Movies like Muscle Beach (2026)
The best movies like Muscle Beach (2026) are Rip Tide (2017), Soul Surfer (2011) and Chasing Mavericks (2012). If Muscle Beach hooked you with its drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedAmerican Underdog (2021)7.1/10 from 455 votes
- NewestEleanor the Great (2025)Released 2025
Rip Tide (2017)
There comes a point in everyone’s life when you have to make a decision about the direction you’re going to take. For newly-18 American fashion model Cora, that time is now. She’s moved to an Australian coastal town to be with her favourite aunt, after a 'fashion faux pas’ back home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSoul Surfer (2011)
The true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChasing Mavericks (2012)
Surfer Jay Moriarity sets out to ride the Northern California break known as Mavericks.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHorse Sense (1999)
After treating his rancher cousin shoddily in L.A. Michael Woods is sentenced by his parents to spending a month on the ranch with his cousin and aunt.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKid Galahad (1962)
After completing military service, Walter Gulick takes a job as a sparring partner at a gym, the owner of which sees potential in Walter as a professional fighter—and takes him under his wing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBlue Chips (1994)
Pete Bell, a college basketball coach is under a lot of pressure. His team isn't winning and he cannot attract new players. The stars of the future are secretly being paid by boosters. This practice is forbidden in the college game, but Pete is desperate and has pressures from all around.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAmerican Underdog (2021)
The true story of Kurt Warner, who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFamily Romance, LLC (2019)
Love is a business at Family Romance, a company that rents human stand-ins for any occasion. Founder Yuichi Ishii helps make his clients’ dreams come true. But when the mother of 12-year-old Mahiro hires Ishii to impersonate her missing father, the line between acting and reality threatens to blur.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Deep End of the Ocean (1999)
A three-year-old boy disappears during his mother's high school reunion. Nine years later, by chance, he turns up in the town in which the family has just relocated.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Girl Who Believes in Miracles (2021)
When Sara hears a preacher say faith can move mountains, she starts praying. Suddenly people in her town are mysteriously healed! But fame soon takes its toll – can Sara’s family save her before it’s too late?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHurry Sundown (1967)
A ruthless Southern opportunist tries to buy his cousin's land, and when thwarted, brings several tragedies to the lives of his loved ones.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWhere the Day Takes You (1992)
King is a young man, but he's already a veteran of life on the streets of Los Angeles. The de facto leader of a group of teenage runaways, King acts as a mentor to troubled kids such as gay hustler Little J and junkie Greg. When Heather, a beautiful girl from Chicago, starts hanging out with King and his crew, it changes the dynamic of the gang. However, it seems as though nothing will alter their dangerous lifestyle.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTime Without Pity (1957)
Alec Graham is sentenced to death for the murder of his girlfriend Jennie, with whom he spent a weekend at the English country home of the parents of his friend Brian Stanford. Alec’s father, David Graham, a not-so-successful writer and alcoholic who has neglected his son in the past, flies in from Canada to visit his son on death row. David then goes on a quest to try and clear his son’s name while battling “the bottle.”
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWWE Day 1 2022 (2022)
WWE kicks off 2022 with the first-ever WWE Day 1 event. Big E puts the WWE Championship on the line against Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and Bobby Lashley in a Fatal 5-Way Match. "The Man" Becky Lynch defends the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Liv Morgan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Salt Path (2025)
The profound story of husband and wife Raynor and Moth Winn, who embark on a 630-mile trek after being forcibly removed from their home. Hoping that in nature they will find solace and a sense of acceptance, they walk through the beautiful but rugged coastlines of South West England - a journey that is exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure. THE SALT PATH is a powerful portrayal of home, and how it can be lost and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Believe in Unicorns (2015)
Feeling awkward and isolated, an imaginative and strong-willed teenage girl runs away from home with an older punk rock drifter.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEleanor the Great (2025)
94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein tries to rebuild her life after the death of her best friend. As a result, she moves back to New York City after living in Florida for decades.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHouse of Bamboo (1955)
Eddie Kenner is given a special assignment by the Army to get the inside story on Sandy Dawson, a former GI who has formed a gang of fellow servicemen and Japanese locals.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWWE Crown Jewel 2021 (2021)
The 2021 Crown Jewel was a professional wrestling event produced by WWE. It was the third Crown Jewel and took place on October 21, 2021, at Mohammed Abdu Arena on The Boulevard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season. The event aired via pay-per-view and livestreaming, marking the first Crown Jewel to air on Peacock in the United States.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Fighting Seabees (1944)
Construction workers in World War II in the Pacific are needed to build military sites, but the work is dangerous and they doubt the ability of the Navy to protect them. After a series of attacks by the Japanese, something new is tried, Construction Battalions (CBs=Seabees). The new CBs have to both build and be ready to fight.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSquatters (2014)
A wealthy couple from the Pacific Palisades discovers homeless young lovers have moved into their home.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBurn After Reading (2008)
When a disc containing memoirs of a former CIA analyst falls into the hands of gym employees, Linda and Chad, they see a chance to make enough money for Linda to have life-changing cosmetic surgery. Predictably, events whirl out of control for the duo, and those in their orbit.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBigger (2018)
The inspirational tale of the grandfathers of the fitness movement as we now know it, Joe & Ben Weider. Battling anti-Semitism, racism and extreme poverty, the brothers beat all odds to build an empire & inspire future generations.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIron Temple (2021)
IFBB Pro Tony Torres built a lucrative lifestyle which came crashing down after covering for a friend who committed a murder. After being chased by the FBI he was sent to prison for five years. Once he did his time, Tony had to build back his life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Runaway, Runaway (1971)
An unhappy teenager hits the road to meet up with a man in California whom she barely knows. Along the way the naive teen stumbles around trying to do her best to get by, but eventually falls prey to some unseemly characters willing to take advantage of her.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
The Perfect David (2021)
David is a young bodybuilder who obsessively trains to become his artist mother's muse. As he dedicates himself to further developing his physique, he goes through an identity crisis that will mark his destiny.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
The Great Nick D (2024)
A sweet-natured tale of redemption following a washed up 90's porn star now a Venice Beach nobody, who gets a second chance to restart his mainstream acting career in order to win back the Oscar nominated actress girlfriend from his past.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Teddy Bear (2012)
After failing to find love in Denmark, a painfully shy bodybuilder sets off for Thailand to escape from his overbearing mother and search for a bride.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTest Subject V (2025)
Set in modern India, this hybrid film follows a middle-aged man who becomes an unlikely test subject in a time-bound transformation. Blending humour and emotion, it explores habit, belief and the courage to question a lifelong narrative.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Girl Lost (2018)
Girl Lost tackles the issue of underage prostitution as told through the eyes of a wayward teen. Groomed by her own mother to work in the underbelly of Los Angeles, the young girl struggles to survive in this dark world.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Muscle Beach?
The closest matches to Muscle Beach are Rip Tide (2017), Soul Surfer (2011) and Chasing Mavericks (2012). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Muscle Beach?
Start with Rip Tide (2017), the closest match to Muscle Beach.
What is the highest-rated movie like Muscle Beach?
American Underdog (2021), rated 7.1/10 by 455 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Muscle Beach?
Eleanor the Great (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Muscle Beach?
Yes: Rip Tide (2017), Soul Surfer (2011) and Chasing Mavericks (2012).
How are movies similar to Muscle Beach chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Muscle Beach, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.