Best movies like The Fighter
Last updated March 2024
Looking for movies like The Fighter? Use your knowledge to navigate others towards films and tv shows you've watched that they may enjoy too. Help expand the group of people recommending videos to one another. We value your input!
Plot Summary:
The Fighter, is a drama about boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's unlikely road to the world light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother Dicky, a boxer-turned-trainer who rebounded in life after nearly being KO'd by drugs and crime.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 384000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 116 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, realistic, uplifting, serious, motivational, tense, depressing, suspense, stylized
Best tv shows and movies like The Fighter (2010):
Similar in 85%
Hands of Stone (2016)
Plot Summary:
The legendary Roberto Duran and his equally legendary trainer Ray Arcel change each other's lives.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 17000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Panama, USA
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, exciting, tense, inspirational, period piece, cult classic, serious, hot, extraordinary
Similar in 85%
Jawbone (2017)
Plot Summary:
A former youth boxing champion, Jimmy McCabe is a man in search of hope but looking in all the wrong places. When he hits rock bottom he turns to his childhood boxing club and the only family he has left: gym owner Bill corner man Eddie and promoter Joe. Back in training, years after anyone thought he was a contender, he risks his life, as he tries to stand tall and regain his place in the world.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: UK
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: rough, tense, inspirational, powerful
Similar in 75%
Bleed for This (2016)
Plot Summary:
The inspirational story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza, who after a near fatal car crash, which left him not knowing if he'd ever walk again, made one of sports most incredible comebacks.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 29000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 117 min
Plot tags: rough, realistic, exciting, serious, inspirational, intense
Similar in 88%
Creed II (2018)
Plot Summary:
Follows Adonis Creed's life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with new found fame, issues with his family, and his continuing quest to become a champion.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 152000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 130 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, captivating, motivational, melancholic, touching, serious, bloody, hood, cult classic
Similar in 85%
Mary Kom (2014)
Plot Summary:
A chronicle of the life of Indian boxer 'Mary Kom' who went through several hardships before audaciously accomplishing her ultimate dream.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: India
Duration: 122 min
Plot tags: realistic, exciting, serious, captivating, motivational, inspirational, poignant, patriotic
Similar in 89%
Bloodsport (1988)
Plot Summary:
Frank Dux has entered the "kumite", an illegal underground martial-arts competition where serious injury and even death are not unknown. Chong Li, a particularly ruthless and vicious fighter is the favorite, but then again Dux has not fought him yet.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 92000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: exciting, intense, grindhouse, cult classic, serious, suspenseful, epic, independent film, rough, realistic
Similar in 90%
Creed (2015)
Plot Summary:
The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 306000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 133 min
Plot tags: inspirational, reflective, brutal, emotional, suspense, sentimental, touching, intense, sincere, serious
Similar in 78%
Rocky II (1979)
Plot Summary:
After Rocky goes the distance with champ Apollo Creed, both try to put the fight behind them and move on. Rocky settles down with Adrian but can't put his life together outside the ring, while Creed seeks a rematch to restore his reputation. Soon enough, the "Master of Disaster" and the "Italian Stallion" are set on a collision course for a climactic battle that is brutal and unforgettable.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 227000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, rough, feel good, captivating, entertaining, action packed, saga, action adventure, motivational
Similar in 75%
Rocky III (1982)
Plot Summary:
Now the world champion, Rocky Balboa is living in luxury and only fighting opponents who pose no threat to him in the ring, until Clubber Lang challenges him to a bout. After taking a pounding from Lang, the humbled champ turns to former bitter rival Apollo Creed for a rematch with Lang.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 208000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: inspirational, captivating, suspenseful, action packed, action adventure, suspense, psychological, motivational, uplifting, saga
Similar in 89%
Foxcatcher (2014)
Plot Summary:
The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 148000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, psychological, thought provoking, bleak, disturbing, stylized, tense, depressing, suspense, rough
Similar in 83%
Dangal (2016)
Plot Summary:
Dangal is an extraordinary true story based on the life of Mahavir Singh and his two daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The film traces the inspirational journey of a father who trains his daughters to become world class wrestlers.
