Best movies like No Pain, No Gain
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
The story of a bodybuilder who longs to be respected for his mind. Mike Zorillo, a small town Ohio champion bodybuilder with a genius IQ, journeys to the Mecca of bodybuilding, Los Angeles, determined to beat his nemesis, Jake Steel, with natural science instead of steroids. Far from home, he's confronted by a gym culture of freaks, juicers and Hollywood wannabes. As he pursues his dream, he's also persecuted by the world's largest sports nutrition company, an entity that's hell-bent on destroying him. Against all odds, the honest and driven bodybuilder resolves to win the prestigious "Mr. West Coast" competition as a way to prove himself and his ideas to the world.
IMDB Rating: 4.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 129 min
Plot tags: uplifting, feel good, realistic, semi serious, independent film
Best tv shows and movies like No Pain, No Gain (2004):
Similar in 78%
The Waiters (2006)
Plot Summary:
Taylor Starks and his co-workers, all aspiring actors, toil in a Los Angeles restaurant while "waiting" for their big break.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 39
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 84 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, semi serious, captivating
Similar in 83%
Preaching to the Choir (2005)
Plot Summary:
Estranged since the death of their parents years ago, twin brothers, Teshawn and Wesley Tucker, have taken radically different paths in life. Wes (Darien Sills-Evans) has become a minister in a Harlem gospel church while Te (Billoah Greene) perpetrates the gangster lifestyle as Hip Hop star Zulu. They are forced into reconciliation when Te flees from LA to his childhood home in Harlem to hide from his enraged record producer, Bull Sharky (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje). As Bull Sharky and his posse move east tracking Te down, Te and Wes must confront their own demons and attempt to work out their differences.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 205
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Musical
Country: USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: uplifting, humorous, realistic, semi serious, feel good
Similar in 78%
Trust Me (2013)
Plot Summary:
Trust Me follows flailing Hollywood agent Howard, who seemingly strikes gold after signing the next big child star. What results is an unexpected ride through the nasty inner workings of Hollywood, as Howard desperately tries to make it in an industry that has no interest in recognizing his bumbling but ultimately genuine nature.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: humorous, cynical, semi serious, realistic, independent film, biting, surprise ending, suspense
Similar in 87%
The Last Stand (2006)
Plot Summary:
The Last Stand, a drama that chronicles the life of four very different people attempting success as performers in Los Angeles until life becomes too much to handle.
IMDB Rating: 4.3
IMDB Votes: 284
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, captivating, tragicomedy, talky, semi serious, independent film, dark comedy
Similar in 88%
Stay Hungry (1976)
Plot Summary:
Stay Hungry is a 1976 dramatic comedy film by director Bob Rafelson from a screenplay by Charles Gaines. The story centers on a young Birmingham, Alabama, scion, played by Jeff Bridges, who gets involved in a shady real-estate deal. In order to close the deal, he needs to buy a gym building to complete a multi-parcel lot. When he visits the gym, however, he finds himself romantically interested in the receptionist (Sally Field) and drawn to the carefree lifestyle of the Austrian body builder "Joe Santo" (Arnold Schwarzenegger) who is training there for the Mr. Universe competition.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: feel good, realistic, humorous, witty, semi serious, funny, cult classic
Similar in 82%
The Sports Pages (2001)
Plot Summary:
Dr. Lionel Waddems (Bob Newhart), a golf fanatic. is put on trial for killing his golf partner (Played by Kelsey Grammer). The movie follows the trial in the news and features interviews by people who knew the men. It is based on 2 short stories "How Doc Waddems Finally Broke 100" and "The Heidi Bowl".
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 148
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 87%
The Prize Fighter (2003)
Plot Summary:
After a life of hard knocks and wrong turns, boxer Ed Jones gets a second chance at fulfilling his life long dream of a World Boxing Championship. With the help of veteran promoter, Arliss King and the guidance of a former champ, Ed embarks on the come back of a lifetime. When Ed starts winning and with his popularity soaring, he draws the attention of an unscrupulous fight promoter, White Ferguson. Although tempted by promises of big money and boxing glory, Ed makes a decision to remain loyal to Arliss. His dream in sight, Ed is on top of the world and at the top of his game.
