Movies like Judo Girls (2014)
The best movies like Judo Girls (2014) are Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two (1945), Born a Champion (2021) and Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016). If Judo Girls hooked you, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe First Slam Dunk (2022)7.8/10 from 582 votes
- NewestBeast (2026)Released 2026
- In JapaneseSanshiro Sugata, Part Two (1945)Also in Japanese
Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two (1945)
A few years after his breakthrough, Sanshiro resumes his path to judo mastery—testing his discipline against an American prizefighter and later facing vengeful karate brothers. As rival schools and public spectacle push him toward violence, he must reconcile strength with restraint and the true spirit of his art.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBorn a Champion (2021)
After a blood- soaked jujitsu match in Dubai, fighting legend Mickey Kelley falls to superstar Blaine. But years later, an online video proves that Blaine cheated, and the world demands a rematch. Can the aging underdog get back into shape in time to vanquish his foe, get revenge, and claim his prize?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNever Back Down: No Surrender (2016)
Picking up after the events of Never Back Down 2, former MMA champion Case Walker is on the comeback trail to become champion once again.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Tournament (2009)
Every seven years, in an unsuspecting town, The Tournament takes place. A battle royale between 30 of the world's deadliest assassins. The last man standing receives the $10,000,000 cash prize and the title of World's No. 1 Assassin, which itself carries the legendary million dollar-a-bullet price tag.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisBest of the Best (1989)
A team from the United States is going to compete against Korea in a Tae Kwon Do tournament. The team consists of fighters from all over the country--can they overcome their rivalry and work together to win?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTokyo Olympiad (1965)
This impressionistic portrait of the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics pays as much attention to the crowds and workers as it does to the actual competitive events. Highlights include an epic pole-vaulting match between West Germany and America, and the final marathon race through Tokyo's streets. Two athletes are highlighted: Ethiopian marathon runner Abebe Bikila, who receives his second gold medal, and runner Ahamed Isa from Chad, representing a country younger than he is.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChihayafuru: Part I (2016)
When Chihaya Ayase was in the 6th grade of elementary school, she met Arata Wataya. Arata Wataya transferred from Fukui Prefecture. Taichi Mashima was Chihaya Ayase's friend since they were little. Arata got close to Chihaya and Taichi from the card game karuta. Four years later, Chihaya is a high school student. Chihaya learns that Arata, who went back to Fukui Prefecture, doesn't play karuta anymore. Believing they will meet Arata again, Chihaya and Taichi starts a karuta club at their high school.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJourneyman (2018)
A boxer suffers a serious head injury during a fight, and must deal with the consequences.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Challenge (1982)
Rick, a down-and-out American boxer, is hired to transport a sword to Japan, unaware that the whole thing is a set up in a bitter blood-feud between two brothers, one who follows the traditional path of the samurai and the other a businessman. At the behest of the businessman, Rick undertakes samurai training from the other brother, but joins his cause. He also becomes romantically involved with the samurai's daughter.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisCaptain Tsubasa Movie 04: The Great World Competition!! The Junior World Cup (1986)
Japan and Europe goes continental! This time, they arrange a tournament with 4 teams: Japan, USA, "All-Europe", and "All-South America". South America is rising to the tops of the bracket with their hidden weapon, Carlos Santana, who manages to avoid the tricks of his international opponents. How will Team Japan counter this impressive player?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Second Chance: Rivals! (2019)
As Maddy takes on coaching a team of young twelve-year-old gymnasts, she faces up to intense city versus country rivalry, racism, cyberbullying and her own self-doubt but eventually takes the challenge head on.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlack Belt (2007)
Set in 1932, amid the rise of militarism after the establishment of the Manchukuo colony in Northeast China, the story centers on a trio of karateka. Studying under their aging master in a small dojo in the woods of central Kyushu, Choei, Taikan and Giryu face a company of kempeitai military police come to requisition their dojo for use as a military base.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSound! Euphonium the Movie - Our Promise: A Brand New Day (2019)
The next piece begins! Kumiko is now in her second year at Kitauji High School, and with a new year comes new problems. As if making it to Nationals wasn't hard enough, Kumiko is tasked with mentoring the concert band's troublesome first years – each with their own distinct personality and problems to solve. With Kumiko busy juggling both the concert band and her new role as senpai, how does her relationship with Shuuichi fit into the picture?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCaptain Tsubasa Movie 02: Danger! All Japan Junior Team (1985)
The return match between the All-Europe and All-Japan Junior teams comes home to Japan, but what sort of problems will occur with the game on Tsubasa's home turf?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNever Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011)