IMDB Rating: 8.3
IMDB Votes: 205000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: India, USA
Duration: 161 min
Plot tags: inspirational, atmospheric, intense, lyrical, motivational, thought provoking, captivating, patriotic, disturbing, feel good
Similar in 77%
Coach Carter (2005)
Plot Summary:
Based on a true story, in which Richmond High School head basketball coach Ken Carter made headlines in 1999 for benching his undefeated team due to poor academic results.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 168000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA, Germany
Duration: 136 min
Plot tags: motivational, inspirational, touching, hood, feel good, captivating, teen, intense, philosophical, sexy
Similar in 87%
Raging Bull (1980)
Plot Summary:
When Jake LaMotta steps into a boxing ring and obliterates his opponent, he's a prizefighter. But when he treats his family and friends the same way, he's a ticking time bomb, ready to go off at any moment. Though LaMotta wants his family's love, something always seems to come between them. Perhaps it's his violent bouts of paranoia and jealousy. This kind of rage helped make him a champ, but in real life, he winds up in the ring alone.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 373000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 129 min
Plot tags: black and white, stylized, atmospheric, depressing, breathtaking, bloody, visual, harsh, neo noir, poignant
Similar in 89%
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Plot Summary:
When he loses a highly publicized virtual boxing match to ex-champ Rocky Balboa, reigning heavyweight titleholder, Mason Dixon retaliates by challenging Rocky to a nationally televised, 10-round exhibition bout. To the surprise of his son and friends, Rocky agrees to come out of retirement and face an opponent who's faster, stronger and thirty years his junior.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 229000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, touching, melancholic, action packed, realistic, sentimental, motivational, action adventure, entertaining
Similar in 82%
Warrior (2011)
Plot Summary:
The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament - a path that puts the fighter on a collision course with his estranged, older brother, an ex-marine with a tragic past.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 491000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags: emotional, serious, inspirational, touching, rough, exciting, tense, sentimental, realistic, entertaining
Similar in 86%
Rocky V (1990)
Plot Summary:
A lifetime of taking shots has ended Rocky's career, and a crooked accountant has left him broke. Inspired by the memory of his trainer, however, Rocky finds glory in training and takes on an up-and-coming boxer.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 148000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: inspirational, serious, realistic, action packed, saga, action adventure, suspense, cult classic, sincere, feel good
Similar in 79%
Rush (2013)
Plot Summary:
A biographical drama centered on the rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 Formula One motor-racing season.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 504000
Genere: Action, Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 123 min
Plot tags: inspirational, realistic, motivational, tense, suspense, exciting, atmospheric, scenic, intense, captivating
Similar in 85%
Southpaw (2015)
Plot Summary:
Billy "The Great" Hope, the reigning junior middleweight boxing champion, has an impressive career, a loving wife and daughter, and a lavish lifestyle. However, when tragedy strikes, Billy hits rock bottom, losing his family, his house and his manager. He soon finds an unlikely savior in Tick Willis, a former fighter who trains the city's toughest amateur boxers. With his future on the line, Hope fights to reclaim the trust of those he loves the most.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 254000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: Hong Kong, USA
Duration: 124 min
Plot tags: touching, inspirational, dramatic, sentimental, rough, intense, emotional, serious, exciting, suspense
Similar in 82%
Ali (2001)
Plot Summary:
In 1964, a brash, new pro boxer, fresh from his Olympic gold medal victory, explodes onto the scene: Cassius Clay. Bold and outspoken, he cuts an entirely new image for African Americans in sport with his proud public self-confidence and his unapologetic belief that he is the greatest boxer of all time. Yet at the top of his game, both Ali's personal and professional lives face the ultimate test.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 104000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 157 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, sincere, touching, thought provoking, motivational, political, non fiction, cult classic, tense
Similar in 78%
Chasing Mavericks (2012)
Plot Summary:
Surfer Jay Moriarity sets out to ride the Northern California break known as Mavericks.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 34000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 116 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, serious, realistic, motivational, feel good, sweet, emotional, entertaining, social
Similar in 77%
Miracle (2004)
