Best movies like Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story
Last updated March 2024
Looking for movies similar to Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story? Offer your knowledge to lead others to tv shows and movies you've already watched that might appeal to them also. Support expanding the assembly of people recommending videos to one another. We encourage your participation!
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
Best tv shows and movies like Waking Up Wally: The Walter Gretzky Story (2005):
Similar in 86%
Score: A Hockey Musical (2010)
Plot Summary:
Seventeen-year old Farley has the stick-handling skills of the next Sidney Crosby. Not that Farley has any idea who Crosby is. He’s led a sheltered life, homeschooled by parents whose idea of homework is trips to an art gallery or ashram. His best friend is Eve, the girl who’s lived next door since they were both three. Much to the dismay of his parents, Farley loves to play shinny with the local rink rats. To their even greater dismay, Farley is signed to a major hockey league, where he achieves instant stardom, throwing him into a world of hype. Farley soon finds that hockey fame comes with a price, including the expectation to fight. Throw in a changing relationship with Eve – and Farley is losing his way.
IMDB Rating: 4.5
IMDB Votes: 722
Genere: Comedy, Family, Musical, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: sentimental, feel good, humorous, captivating, realistic, semi serious, uplifting
Similar in 88%
My Brother... Nikhil (2005)
Plot Summary:
Famous swimmer Nikhil Kapoor (Suri) deals with the repercussions of announcing the fact that he has HIV/AIDS.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: India
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, captivating, suspense, sexual, sexy, queer cinema, cult film
Similar in 86%
In Orange (2004)
Plot Summary:
An 11 year old talented soccer player, Remco, has one big dream: to be selected for the national team under 12 years. His father Erik coaches him and everything seems to work out fine, until Erik suddenly dies. Remco and mother Sylvia are shocked. Remco keeps working to fulfil his dream, being helped by his friends Anne and Winston.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: Netherlands
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: feel good, serious, uplifting, captivating, realistic
Similar in 83%
The Horses of Mcbride (2012)
Plot Summary:
When Nicki finds two horses stranded deep in the Rocky Mountain snow, she makes it her mission to find a way to get them to safety. With no other options, she picks up a shovel and starts to dig out the mile-long path, inspiring her father, Matt, and the rest of the community to join together and save the horses in the spirit of Christmas.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 374
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: Canada
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: sentimental, uplifting, serious, realistic
Similar in 84%
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 84%
Winter Comes Early (1971)
Plot Summary:
Love story involving a Canadian professional hockey player and a hippie folk singer. Their union is tumultuous, as both try to come to terms with their differences in careers and lifestyles.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 255
Genere: Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: grindhouse, sentimental, touching, serious, realistic, independent film
Similar in 85%
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 86%
Resurrecting the Champ (2007)
Plot Summary:
Up-and-coming sports reporter rescues a homeless man ("Champ") only to discover that he is, in fact, a boxing legend believed to have passed away. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect Champ's story and escape the shadow of his father's success becomes a personal journey as the ambitious reporter reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 21000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, uplifting, serious, cult classic, captivating, realistic, tense, sentimental, inspirational
Similar in 82%
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%
Walk. Ride. Rodeo. (2019)
Plot Summary:
Tells the incredible true story of Amberley Snyder, a nationally ranked rodeo barrel racer who defies the odds after barely surviving a car accident that leaves her paralyzed from the waist down.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: touching, sincere, exciting, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 88%
If I Had Wings (2013)
Plot Summary:
Alex, blind since the age of two, dreams of running for his school's cross-country team. His father, a probation officer, finds a running partner who spends his time 'running' from the law.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 89 min
Plot tags: touching, sincere, uplifting, emotional, serious, realistic
Similar in 80%
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 83%
Big Spender (2003)
Plot Summary:
Orphan Eddie Burton is not bad, but too many screw-ups land him repeatedly in jail, so his 8-year old son Will, simply abandoned by his 'mother', has nobody else then Eddie's granny. When he hears about a program for convicts working an a foundation's farm for retired race horses, Eddie signs up and proves his talent with Big Spender, who was found completely run down. He nurses the horse back to health, and convinces Jake Cotter, the man in charge, to try a stunt: train him for an new career in jumping, which is a success when his dedicated race jockey Mel Tennant volunteers to ride him again. If he does really well, he may even get a certificate opening the perspective of a real job, which he desperately needs when grandma dies after having him swear he'll get out: the nightmare alternative is to leave Will lingering in the very home that did Eddie no good.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 265
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic
Similar in 81%
Finding Buck McHenry (2000)
Plot Summary:
