Best movies like The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Summer 1962 and Olli Mäki has a shot at the world championship title in featherweight boxing. From the Finnish countryside to the bright lights of Helsinki, everything has been prepared for his fame and fortune. All Olli has to do is lose weight and concentrate. But there is a problem – he has fallen in love with Raija.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: Finland, Sweden, Germany
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: black and white, factual, exciting, captivating, tense, rough, touching, poetic, documentary filmmaking
Best tv shows and movies like The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2016):
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Breaking the Limits (2017)
Plot Summary:
Based on true events. In 1980s Poland, Jerzy Górski is a young man who finds the determination to struggle against his drug addiction through athletic training, with the aim of competing in the US Ironman Triathlon.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Poland
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: exciting, thought provoking, captivating
Similar in 79%
My Last Round (2011)
Plot Summary:
Hugo becomes captivated with Octavio, a middle-aged local boxing champion, but their relationship is tested when Hugo finds a new job in the city.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 378
Genere: Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: Chile, Argentina
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: realistic, sentimental, psychological, captivating, touching, humorous, semi serious, crying, queer cinema
Similar in 77%
Caught by a Wave (2021)
Plot Summary:
A summer fling born under the Sicilian sun quickly develops into a heartbreaking love story that forces a boy and girl to grow up too quickly.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: Italy
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, romantic, captivating
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 84%
When It Comes Around (2018)
Plot Summary:
Dex is known around his office as one of the most successful players in the dating game. He gets a run for his money from the latest office recruit, Jerry Williams. After a wild ride of manipulation and crafty games, Jerry turns the tables. Dex definitely finds out that the true player, is Jerry.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 107
Genere: Drama, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: captivating, disturbing
Similar in 76%
My Name Is Lenny (2017)
Plot Summary:
The life story of one of Britain's most notorious bare-knuckle fighters, Lenny McLean, also known as "The Guv'nor".
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: UK
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: captivating, entertaining
Similar in 75%
Chuck (2016)
Plot Summary:
A drama inspired by the life of heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, captivating, suspense, disturbing
Similar in 77%
Unbeatable (2013)
Plot Summary:
Fai, once a world champion in boxing, escapes to Macau from the loan sharks and unexpectedly encounters Qi, a young chap who is determined to win a boxing match. Fai becomes Qi's mentor and rediscovers his passion to fight not only in the ring but for his life and the cares.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Action, Drama, Sport
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 122 min
Plot tags: tense, exciting, rough, serious, realistic, captivating
Similar in 81%
Running Brave (1983)
Plot Summary:
The story of Billy Mills the American Indian that came from obscurity, to win the 10,000 meter long distance foot race in the Tokyo Olympics.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 755
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: inspirational, period piece, uplifting, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic
Similar in 81%
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 82%
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 86%
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 83%
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 87%
Borg vs. McEnroe (2017)
Plot Summary:
The story of the world's greatest tennis icons – Björn Borg and his biggest rival, the young and talented John McEnroe – and their legendary duel during the 1980 Wimbledon tournament.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 34000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Czech Republic
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: serious, tense, captivating, exciting, inspirational, art house, extraordinary
Similar in 86%
Carnera: The Walking Mountain (2008)
Plot Summary:
The life of Primo Carnera a.k.a. "Ambling Alp", Italian professional boxer and the World Heavyweight Champion from June 1933 to June 1934, but also accused by some of having ties to the mob.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 489
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Italy, Romania
Duration: 125 min
Plot tags: uplifting, touching, serious, emotional, captivating, realistic
Similar in 83%
Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)
Plot Summary:
The story of golf icon and legend, Bobby Jones, who retired from competition at the tender age of 28.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 123 min
Plot tags: inspirational, melancholic, factual, serious, sentimental, sincere, realistic, independent film, exciting, romantic
Similar in 84%
The Greatest (1977)
Plot Summary:
The Greatest is a 1977 film about the life of boxer Muhammad Ali, in which Ali plays himself. It was directed by Tom Gries and Monte Hellman. The song "Greatest Love of All", later remade by Whitney Houston, was written for this film and sung by George Benson. The movie follows Ali's life from the 1960 Olympics to his regaining the heavyweight crown from George Foreman in their famous "Rumble in the Jungle" fight in 1974.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 101 min
Plot tags: touching, realistic, sincere, serious, independent film
Similar in 75%
Phantom Punch (2008)
Plot Summary:
From his discovery by a priest while serving time at the Missouri State Penitentiary to the infamous 'Phantom Punch' by Cassius Clay which effectively ended his career, the movie spans the years from 1950 to Liston's mysterious and untimely death in 1971.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 837
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: rough, captivating, realistic, sincere, serious, emotional, gloomy
Similar in 79%
Don King: Only in America (1997)
Plot Summary:
A cinematic portrait of the famous fight promoter and boxing manager.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: exciting, serious, realistic
Similar in 90%
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 83%
Tyson (1995)
Plot Summary:
The story of Mike Tyson. From his early days as a 12 year old amateur with a powerful punch, to the undisputed title of "Heavyweight Champion of the World", and ultimately to his conviction for rape. The story of his turbulent life moves quickly, never focusing for long on anything in particular.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 78%
Prefontaine (1997)
Plot Summary:
It's the true-life story of legendary track star Steve Prefontaine, the exciting and sometimes controversial "James Dean of Track," whose spirit captured the heart of the nation! Cocky, charismatic, and tough, "Pre" was a running rebel who defied rules, pushed limits ... and smashed records.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: talky, factual, intense, sincere, rough, serious, inspirational, non fiction, cult classic, captivating
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Big George Foreman (2023)
Plot Summary:
Fueled by an impoverished childhood, George Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 129 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 85%
The Featherweight (2023)
Plot Summary:
Set in 1965, Pep is living in relative obscurity in his hometown of Hartford. Amidst personal troubles, and with the need to earn, Pep, at the age of 42, makes a stunning return to the ring.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 110
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 78%
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 76%
Against the Ropes (2004)
Plot Summary:
A fictional story inspired by North America's most famous female boxing promoter, Jackie Kallen. Her struggle to survive and succeed in a male dominated sport.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA, Germany
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: inspirational, intense, sincere, serious, rough, realistic, light, sexy, feel good, bad ending
Similar in 80%
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 81%
Without Limits (1998)
Plot Summary:
The film follows the life of famous 1970s runner Steve Prefontaine from his youth days in Oregon to the University of Oregon where he worked with the legendary coach Bill Bowerman, later to Olympics in Munich and his early death at 24 in a car crash.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 117 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, factual, exciting, captivating, touching, emotional, realistic, feel good, crying
Similar in 75%
The Fighter (2010)
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
Similar in 83%
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