Best movies like The Rocket
Last updated March 2024
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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
Best tv shows and movies like The Rocket (2005):
Similar in 84%
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 81%
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 75%
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 89%
The Kid (1997)
Plot Summary:
Jimmy Albright is a young athlete with a passion for boxing. His mentor, Harry Sloan, an aging trainer and former boxer, sees Jimmy's potential, not only as a boxer but as a young man. With Harry's guidance, Jimmy trains and fights his way to the top of his division. All things appear to be on track, except for one small twist: Jimmy's parents, Don and Doreen, don't know he's a boxer.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 192
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: independent film, psychological, sincere, uplifting, touching, feel good, serious, realistic
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 76%
Swimming Upstream (2003)
Plot Summary:
A young man aspiring for recognition of his talents battles against his estranged father's sentiment towards him as the father deals with his own demons.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Australia, USA
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: uplifting, sentimental, sincere, touching, serious, realistic, crying
Similar in 88%
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 76%
Bert & Dickie (2012)
Plot Summary:
Thrown together just five weeks before the final of the 1948 London Olympics, Bert Bushnell (Doctor Who's Matt Smith) and Dickie Burnell (Sam Hoare) defied all the odds and made history in the double sculls. This is the story of how they did it - not only by pushing physical and emotional limits, but also by overcoming their vast professional and personal differences.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 375
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Sport
Country: UK
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: uplifting, serious, realistic, exciting
Similar in 84%
Kano (2014)
Plot Summary:
A Taiwanese high school baseball team travels to Japan in 1931 to compete in a national tournament.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, History, Sport
Country: Taiwan
Duration: 185 min
Plot tags: uplifting, sincere, captivating, sentimental, serious, realistic, banned
Similar in 79%
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 90%
Maradona, the Hand of God (2007)
Plot Summary:
Dramatizing of the many shocking highs and lows of Argentine soccer hero Diego Maradona, an extraordinary athlete and arguably the greatest player in the history of the sport.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 723
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Italy, Argentina
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: realistic, uplifting, sentimental, sincere, serious
Similar in 85%
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 82%
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 82%
The Athlete (2009)
Plot Summary:
Running the streets of Rome in 1960, an unknown, barefooted Ethiopian man stunned the world by winning Olympic gold in the marathon. Overnight, Abebe Bikila became a sports legend. A hero in his own country and to the continent, Bikila was the first African to win a gold medal, and four years later in Tokyo would become the first person in history to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the marathon.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 260
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA, Germany, Ethiopia
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: uplifting, touching, exciting, sentimental, independent film, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, stylized
Similar in 87%
The Opponent (2000)
Plot Summary:
Patty Sullivan (Erica Eleniak) is a battered woman who decides to take charge of her life by taking boxing lessons to better protect herself when her boyfriend becomes violent. Patty soon learns she has some talent for boxing and sets her sights on competing in a professional fight. More is on the line than just the woman's title.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 253
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: sincere, rough, serious, independent film, realistic, uplifting
Similar in 89%
3: The Dale Earnhardt Story (2004)
Plot Summary:
A Biographical story of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. The movie starts with his young life and growing up with his father, Ralph, who raced for a living, but initially wanted more for his son. When Dale quits high school to start driving full time, his father aids him and shows a reluctant pride when he is initially successful. Armed with many of his father's philosophies, Dale pushed himself to be the best. His aggressive track mannerisms earned himself fans and detractors. Fellow racer Neil Bonnett was one of those long time friends whose death deeply affected Dale. Darrell Waltrip clearly was a detractor and the two men's rivalry is clearly depicted. Off the track, Dale's determination to make it impacts two marriages. Third wife Theresa was closer to racing and met Dale when he had started his rise into the Winston Cup circuit. The story also looks at his relationship with his children.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: sincere, serious, realistic, sentimental
Similar in 79%
Risen (2010)
Plot Summary:
As one of the rising talents of amateur boxing, Howard Winstone, a young Welsh boy from Merthyr Tydfil, was fast making a name for himself with his knock out right hand. A long professional fighting career surely beckoned? Then disaster strikes. An industrial accident results in Winstone losing three fingers on his right hand. Through sheer determination, and despite only being able to make a fist with one hand, Winstone develops a dynamic new style and begins boxing his way back up the amateur ranks eventually turning pro. Supported by his family and guided by new trainer, Eddie Thomas, Winstone becomes the Champion of Britain and then Europe. Now, with the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders, he is stood poised to challenge for the crown of Featherweight Champion of the World.
