Best movies like The Hustler
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Fast Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary Minnesota Fats to a high-stakes match.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 86000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: black and white, atmospheric, suspense, psychological, cynical, grim, tense, realistic, talky, thought provoking
Best tv shows and movies like The Hustler (1961):
Similar in 84%
Diggstown (1992)
Plot Summary:
Gabriel Caine has just been released from prison when he sets up a bet with a business man. The business man owns most of a boxing-mad town called Diggstown. The bet is that Gabe can find a boxer that will knock out 10 Diggstown men, in a boxing ring, within 24 hours. "Honey" Roy Palmer is that man - although at 48, many say he is too old.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: cult classic, witty, neo noir, comedy drama, humorous, realistic, semi serious, independent film, tense, light
Similar in 84%
Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)
Plot Summary:
Mountain Rivera is at the end of his boxing career after a knockout by Cassius Clay in the seventh round. His left eye is one punch from permanent trauma, his ears turned to cauliflower, his speech slurred from "being hit a million times," and he slings punches anytime he hears a bell, but his trainer and 'cutman' Army, and Miss Miller, a manipulative social worker, support his illusion that he could be a movie usher, a camp counselor, or a romantic partner for Miller.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: black and white, atmospheric, bleak, retro, sincere, rough, serious, realistic, contemplative, gloomy
Similar in 87%
This Sporting Life (1963)
Plot Summary:
In Northern England in the early 1960s, Frank Machin is mean, tough and ambitious enough to become an immediate star in the rugby league team run by local employer Weaver.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: UK
Duration: 134 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, psychological, sentimental, thought provoking, captivating, existential, mind blowing, twisted, sincere
Similar in 84%
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 81%
The Music of Chance (1993)
Plot Summary:
Two men face the consequences of gambling after playing with men beyond their league.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: independent film, depressing, surreal, twisted, psychological, atmospheric, serious, realistic, suspenseful, road movie
Similar in 85%
Hard Times (1975)
Plot Summary:
In the depression, Chaney, a strong silent streetfighter, joins with Speed, a promoter of no-holds-barred street boxing bouts. They go to New Orleans where Speed borrows money to set up fights for Chaney, but Speed gambles away any winnings.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 12000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: realistic, tense, harsh, serious, neo noir, atmospheric, captivating, cynical, action adventure, exciting
Similar in 82%
Redbelt (2008)
Plot Summary:
Is there room for principle in Los Angeles? Mike Terry teaches jujitsu and barely makes ends meet. His Brazilian wife, whose family promotes fights, wants to see Mike in the ring making money, but to him competition is degrading. A woman sideswipes Mike's car and then, after an odd sequence of events, shoots out the studio's window. Later that evening, Mike rescues an action movie star in a fistfight at a bar. In return, the actor befriends Mike, gives him a gift, offers him work on his newest film, and introduces Mike's wife to his own - the women initiate business dealings. Then, things go sour all at once, Mike's debts mount, and going into the ring may be his only option.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 21000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: realistic, serious, tense, suspenseful, talky, entertaining, neo noir, clever, colorful, contemplative
Similar in 85%
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 90%
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 76%
Luck (2011)
Plot Summary:
A drama set in the world of horse racing focusing on lives of owners, jockeys, trainers and gamblers who are all tied to the same horse track.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 52 min
Plot tags: realistic, atmospheric, captivating, psychological, clever, serious, contemplative, talky, stylized, independent film
Similar in 77%
Any Given Sunday (1999)
Plot Summary:
A star quarterback gets knocked out of the game and an unknown third stringer is called in to replace him. The unknown gives a stunning performance and forces the aging coach to reevaluate his game plans and life. A new co-owner/president adds to the pressure of winning. The new owner must prove her self in a male dominated world.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 125000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 162 min
Plot tags: inspirational, stylized, intense, realistic, rough, serious, captivating, cult classic, sexy, scary
Similar in 80%
Rocky IV (1985)
Plot Summary:
After iron man Drago, a highly intimidating 6-foot-5, 261-pound Soviet athlete, kills Apollo Creed in an exhibition match, Rocky comes to the heart of Russia for 15 pile-driving boxing rounds of revenge.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 223000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: inspirational, tense, suspenseful, entertaining, action packed, saga, feel good, patriotic, action adventure, psychological
Similar in 84%
Fat City (1972)
Plot Summary:
Two men, working as professional boxers, come to blows when their careers each begin to take opposite momentum.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 10000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: atmospheric, realistic, neo noir, serious, captivating, cynical, cult classic, bleak, ironic, entertaining
Similar in 80%
Stickmen (2001)
Plot Summary:
Jack, Thomas and Wayne are the Stickmen. They like nothing more than having a beer in one hand, a pool cue in the other, a coin on the table and a sexy bird or two. They play pub pool for fun and money at Dave's bar. Desperate to get out of debt, Dave gets the Stickmen entered into a high stakes pool tournament run by vicious crime boss "Daddy". He also gets them into a whole rack of trouble.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: New Zealand
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: realistic, semi serious, humorous, offbeat, biting, independent film
Similar in 82%
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Plot Summary:
An up-and-coming poker player tries to prove himself in a high-stakes match against a long-time master of the game.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 18000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: tense, clever, realistic, light, retro, mind blowing, rough, serious, stylized, atmospheric
Similar in 82%
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 86%
The Color of Money (1986)
Plot Summary:
Former pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson decides he wants to return to the game by taking a pupil. He meets talented but green Vincent Lauria and proposes a partnership. As they tour pool halls, Eddie teaches Vincent the tricks of scamming, but he eventually grows frustrated with Vincent's showboat antics, leading to an argument and a falling-out. Eddie takes up playing again and soon crosses paths with Vincent as an opponent.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 92000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: road movie, clever, realistic, talky, stylized, epic, neo noir, social, cult classic, spectacular
Similar in 88%
Poolhall Junkies (2002)
Plot Summary:
A retired pool hustler is forced to pick up the stick again when his brother starts a game he can't finish.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport, Thriller
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: clever, witty, entertaining, stylized, serious, suspenseful, rough, realistic, inspirational, suspense
Similar in 77%
The Sting (1973)
Plot Summary:
Set in the 1930s this intricate caper deals with an ambitious small-time crook and a veteran con man who seek revenge on a vicious crime lord who murdered one of their gang.
