Movies like Big John (2008)
The best movies like Big John (2008) are "Sr." (2022), 40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic (2020) and The Class of ‘92 (2013). If Big John hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- NewestA Toxic Love Story (2026)Released 2026
"Sr." (2022)
A portrait of the life and career of Robert Downey Sr. (1936-2021), the visionary and fearless US filmmaker — father of actor Robert Downey Jr. — who in the sixties and seventies laid the foundations for countercultural comedy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like this40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic (2020)
Sylvester Stallone and John G. Avildsen narrate behind-the-scenes footage from the making of "Rocky" to mark the film's 40th anniversary.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Class of ‘92 (2013)
A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisUntold: Jake Paul the Problem Child (2023)
Pro boxing sensation — and perennial troublemaker — Jake Paul shares his unlikely journey from online prankster to power puncher in this documentary.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
SnoozefestMovies like thisAnna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me (2023)
From the heights of her modeling fame to her tragic death, this documentary reveals Anna Nicole Smith through the eyes of the people closest to her.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAvatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20 (2022)
An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAs I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty (2000)
A compilation of over 30 years of private home movie footage shot by Lithuanian-American avant-garde director Jonas Mekas, assembled by Mekas "purely by chance", without concern for chronological order.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCome See Me in the Good Light (2025)
In an intimate and joyful story of love in the face of loss, celebrated poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley find strength—and unexpected hilarity—in what might be their final year together.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDawg Fight (2015)
In a crime-plagued neighborhood near Miami, brutal, bare-knuckled backyard fights give young men a chance to earn money -- and self-respect.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChamps (2015)
A documentary about the sport of boxing, as seen through the eyes of champions Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Bernard Hopkins.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Toxic Love Story (2026)
A string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press (2017)
The courtroom and publicity battles between the superstar wrestler and the notorious website explode in a sensational trial all about the limits of the First Amendment and the new no holds barred nature of celebrity life in an internet dominated society.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTo Kill a Tiger (2023)
Ranjit, a farmer in India, takes on the fight of his life when he demands justice for his 13-year-old daughter, the victim of a brutal gang rape. His decision to support his daughter is virtually unheard of, and his journey unprecedented.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (2016)
An intimate portrait of Hollywood royalty featuring Debbie Reynolds, Todd Fisher, and Carrie Fisher.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBeing James Bond (2021)
Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWick Is Pain (2025)
Witness the never-before-seen footage and true story behind the John Wick phenomenon – from independent film to billion-dollar franchise.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisConor McGregor: Notorious (2017)
Conor McGregor is the biggest star in the history of Mixed Martial Arts. Filmed over the course of 4 years, Notorious is the exclusive, all-access account of Conor’s meteoric rise from claiming benefits and living in his parents' spare room in Dublin to claiming multiple championship UFC belts and seven figure pay-packets in Las Vegas.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007)
The definitive 3½-hour documentary about the troubled creation and enduring legacy of the science fiction classic 'Blade Runner', culled from 80 interviews and hours of never-before-seen outtakes and lost footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNaqoyqatsi (2002)
A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJackie Chan: My Story (1998)
Jackie Chan is one of the world's biggest action stars, famed for his wacky sense of humor, remarkable martial arts techniques, and willingness to perform incredible stunts without the use of doubles -- or a net. This video takes a personal look at Chan as he works on screen projects in Hollywood and Beijing and candidly discusses his life and work.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMuhammad Ali: The Greatest (1991)
This video traces the life and career of Muhammad Ali, the man who was born to fight. He started boxing at age 12, and by age 18, had over 100 amateur fights. Starting with his first professional fight, you'll see highlights of all his important fights with opponents such as Archie Moore, Sonny Liston, Oscar Bonavena, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Larry Holmes, etc. His fights with Uncle Sam over his conscientious objection to the war and the stripping of his title. His sparring with the press (which he learned to manipulate and use to his advantage) in his many interviews. His religious beliefs that led him to chance his name from Cassius Marcellus Clay to Muhammad Ali. But no matter what name he was called by, "Gassius" Clay or "Motor Mouth," he will always be remembered as a "CHAMPION" in and out of the ring. So sit back and enjoy this one of a kind video. IT'S THE GREATEST!!!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Esquivar y pegar (2010)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Fighting Chance (2023)
Three boxing athletes and one coach open up about their journey within the demanding sport. This touches on community, role models, mental health, and the sport perception on mainstream media.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
The Father, the Son, and the Fulham (2025)
Discover how the game that connects us all brought new meaning to a father & son.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
CatFight (2006)
Twelve top glamour models spent time in Tenerife learning to box in a grueling 'Boxing Boot Camp'. The result of weeks of blood, sweat and a lot of tears was six bouts of boxing as the girls went head-to-head in front of a packed London crowd.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
I Beat Mike Tyson (2013)
In a working-class suburb of Boston, an out-of-shape boxer prepares himself for what will be his last fight. In 2005 things were different, Kevin McBride then an unknown journeyman beat former boxing world champion, Mike Tyson. Now Kevin struggles with his failing career and being a father.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Autisme : le petit chasseur de fantômes (2022)
The quest of a father seeking for a future for his son, Tom, affected by autistic disorders and passionate about haunted places. A sensitive and funny film that gives a voice to young autistic people around the world, who are fulfilled in their lives and jobs. A possible future for Tom.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Viikinki (2022)
Documentary film about Tony Halme, masculinity and populism. The film follows how Tony Halme created a mythical, highly masculine freestyle wrestling character, The Viking, who gained fame both in the ring and in the public eye and eventually became captivated by it. With his brash speeches, Halme fired the starting shot for the rise of the Finns Party. The voice of a forgotten section of the population, a protest against the ruling elite, were the building blocks of Halme's popularity. Halme's great popularity has served as a good example of a populist figure, admired within the deep ranks of the nation, who comes from outside the political elite and changes the direction of politics. Also, despite - or perhaps because of - his openly racist statements, he was part of changing the political climate in Finland to a more acrimonious one.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Es geht um Alles (2008)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Urtain, King of the Mountains (1969)
A humorous visit to the turbulent world of the controversial Spanish boxer José Manuel Urtain.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Like Big John and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Big John?
The closest matches to Big John are "Sr." (2022), 40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic (2020) and The Class of ‘92 (2013). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Big John?
Start with "Sr." (2022), the closest match to Big John.
What is the newest movie like Big John?
A Toxic Love Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to Big John chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Big John, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.