Four fighters from different backgrounds come together to train under an ex MMA rising star and then ultimately have to fight each other and the traitor in their midst.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like this100 METERS (2025)
A gifted runner trains a determined but unskilled classmate, unaware he's creating a rival who will challenge him on the track for years to come.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIn the Blood (2014)
When her husband goes missing during their Caribbean vacation, a woman sets off on her own to take down the men she thinks are responsible.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
SnoozefestMovies like thisBeast (2026)
MMA legend Patton James, now a commercial fisherman, is pulled back into the cage when his brother is in danger. Reuniting with his old coach Sammy, he commits to one final fight in one championship against the brutal champion Xavier Grau.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDeath by Hanging (1968)
A Korean man is sentenced to death in Japan but somehow survives his execution, sending the authorities into a panic about what to do next.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe First Slam Dunk (2022)
Shohoku's “speedster” and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. In his second year of high school, Ryota plays with the Shohoku High School basketball team along with Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship. And now, they are on the brink of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDodgeBall: A True Underdog Story (2004)
When megalomaniacal White Goodman, the owner of a trendy, high-end fitness center, makes a move to take over the struggling local gym run by happy-go-lucky Pete La Fleur, there's only one way for La Fleur to fight back: dodgeball. Aided by a dodgeball guru and Goodman's attorney, La Fleur and his rag-tag team of underdogs launch a knock-down, drag-out battle in which the winner takes all.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCold Showers (2005)
Mickael's family is struggling (they don't have enough money to pay for hot water) however his life is full with Judo and his girlfriend Venessa. Then Mickael makes a decision to open up his relationship to include Clement his rich-kid Judo partner, starting a chain of events.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
SnoozefestMovies like thisTaking the Plunge 2 (2009)
Gaby and Fred are preparing for the world swimming championships which will be held in Quebec City this year. Their love will be put to the test when a former love of Gaby's turns up at the championships. Gaby finds herself at a crucial point of her life where she has to choose whether to continue competing or follow another dream that she's cherished forever, but which seems impossible to everyone else—her dream to become an astronaut.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream (2008)
A world class ice skater eager to take the top prize in the biggest competition around finds his dreams going up in flames after his partner suffers a debilitating injury in this romantic sports drama starring Matt Lanter, Francia Rosa, and Christy Carlson Romano. Zack (Lanter) was headed for the gold when his partner suffered an injury that made competing impossible, but could a feisty female hockey player prove the key to keeping his illustrious career on track? Alexandra is an amateur Latina hockey player who has never skated professionally and doesn't much care for Zack, though a little determination goes a long way in helping Zack convince her to join him on the ice. Now, as this unlikely pair begins the arduous training process that could make them both bona-fide superstars, the girl with the icy attitude finds her handsome partner's warmth and charm bringing about a most unexpected thaw.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMystery, Alaska (1999)
In Mystery, Alaska, life revolves around the legendary Saturday hockey game at the local pond. But everything changes when the hometown team unexpectedly gets booked in an exhibition match against the New York Rangers. When quirky small-towners, slick promoters and millionaire athletes come together.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFaut qu'on parle (2021)
Three women, three men, all very high level athletes, Olympic medalists, world champions in basketball, judo, rugby, fencing, swimming and figure skating have agreed to testify in a documentary. For the first time, they publicly reveal their homosexuality.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Teddy Riner: The Quest (2021)
Delve into the intimate life of the greatest judoka in history.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Fuji (2021)
A short documentary about the former judoka Marina and her Judo Club for People with Disabilities - "Fuji". Its brave members cope with all things Judo and real-life challenges, but always with a smile and the heart of a true judoka.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Judo Girls?
The closest matches to Judo Girls are Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two (1945), Born a Champion (2021) and Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Judo Girls?
Start with Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two (1945), the closest match to Judo Girls.
What is the highest-rated movie like Judo Girls?
The First Slam Dunk (2022), rated 7.8/10 by 582 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Judo Girls?
Beast (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Judo Girls?
Yes: Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two (1945), Tokyo Olympiad (1965) and Chihayafuru: Part I (2016).
How are movies similar to Judo Girls chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Judo Girls, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.