IMDB Rating: 8.3
IMDB Votes: 275000
Genere: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 129 min
Plot tags: entertaining, atmospheric, witty, humorous, captivating, clever, suspense, twisted, surprise ending, twist ending
Similar in 81%
Rounders (1998)
Plot Summary:
A young man is a reformed gambler who must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 158000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: neo noir, clever, suspense, psychological, serious, talky, rough, feel good, independent film, inspirational
Similar in 83%
Two for the Money (2005)
Plot Summary:
A former college athlete joins forces with a sports consultant to handicap football games for high-rolling gamblers.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 48000
Genere: Crime, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 122 min
Plot tags: intense, tense, serious, suspenseful, stylized, inspirational, light, neo noir, cult classic, realistic
Similar in 78%
The Wrestler (2008)
Plot Summary:
Aging wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson is long past his prime but still ready and rarin' to go on the pro-wrestling circuit. After a particularly brutal beating, however, Randy hangs up his tights, pursues a serious relationship with a long-in-the-tooth stripper, and tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter. But he can't resist the lure of the ring and readies himself for a comeback.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 317000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA, France
Duration: 109 min
Plot tags: depressing, emotional, bleak, touching, serious, melancholic, sad, sincere, heartbreaking, gloomy
Similar in 81%
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 79%
The Champ (1979)
Plot Summary:
The more you love, the harder you fight.The world looks at Billy Flynn and sees a has-been who seemingly never was, an ex-boxing champion slammed to the mat years ago by booze and gambling. But Billy's son TJ sees what the world doesn't. He knows his flawed but loving father is, was and always will be The Champ.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sad, emotional, heartbreaking, neo noir, tear jerker, heartfelt, weeping, sincere, uplifting
Similar in 84%
The Natural (1984)
Plot Summary:
An unknown middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs with a mysterious past appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league in this magical sports fantasy. With the aid of a bat cut from a lightning struck tree, Hobbs lives the fame he should have had earlier when, as a rising pitcher, he is inexplicably shot by a young woman.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 52000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: inspirational, romantic, sentimental, atmospheric, touching, realistic, feel good, emotional, sad, serious
Similar in 78%
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 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 79%
The Verdict (1982)
Plot Summary:
Frank Galvin is a down-on-his luck lawyer, reduced to drinking and ambulance chasing. Former associate Mickey Morrissey reminds him of his obligations in a medical malpractice suit that he himself served to Galvin on a silver platter: all parties willing to settle out of court. Blundering his way through the preliminaries, he suddenly realizes that perhaps after all the case should go to court; to punish the guilty, to get a decent settlement for his clients, and to restore his standing as a lawyer.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 45000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 129 min
Plot tags: suspense, tense, atmospheric, intense, sincere, thought provoking, touching, serious, suspenseful, clever
Similar in 76%
Cool Hand Luke (1967)
Plot Summary:
When petty criminal Luke Jackson is sentenced to two years in a Florida prison farm, he doesn't play by the rules of either the sadistic warden or the yard's resident heavy, Dragline, who ends up admiring the new guy's unbreakable will. Luke's bravado, even in the face of repeated stints in the prison's dreaded solitary confinement cell, "the box," make him a rebel hero to his fellow convicts and a thorn in the side of the prison officers.
IMDB Rating: 8.1
IMDB Votes: 186000
Genere: Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 127 min
Plot tags: realistic, atmospheric, serious, rough, depressing, intense, scary, inspirational, dorama, spiritual