Best movies like Paperback Hero
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
A hockey player in a small town begins to lose his grip on reality, and starts to believe that he is a gunslinger in the Old West.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 224
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: independent film
Best tv shows and movies like Paperback Hero (1973):
Similar in 83%
Nadia, Butterfly (2020)
Plot Summary:
While young and in her prime, Nadia decides to retire from pro swimming after the Olympic Games; to escape a rigid life of sacrifice. After her very last race, Nadia drifts into nights of excess punctuated by episodes of self-doubt. But even this transitional numbness cannot conceal her true inner quest: defining her identity outside the world of elite sports.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 687
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 84%
Mercenary (2016)
Plot Summary:
Odyssey Saône, a young Wallisian of Caledonian origin, leaves everything behind to try his luck in France as a rugby player. Soane is thirsty for freedom, fighting for recognition that it lacks.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 770
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: France
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 79%
Starlight Hotel (1987)
Plot Summary:
During the Great Depression, Kate (Greer Robson) is a 13-year-old girl living on New Zealand's South Island. When her mother dies and her father is offered a job in Wellington on North Island, Kate is sent to live with an aunt. The girl runs away to find her father, hopping onto a boxcar and befriending a fellow fugitive, Patrick (Peter Phelps), an emotionally battle-scarred WWI veteran fleeing the authorities after injuring a repo man. Pretending to be father and daughter, Patrick and Kate use each other for cover as they make their way across New Zealand, sleeping under the stars and championing the rights of destitute farmers and homeless squatters whose fortunes have been wiped out by economic hardship.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 265
Genere: Drama
Country: New Zealand
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: independent film
Similar in 75%
Goon: Last of the Enforcers (2017)
Plot Summary:
During a pro lockout, Doug "The Thug" Glatt is injured and must choose whether to defend his team against a dangerous new enemy, or be there for his wife as she prepares to give birth to his daughter.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 15000
Genere: Comedy, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: feel good, light, humorous, funny, cult film
Similar in 89%
Minnesota (2009)
Plot Summary:
A story of two brothers - two young hockey players.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 99
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Russia
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 77%
Angel Express (1998)
Plot Summary:
Angel Express is a film about people restlessly seeking for the ultimate experience. Set in late nineties Berlin, it shows images of radical change: Young urban heroes in the glare of flashlights; an environment in which coldness and affection or lust for power and friendship go hand in hand.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 156
Genere: Drama
Country: Germany
Duration: 82 min
Plot tags: independent film
Similar in 90%
Tiger, Blood in the Mouth (2016)
Plot Summary:
Boxing drama / romance.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Argentina, Italy
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: sincere, light, captivating, erotic, crying, visually appealing
Similar in 83%
Winter Stories (1999)
Plot Summary:
An adult Martin Roy reminisces about his life in the 1966/67 school year. At fifteen years old and in his last year of junior high school, he breathed, ate and slept hockey. He collected hockey cards, played street hockey with his friends, tried skating and ice hockey for the first time in his life, but was most fascinated with his local national league team, the Montréal Canadiens, and its star player, Henri Richard. He dreamed of growing up and working for the Canadiens franchise. But a more immediate goal was to get tickets to one of their games, using M. Richard and his banker father, Hervé, as possible conduits to that goal.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 251
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, feel good, humorous, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 79%
Breakaway (2011)
Plot Summary:
A hockey enthusiast since 12 years of age, Toronto-based Rajvinder Singh, even went to the extent of trimming his hair, discarding his Pagri/turban, did not complete his education, incurred the wrath of his father, Darvesh, who wanted him to be involved in the family business as well as confirm and respect Sikh religion principles and values. Hoping to play professional hockey, Rajvinder, along with other fellow Sikh players, instead finds himself treated as the object of ridicule, referred to as a 'joker', by mainstream Caucasian players. Even his friends tease him and ask him to take up 'Guli Danda' and Kabaddi', while his father makes him work for Uncle Sammy as a truck driver. He is attracted to stunning law student Melissa Winters while her brother, Dan, offers to coach Rajvinder and his team. Unable to get themselves included in any team, they form their own.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada, India, USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: humorous, captivating, semi serious, realistic