IMDB Rating: 3.2
IMDB Votes: 52
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: realistic, captivating, psychological, exciting, inspirational, serious
Similar in 78%
Carman: The Champion (2001)
Plot Summary:
Former champion boxer Orlando Leone (Carmen) is "The Preacher" at an inner-city youth center. Wanting to give something back to the community, he bought a large building for a church youth center. But the cash ran out before he could finish fixing it up and now, the mortgage company is about to foreclose. With his bills mounting he agrees to one last fight.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 845
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 82 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, christian film, sincere
Similar in 85%
2 Jacks (2012)
Plot Summary:
Jack Hussar is a legendary Hollywood director, whose persona commands respect and adoration from his fans. Can his son, Jack Jr. maintain his legacy?.
IMDB Rating: 4.6
IMDB Votes: 415
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: humorous, light, feel good, captivating, sentimental, serious, realistic, non-linear, independent film
Similar in 80%
Drumline: A New Beat (2014)
Plot Summary:
A girl from New York attends a college in Atlanta to join their once-famous marching band.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: exciting, realistic
Similar in 77%
Undefeated (2003)
Plot Summary:
Lex 'El Animal' Vargas is a promising Portorican boxer in Queens, but lacks ambition to aim for the big career. That changes after his brother Paulie is accidentally shot dead by a teenager in an amateur hold-up on their late dad's shop, which he now closes to turn professional boxer. His star rises fast, but success brings its own problems, as he he lacks experience to handle professionals and resist the abuse they and his ghetto past entourage make of his generous nature.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 801
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, realistic, suspense
Similar in 80%
She Ball (2020)
Plot Summary:
On a mission to save his Inglewood community center, Avery Watts enlists a talented basketball player, Shelby, to help him win the grand prize in a street ball tournament. Together, Avery and Shelby challenge local politicians, gangs and their own stereotypes to save their community.
IMDB Rating: 3.5
IMDB Votes: 462
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, uplifting, touching, feel good, captivating
Similar in 78%
Gym Teacher: The Movie (2008)
Plot Summary:
Dave Stweie was America's hope for the gold in the 1988 Seoul Games.... until he ran face first into the vault. After Suffering humiliation on a global scale, Dave eventually faded into obscurity and became a gym teacher. A gym teacher with the drive of a former Champion, that is, who takes his job seriously. Very seriously!.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 623
Genere: Comedy
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: touching, feel good, humorous, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 89%
The Toughest Man in the World (1984)
Plot Summary:
Mr. T's first starring made-for-TV movie role has him playing a tough and scowling, but softhearted, nightclub bouncer who finds himself involved with a bunch of kids after being conned into taking over a youth center.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 334
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 90%
Soccer Days (2003)
Plot Summary:
A comedic romp that celebrates the power of friendship to turn your life around, Dias de Futbol introduces us to Antonio, an ex-convict and amateur shrink who convinces his pals that the best way to overcome their midlife crises and lack of success with women is to reassemble their old soccer team and win something in life, even if only a local championship. Directed by David Serrano. Starring Alberto San Juan, Natalia Verbeke (Dot the I, Son of the Bride), Pere Ponce, and Fernando Tejero.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Comedy
Country: Spain
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: feel good, humorous, semi serious, realistic
Similar in 81%
Ping Pong (2002)
Plot Summary:
As children, the introverted Smile was being bullied by a gang of kids until the brash Peco comes by and chases all of them them away. Peco then takes Smile under his wings and teaches him how to play the game of ping pong. From there a life long best friend relationship comes into existence between these two polar opposite kids. Fast forward a decade later, these two best friends try to deal with their own inner turmoils, as they move further and further into the regional ping pong tournament. Peco has to overcome a knee injury while trying to rediscover the fun aspects of the game of Ping Pong. Meanwhile, Smile now seems to have gained the killer instinct by going through a rigorous training regiment instilled by his high school coach. As the tournament progresses it becomes more likely that these two best friends will face off against each in the final match.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: Japan
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: semi serious, touching, humorous, uplifting, disturbing, manga, anime, weird
Similar in 88%
The Man from Left Field (1993)
Plot Summary:
After taking a job managing a little league team, a homeless man inspires the kids to reach for it all and they inspire him to reclaim his life.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 302
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: uplifting, touching, feel good, humorous, emotional, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 75%
The Breakdance Kid (2004)
Plot Summary:
In 1984, loser pizza guy Whitey Johnson is run over by a semi truck on live television, making him a local hero. The world watches as Whitey vows to not only walk again but to win his town's breakdance competition. Whitey struggles to conquer bully breakdancers, to win the heart of a disinterested girl, and live up to the name, "The Breakdance Kid".