Plot Summary:
In 1980, the United States Ice Hockey team's coach, Herb Brooks, put a ragtag squad of college kids up against the legendary juggernaut from the Soviet Union at the Olympic Games. Despite the long odds, Team USA carried the pride of a nation yearning for a distraction from world events. With the world watching, the team rose to the occasion, prompting broadcaster Al Michaels' now famous question to the millions viewing at home: "Do you believe in miracles?" Yes!.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 58000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 135 min
Plot tags: uplifting, touching, factual, sincere, captivating, feel good, inspirational, emotional, realistic, motivational
Similar in 75%
Rocky (1976)
Plot Summary:
When world heavyweight boxing champion, Apollo Creed wants to give an unknown fighter a shot at the title as a publicity stunt, his handlers choose palooka Rocky Balboa, an uneducated collector for a Philadelphia loan shark. Rocky teams up with trainer Mickey Goldmill to make the most of this once in a lifetime break.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 617000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, motivational, touching, cult classic, captivating, dramatic, action packed, saga, action adventure
Similar in 83%
The Hurricane (1999)
Plot Summary:
The story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongly imprisoned for murder, and the people who aided in his fight to prove his innocence.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 101000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 146 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, touching, inspirational, factual, motivational, epic, political, twisted, sincere, uplifting
Similar in 86%
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Plot Summary:
Despondent over a painful estrangement from his daughter, trainer Frankie Dunn isn't prepared for boxer Maggie Fitzgerald to enter his life. But Maggie's determined to go pro and to convince Dunn and his cohort to help her.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 713000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 132 min
Plot tags: emotional, sad, touching, depressing, bad ending, bleak, harsh, poignant, motivational, sentimental
Similar in 89%
Queen of Katwe (2016)
Plot Summary:
A young girl overcomes her disadvantaged upbringing in the slums of Uganda to become a Chess master.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 18000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 124 min
Plot tags: inspirational, thought provoking, sincere, captivating, disturbing, feel good, spiritual, serious, emotional, social
Similar in 88%
42 (2013)
Plot Summary:
The powerful story of Jackie Robinson, the legendary baseball player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier when he joined the roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The film follows the innovative Dodgers’ general manager Branch Rickey, the MLB executive who first signed Robinson to the minors and then helped to bring him up to the show.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 101000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 128 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sentimental, emotional, touching, factual, intense, serious, motivational, period piece, thought provoking
Similar in 78%
The Big Short (2015)
Plot Summary:
The men who made millions from a global economic meltdown.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 471000
Genere: Biography, Comedy, Drama, History
Country: USA
Duration: 130 min
Plot tags: intellectual, realistic, tense, intelligent, inspirational, social, political, motivational, thought provoking, cult classic
Similar in 77%
The Blind Side (2009)
Plot Summary:
Oversized African-American, Michael Oher, the teen from across the tracks and a broken home, has nowhere to sleep at age 16. Taken in by an affluent Memphis couple, Michael embarks on a remarkable rise to play for the NFL.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 355000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 129 min
Plot tags: touching, inspirational, emotional, sentimental, motivational, uplifting, realistic, feel good, captivating, christian film
Similar in 80%
Cinderella Man (2005)
Plot Summary:
The true story of boxer, Jim Braddock who, in the 1920’s after his retirement, has a surprise comeback in order to get him and his family out of a socially poor state.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 196000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 144 min
Plot tags: touching, inspirational, motivational, uplifting, sentimental, sincere, emotional, period piece, compassionate, feel good
Similar in 81%
Rudy (1993)
Plot Summary:
Rudy grew up in a steel mill town where most people ended up working, but wanted to play football at Notre Dame instead. There were only a couple of problems. His grades were a little low, his athletic skills were poor, and he was only half the size of the other players. But he had the drive and the spirit of 5 people and has set his sights upon joining the team.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 68000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, feel good, emotional, tear jerker, sentimental, touching, epic, christian film, non fiction