Similar in 81%
Skating to New York (2013)
Plot Summary:
The coming-of-age journey of 5 teenage boys who leave their small, Canadian town behind and risk skating across Lake Ontario to New York on the coldest day of the year.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 508
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: captivating, psychological, light, sincere, feel good, unusual plot structure
Similar in 83%
Hockey Night (1984)
Plot Summary:
When a young girl wants to join her high school's hockey team as goalie, she meets with resistence, but also gets support, especially from the star forward of the team.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 523
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 74 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, feel good, humorous, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 78%
Gross Misconduct: The Life of Brian Spencer (1993)
Plot Summary:
A look into the life of troubled former hockey player Brian Spencer, who got into problems both on the ice and off because of his temper. The film also has a close focus on Spencer's father, and shows how he influenced Brian's life both before and after his death.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 288
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: erotic
Similar in 88%
Net Worth (1995)
Plot Summary:
The story of the NHL's early years, focusing on the battle between the players, led by Hall of Famer Ted Lindsay, and the owners, over issues of benefits, pensions and the like.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 253
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 86%
The Sheldon Kennedy Story (1999)
Plot Summary:
Alberta (Canada) rural farm-boy Sheldon Kennedy feels abused by dad when punished for poor performances compared to big brother Troy. being recruited for professional ice-hockey at age 14 seems an ideal way out, straight to a party animal's good life. Yet after a Vegas marriage with Jana and hearing she's pregnant, Sheldon breaks down and tells her what's eating at him for years: coach Graham James, whoa arranged for him to be transferred each time James was, sexually abused Sheldon, who fears to be laughed away as a queer and loose his only career avenue if he goes public.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 129
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration:
Plot tags:
Similar in 76%
True Blue (1996)
Plot Summary:
The story of the year the Oxford and Cambridge boat race changed from a gentleman's race to one where winning was everything.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 431
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: UK
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: independent film, sincere, uplifting, touching, feel good, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic
Similar in 86%
The Boys (1997)
Plot Summary:
Every Monday night The Boys put on skates and leave their troubled lives behind.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, not serious, semi serious, sexy, clever, intellectual, enigmatic, feel good, unusual plot structure
Similar in 78%
Slap Shot (1977)
Plot Summary:
To build up attendance at their games, the management of a struggling minor-league hockey team signs up the Hanson Brothers, three hard-charging players whose job is to demolish the opposition.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 41000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 123 min
Plot tags: humorous, funny, inspirational, cult classic, exciting, feel good, cynical, hilarious, clever, realistic
Similar in 87%
Goin' Down the Road (1970)
Plot Summary:
Story of desolation as two friends travel from Nova Scotia to Toronto in hope of finding a better life. Drifting from job to job: bottling plant, car wash, bowling alley, newspaper delivery, and in between enjoying the night life of the big city. Their previous life is looking better all the time. This movie is a time capsule of Toronto's Yonge Street - record stores (defunct A&A's), bars, and old neighbourhood side streets.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 967
Genere: Drama
Country: Canada
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: disturbing, independent film, sentimental, sincere, thought provoking, touching, serious, emotional, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 87%
Youngblood (1986)
Plot Summary:
A skilled young hockey prospect hoping to attract the attention of professional scouts is pressured to show that he can fight if challenged during his stay in a Canadian minor hockey town. His on-ice activities are complicated by his relationship with the coach's daughter.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 16000
Genere: Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: exciting, retro, spiritual, epic, sex comedy, sentimental, sincere, serious, realistic, stylized
Similar in 78%
When Saturday Comes (1996)
Plot Summary:
Jimmy Muir comes from a typical gritty, northern town where there are only two options: working down the pit or in a factory. But Jimmy has other ideas - he dreams of becoming a professional footballer. Confronted by a bitter and unsupportive father, hard drinking friends and a lifetime of bad habits...has Jimmy the will to achieve his ultimate goal?.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: UK
