brief cameo by John Cena. David Arquette, known for his controversial involvement in wrestling, donates his earnings from the film to families of fallen wrestlers. The film follows stubborn fans trying to get their favorite wrestler, Jimmy King, back to the WCW championship. It’s a lighthearted comedy that, despite its flaws, stamped WCW’s name on the wrestling film genre.
Queens of the Rings (2013), originally titled Raines du Ring, includes cameos from Miz, Eve Torres, and CM Punk. It tells the story of Rosa Croft, a woman fresh out of prison who tries to reconnect with her son through wrestling. This quirky film is entertaining but far from a traditional French drama.
The Main Event (2020) is a family-friendly story where a young boy named Leo discovers an ancient Lucha mask that gives him wrestling skills, boosting his confidence to win in the ring. The film, part of the WWE and Netflix collaboration, features wrestlers like Keith Lee, Miz, and Corey Graves.
Nacho Libre (2006) stars Jack Black as a chef-turned-wrestler who fights to save his orphanage. This comedic film incorporates real luchadors like Silver King and El Torito and adds a genuine touch to wrestling cinema.
Peanut Butter Falcon (2019), the best-selling indie film of that year, tells the heartfelt story of Zack, a young man with Down syndrome chasing his wrestling dreams with the help of unexpected friends. The film includes cameos from Jake Roberts and Mick Foley and has a strong cult following.
The Wrestler (1974) stars real-life world champion Verne Gagne in the tale of an aging wrestling great trying to pass the torch to younger talent, paralleling some real-life wrestling history. It references an event similar to WrestleMania, which would debut a decade later.
Paradise Alley (1978), Sylvester Stallone’s directorial debut, focuses on the working-class Carboni brothers aiming to escape their tough lives through wrestling and gambling. Though not among Stallone’s greatest works, it is cherished by wrestling fans.
The Iron Claw (2023) offers a serious and heartfelt portrayal of the Von Erich wrestling family, with Zac Efron earning praise for his compelling performance. The film is a passion project that delivers emotional depth, despite omitting some family details for narrative purposes.
Fighting with My Family (2019) centers on the rise of WWE superstar Paige, showcasing her journey from NXT to the main roster, with Vince Vaughn playing her wrestling coach. The film is a testament to the growing prominence of the WWE women’s division and features Florence Pugh’s standout performance.
No Holds Barred (1989) features Hulk Hogan as WWE Champion Rip Thomas in a straightforward role, with wrestlers like Stan Hansen making appearances. The movie played a role in promoting home video sales and added to Hogan’s crossover appeal.
Fan Take: For WWE fans, these films not only celebrate the colorful world of wrestling but also help underline the sport’s cultural impact beyond the ring. As wrestling continues to attract mainstream attention, the evolving portrayal in films can broaden its fanbase and add new storytelling dimensions to the sport.