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 41
Genere: Comedy
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: touching, feel good, humorous, semi serious, realistic, mockumentary
Similar in 83%
The Dream Kids (2013)
Plot Summary:
JB suffers from a heart malformation .He falsifies his medical file ,so that he can enter a top athlete training center.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 340
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: France
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, captivating, humorous, serious, realistic
Similar in 77%
Bleacher Bums (2001)
Plot Summary:
Adapted from a 1979 stage play written by Chicago's Organic Theater Company, BLEACHER BUMS details the exploits of a group of baseball fans as they sit in the bleachers of Lakeview Park watching a game between the hometown Bruins take on the St. Louis Eagles. Marvin (Brad Garrett) and Decker (Peter Riegert) gamble. So does Zig (Wayne Knight), even though his wife constantly nags him about the money he loses. Meanwhile, blind Greg (Matt Craven) enjoys the game through pretty Melody (Sarain Boylan), who describes it to him. A seasoned ensemble case of TV and film veterans create winning chemistry in this slice-of-life comedy.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 480
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, semi serious, feel good, offbeat, talky
Similar in 87%
Queen of the Lot (2010)
Plot Summary:
An electronic ankle bracelet and being under house arrest aren't about to stop up-and-coming actress Maggie Chase (Tanna Frederick) from the two things she craves the most: real fame and true love. With more "Google points" than her Iowa hometown, but far less than Angelina Jolie, Maggie is desperate to claw her way off the B-list of action/adventure pictures and into major movie stardom.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 169
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, humorous, realistic, talky, semi serious, independent film
Similar in 87%
Joyful Noise (2012)
Plot Summary:
G.G. Sparrow faces off with her choir's newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill, over the group's direction as they head into a national competition.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Music
Country: USA
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: feel good, humorous, realistic, semi serious, funny, black comedy
Similar in 89%
The Hairdresser (2010)
Plot Summary:
When a salon refuses to hire her because of her plump figure, irrepressible hair stylist Kathi plots revenge by opening her own beauty parlor next door. But when she faces a cash-flow problem, Kathi resorts to some creative means of raising capital.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: Germany
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: humorous, feel good, semi serious, light, captivating, realistic
Similar in 83%
Bad Parents (2012)
Plot Summary:
A suburban mom relives her season with the soccer obsessed sports parents whose outrageous "win at all costs" behavior spirals out of control.
IMDB Rating: 3.4
IMDB Votes: 573
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: humorous, light, feel good, captivating, entertaining, dark comedy, exciting, realistic, witty, semi serious
Similar in 86%
Kart Racer (2003)
Plot Summary:
14-year-old Watts Davies is estranged from his dad, a former International Karting Federation (IKF) champion. Watts's resolve to race in the upcoming IKF Regional Championships rekindles their relationship as they pursue the dream together.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 652
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Family
Country: Germany, Canada, USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: touching, feel good, humorous, semi serious, realistic
Similar in 84%
Deal (2008)
Plot Summary:
As an ex-gambler teaches a hot-shot college kid some things about playing cards, he finds himself pulled into the world series of poker, where his protégé is his toughest competition.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: tense, realistic, psychological, humorous, semi serious
Similar in 81%
Jump (2009)
Plot Summary:
Aspiring dancer Phoenix lives in the countryside with her father, but she's got her eyes set on farther places. Jumping at the chance to move to shiny Shanghai, she makes ends and dreams meet by working as a janitor at an elite dance studio where she picks up dance moves on the sly. Even with her unfailing spirit, things aren't easy for Phoenix working two jobs and putting up with the mockery from city folks. Enter her knight in shining armor, CEO and studio owner Ron, who sweeps her off her feet and gives her a spot on the dance team.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 308
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: Hong Kong, China
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: feel good, realistic, semi serious, sincere, humorous
Similar in 83%
Calvin Marshall (2009)
Plot Summary:
A college student is determined to become a Major League Baseball star, but finds his true calling instead.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 739
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: touching, feel good, humorous, semi serious, sentimental, freeze frame, realistic, independent film
Similar in 86%
The Swimsuit Issue (2008)
Plot Summary:
A wild bachelor party and an agonizing defeat in floorball awakens Fredrik's passion for male synchronized swimming.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: Sweden
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: uplifting, feel good, humorous, sentimental, touching, offbeat, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 84%
Queen Sized (2008)
Plot Summary:
An overweight girl, Maggie Baker, is elected Homecoming queen by the mean girls in the high school.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Comedy, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: feel good, uplifting, touching, humorous, realistic, semi serious, teen comedy