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: sincere, bleak, serious, realistic, gloomy
Similar in 78%
My Brother's Keeper (2004)
Plot Summary:
Identical twin brothers Lou and Eric plan to compete together in the National Rowing Championships. But when Eric leaves their small town to attend an Ivy League University, the brother's bond is torn apart.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 219
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, captivating, exciting, crying, freeze frame
Similar in 77%
Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story (2005)
Plot Summary:
As a coach and mentor, Walter Gretzky was instrumental in nurturing the talent of his son, hockey great Wayne Gretzky. So it came as an ironic tragedy when in 1991, just days after his 53rd birthday, Walter suffered a debilitating stroke that left him with no memory of his son's hockey career or his own role in Wayne's achievements.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 145
Genere: Biography, Drama, Family, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: touching, sentimental, serious, captivating, realistic, crying
Similar in 79%
Indian Horse (2017)
Plot Summary:
Saul is a great native hockey player who overcomes racism in the 1970s then ultimately becomes tempted by alcoholism.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, psychological, captivating, disturbing, retro, social, crying, tragic
Similar in 80%
All the Right Moves (1983)
Plot Summary:
Sensitive study of a headstrong high school football star who dreams of getting out of his small Western Pennsylvania steel town with a football scholarship. His equally ambitious coach aims at a college position, resulting in a clash which could crush the player's dreams.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 20000
Genere: Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: realistic, talky, melancholic, sentimental, sincere, feel good, touching, serious, inspirational, erotic
Similar in 84%
Touch and Go (1986)
Plot Summary:
An ice hockey star is accosted by a youth gang who attempt to rob him; after he chases them off he catches the youngest member and gives him a ride home, where he meets the boy's mother. A romantic plot ensues, as well as a confrontation with the gang leaders.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: humorous, sentimental, sincere, emotional, light, captivating, independent film, touching, realistic, semi serious
Similar in 90%
The Miracle Season (2018)
Plot Summary:
After the tragic death of star volleyball player Caroline "Line" Found, a team of dispirited high school girls must band together under the guidance of their tough-love coach in hopes of winning the state championship.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: touching, rough, serious, teen, thought provoking, captivating, sad, crying
Similar in 79%
Chicks With Sticks (2004)
Plot Summary:
The story takes the battle of the sexes into the hockey arena, as Paula Taymore - who almost once made the Olympic team - finds herself drawn into a challenge match against an irritating local men's squad. Fresh from a painful divorce, and doubting herself, Paula must make a winner out of an explosive, irreverent crew of women hockey players who flock to her town, Red Deer Alberta, to assemble the team.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 399
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: sentimental, feel good, humorous, semi serious, touching, realistic
Similar in 77%
Mystery, Alaska (1999)
Plot Summary:
In Mystery, Alaska, life revolves around the legendary Saturday hockey game at the local pond. But everything changes when the hometown team unexpectedly gets booked in an exhibition match against the New York Rangers. When quirky small-towners, slick promoters and millionaire athletes come together.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 28000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: touching, feel good, entertaining, humorous, realistic, inspirational, funny, sex comedy, cult classic, witty
Similar in 81%
Goalie (2019)
Plot Summary:
Terry Sawchuk biopic.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 308
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 86%
The Rocket (2005)
Plot Summary:
In the late 1930s, a young machinist named Maurice Richard distinguished himself as a ice hockey player of preternatural talent. Although that was enough to get him into the Montreal Canadiens, his frequent injuries cost him the confidence of his team and the fans. In the face of these doubts, Richard eventually shows the kind of aggressive and skillful play that would make him one of the greatest players of all time as "The Rocket." However for all his success, Richard and his fellow French Canadians face constant discrimination in a league dominated by the English speaking. Although a man of few words, Richard begins to speak his own mind about the injustice which creates a organizational conflict that would culminate in his infamous 1955 season suspension that sparks an ethnic riot in protest. In the face of these challenges, Richard must decide who exactly is he playing for.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 124 min
Plot tags: serious, sincere, touching, realistic, sentimental, uplifting, hot