When an 11 year old boy gets cut from his Little League baseball team, he sets out to form his own team.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 282
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, feel good, humorous, uplifting, realistic, non-linear, semi serious
Similar in 86%
Booky & the Secret Santa (2007)
Plot Summary:
Booky does everything she can to make an enjoyable Christmas, for her family, during the depression as her father is out of work.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 311
Genere: Drama, Family
Country: Canada
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, realistic, sincere, captivating, feel good, serious
Similar in 76%
The Bronx Bull (2016)
Plot Summary:
A combination "before the rage" and "after the rage" of world middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta's tumultuous life and times.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 697
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic, captivating
Similar in 82%
The Terry Fox Story (1983)
Plot Summary:
The true story about the Canadian cancer amputee hero who decided to run across Canada on only one leg to raise money for cancer research.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 707
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: sad, sentimental, sincere, uplifting, touching, feel good, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic
Similar in 83%
Gracie (2007)
Plot Summary:
This is the story of a teenager named Gracie Bowen, who lives in South Orange, New Jersey, is crazy about soccer, as are her three brothers and former soccer star father. Although Gracie wants to join her brothers and father in the nightly practices, she is discouraged by everyone except her elder brother, Johnny. Her father does not believe that girls should play soccer and tells her that she is neither tough enough nor talented enough to play with the boys team. Undeterred, Gracie finds reserves of strength she never knew existed, and persists in changing everyone's beliefs in what she is capable of, including her own. She faces an uphill battle when she fights to give women the opportunity to play competitive soccer. But as the beautiful and strong person that she has always been but she also brings her family together in the face of their own tragedy.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, emotional, realistic, sincere, serious, crying
Similar in 81%
Terry (2005)
Plot Summary:
"Terry" tells the story of 21-year old amputee Terry Fox who attempted to run across Canada with only one leg. Unfortunately, he only made it to Thunder Bay, Ontario when he died, one month before his 23rd birthday yet his memories will live on forever in the hearts of Canadians everywhere.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 538
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: Canada
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: uplifting, touching, sentimental, realistic, serious
Similar in 81%
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 90%
1000 to 1 (2014)
Plot Summary:
Cory Weissman is a college basketball player who suffers a devastating stroke. He perseveres to find new meaning in his life both on, and more importantly, off the court.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: captivating, emotional, serious, motivational, inspirational, realistic, uplifting
Similar in 77%
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
Similar in 90%
Brian's Song (1971)
Plot Summary:
Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 9000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 73 min
Plot tags: tear jerker, sad, non fiction, depressing, bad ending, sentimental, sincere, uplifting, touching, serious
Similar in 83%
A Mother's Courage: The Mary Thomas Story (1989)
Plot Summary:
The story of Mary Thomas, the mother of basketball star Isiah Thomas, and how she fought to keep her family together and her sons out of trouble despite the surroundings of poverty, drugs, crime and violence of their ghetto neighborhood.
IMDB Rating: 7.8
IMDB Votes: 118
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 87 min
Plot tags: uplifting, touching, serious, realistic
Similar in 77%
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 75%
Soul Surfer (2011)
Plot Summary:
Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton. Bethany lost her left arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic life on Kauai, participating in national surf competitions with her best friend Alana (Lorraine Nicholson), when everything changed. On Halloween morning, a 14-foot tiger shark came out of nowhere and seemed to shatter all her dreams.Soul Surfer reveals Bethany's fight to recover from her ordeal and how she grappled with the question of her future. Strengthened by the love of her parents, Tom (Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (Helen Hunt), and supported by her youth group leader Sara (Carrie Underwood), Bethany refuses to give in or give up, and begins a bold return to the water.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 52000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: christian film, touching, uplifting, sentimental, motivational, feel good, emotional, serious, realistic, inspirational
Similar in 81%
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 83%
The Brooke Ellison Story (2004)
Plot Summary:
Rendered a quadriplegic since a child from a near-fatal neck injury, a young girl fights against all odds to succeed in life from grade school to her acceptance into college under the assistance of her loyal and dedicated mother.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 91 min
Plot tags: sincere, uplifting, sentimental, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, saga
Similar in 82%
Warm Springs (2005)
Plot Summary:
Franklin Roosevelt, left a paraplegic from polio at 39 years of age, seeks out a miracle cure in the backwoods of Georgia.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Biography, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 121 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, uplifting, realistic, political, captivating, historical drama, historically accurate, touching, serious