IMDB Rating: 5.2
IMDB Votes: 221
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: uplifting, serious, captivating, realistic
Similar in 85%
Believe in Me (2006)
Plot Summary:
In a conservative small town, a young man's wish to coach high school basketball are tweaked by a school board decision that makes him the new coach of the girls' team.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 131 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic, inspirational, spiritual
Similar in 85%
The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend (1991)
Plot Summary:
A story about the great basketball player "Pistol" Pete Maravich when he was in the eighth grade. He plays on the varsity basketball team at Daniel High School but has some very difficult obstacles standing in his way of playing. The only support he has is from his father, retired basketball pro Press Maravich.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: independent film, sentimental, sincere, touching, serious, emotional, realistic
Similar in 82%
The Hammer (2010)
Plot Summary:
A coming of age drama following the life of Matt Hamill, the first deaf wrestler to win a National Collegiate Wrestling Championship.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: uplifting, sentimental, sincere, touching, captivating, serious, emotional, realistic
Similar in 90%
Pele: Birth of a Legend (2016)
Plot Summary:
The life story of Brazilian football legend, Pele.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 21000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: inspirational, serious, realistic, uplifting, factual, sincere, touching, captivating, feel good, informative
Similar in 90%
The Cup (2011)
Plot Summary:
At the heart of this true story is Damien Oliver, a young jockey who loses his only brother in a tragic racing accident, hauntingly reflecting of the way their father died 27 years earlier. After suffering through a series of discouraging defeats, Damien teams with Irish trainer Dermot Weld, and triumphs at the 2002 Melbourne Cup in one of the most thrilling finales in sporting history.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 845
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Australia
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: uplifting, touching, serious, realistic
Similar in 82%
The Final Season (2007)
Plot Summary:
True story of Kent Stock, who in the early 90's, gives up a job and ditches his wedding plans to take over as head coach as the Norway High School baseball team. Kent must win over his players and convince them and himself that he can fill their former coach's shoes and that they can go out winners. In the summer of 1991 Norway High's baseball tradition ended on a triumphant but sombre note.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, touching, realistic, historical drama, serious, captivating, emotional, independent film
Similar in 77%
The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)
Plot Summary:
A biopic of 20-year-old Francis Ouimet who defeated his golfing idol and 1900 US Open Champion, Harry Vardon.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 33000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: motivational, inspirational, captivating, sincere, sentimental, costume drama, feel good, epic, scenic, cult classic
Similar in 82%
Invincible (2006)
Plot Summary:
Inspired by the true story of Vince Papale, a man with nothing to lose who ignored the staggering odds and made his dream come true. When the coach of Papale's beloved hometown football team hosted an unprecedented open tryout, the public consensus was that it was a waste of time – no one good enough to play professional football was going to be found this way.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 74000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 105 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sentimental, motivational, exciting, feel good, sincere, serious, captivating, entertaining, historical drama
Similar in 80%
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 80%
The Babe (1992)
Plot Summary:
A chronicle of Babe Ruth's phenomenal story--from his hard knock beginnings at a Baltimore orphanage, to his meteoric rise to baseball superstardom and his poignant retirement from the game. His amazing career included seven American League pennants, four World Series championships, two tempestuous marriages and a wild lifestyle that earned him numerous suspensions.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: scary, sentimental, uplifting, touching, serious, realistic, light, inspirational, romantic, clever
Similar in 86%
The Express (2008)
Plot Summary:
Based on the incredible true story, The Express follows the inspirational life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 23000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA, Germany
Duration: 130 min
Plot tags: inspirational, uplifting, emotional, factual, serious, realistic, sincere, exciting, motivational, historical drama
Similar in 80%
Glory Road (2006)
Plot Summary:
In 1966, Texas Western coach Don Haskins led the first all-black starting line-up for a college basketball team to the NCAA national championship.
IMDB Rating: 7.2
IMDB Votes: 48000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: inspirational, sincere, emotional, intense, sentimental, serious, uplifting, touching, feel good, period piece
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