Movies like UFC 21: Return Of The Champions (1999)
The best movies like UFC 21: Return Of The Champions (1999) are Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016), Fluke (1995) and Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011). If UFC 21: Return Of The Champions hooked you, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.

Quick picks
- Highest ratedA Dog's Journey (2019)8.1/10 from 1,669 votes
- NewestIncoming (2024)Released 2024
Never 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 thisFluke (1995)
Workaholic Thomas Johnson dies in an auto accident and reincarnates as a dog. Remembering some of his previous being, he returns to his wife and son to protect them from the man who caused his accident. But, as time goes by, his memories return, and Thomas realizes he wasn't such a good husband and father.
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 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 thisWWE WrestleMania 21 (2005)
WrestleMania 21 was the twenty-first annual WrestleManiaPPV. It was presented by Snickers and took place on April 3, 2005 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The main match on the Raw brand was Triple H versus Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship. The predominant match on the SmackDown brand was John "Bradshaw" Layfield versus John Cena for the WWE Championship. Another primary match was an interpromotional match between The Undertaker versus Randy Orton. The featured matches on the undercard were Kurt Angle versus Shawn Michaels and a Money in the Bank ladder match. The event also featured the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin who started his part-time appearances with WWE at this event. The event drew a Staples Center record attendance of 20,193 people and grossed more than $2.1 million in ticket sales.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisA Dog's Journey (2019)
A dog finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he meets.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like this47 Ronin (2013)
Kai—an outcast—joins Oishi, the leader of 47 outcast samurai. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honour to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Origins (2014)
A molecular biologist's study of the human eye has far-reaching implications about humanity's scientific and spiritual beliefs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIncoming (2024)
Their first week of high school. The biggest party of the year. Mistakes will be made as four teenage boys navigate a night of mayhem and debauchery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Dog's Purpose (2017)
A dog goes on quest to discover his purpose in life over the course of several lifetimes with multiple owners.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTaste the Blood of Dracula (1970)
Three elderly distinguished gentlemen are searching for some excitement in their boring borgoueis lives and gets in contact with one of count Dracula's servants. In a nightly ceremony they restore the count back to life. The three men killed Dracula's servant and as a revenge, the count makes sure that the gentlemen are killed one by one by their own sons.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNever Back Down (2008)
Jake, full of anger after his father's death, is just starting to find a place for himself at his new Orlando high school - until Ryan, head of an underground MMA fight club, picks Jake out as a prime opponent. After being trounced by Ryan in front of the entire school, Jake begins training under the firm, moral guidance of a MMA master, where he learns how to fight... and how to avoid a fight. But it becomes obvious that a rematch will be inevitable if Jake wants to stop Ryan and his bullying, once and for all.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPerfect Addiction (2023)
A female boxing trainer discovers that her champion cage-fighter boyfriend has been cheating on her with her sister and decides to seek revenge by training up his arch-rival to challenge him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Last Kumite (2024)
When shady businessman Ron Hall kidnaps his daughter, retired karate champion Michael Rivers is forced to enter a deadly illegal Kumite tournament in Bulgaria. Enlisting the help of seasoned trainers Master Loren and Julie Jackson, he discovers other fighters face the same desperate struggle to save their loved ones.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNight of the Demons 2 (1994)
Angela, the hostess from hell, summons her army of teen demons when teenagers from St. Rita's High School decide to party at the haunted Hull House on Halloween.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWinter's Tale (2014)
A burglar falls for an heiress as she dies in his arms. When he learns that he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save her.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisComedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe (2016)
It's Rob Lowe's turn to step in to the celebrity hot seat for the latest installment of The Comedy Central Roast.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStitches (2012)
The clumsy and unfunny clown Richard "Stitches" Grindle entertains at the 10th birthday party of little Tom, but the boy and his friends play a prank with Stitches, tying his shoelaces. Stitches slips, falls and dies. Six years later, Tom gives a birthday party for his friends at home, but Stitches revives to haunt the teenagers and revenge his death.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRebecca (1940)
Story of a young woman who marries a fascinating widower only to find out that she must live in the shadow of his former wife, Rebecca, who died mysteriously several years earlier. The young wife must come to grips with the terrible secret of her handsome, cold husband, Max De Winter. She must also deal with the jealous, obsessed Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper, who will not accept her as the mistress of the house.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisYou Cannot Kill David Arquette (2020)
Following his infamous championship as part of a marketing stunt for the film Ready to Rumble, David Arquette is widely known as the most hated man in pro-wrestling worldwide. Nearly 20 years after he "won" the initial title, through ups and downs in his career, with his family, and with his struggles with addiction, David Arquette seeks redemption by returning to the ring...for real this time.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisUFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans (2010)
UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on May 29, 2010 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
UFC 115: Liddell vs. Franklin (2010)
UFC 115: Liddell vs. Franklin was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 12, 2010 at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar (2008)
UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on November 15, 2008, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event featured the return of UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy Couture versus WWE's Brock Lesnar in a title bout. The decision to grant Lesnar—who was 1–1 in UFC fights at the time—the title shot was controversial at the time. Some felt it was premature and marketing driven, while others argued the relative lack of depth in the heavyweight division at the time left no clear-cut contenders to the belt.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
UFC 55: Fury (2005)
UFC 55: Fury was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on October 7, 2005 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovoski defends his title against hard-hitting Mexican striker Paul Buentello. The undercard is highlighted by The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 winner Forrest Griffin as he takes on Australia's Elvis Sinosic.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
UFC 54: Boiling Point (2005)
UFC 54: Boiling Point was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on August 20, 2005, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.. UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell makes his first title defense against the man who handed him his first ever defeat – Jeremy Horn. The undercard features the return of Randy "The Natural" Couture, the UFC debut of The Ultimate Fighter winner Diego Sanchez, and a highly anticipated welterweight match-up between Georges St. Pierre and Frank Trigg.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
UFC 53: Heavy Hitters (2005)
UFC 53: Heavy Hitters was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on June 4, 2005, at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Andrei Arlovski puts his interim Heavyweight Championship on the line against Justin Eilers. The undercard features a rematch for the UFC Middleweight Championship as Champion Evan Tanner defends this title against Rich Franklin. Other featured fighters include top ranked Forrest Griffin, Paul Buentello, Nate Quarry, David Loiseau, Nick Diaz and more.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion (2007)
UFC 75: Champion vs. Champion was a mixed martial arts (MMA) event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The event was held September 8, 2007 at The O2 in London, England. The main event was a title unification match between UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton Jackson and PRIDE Fighting Championships' 83 kg and 93 kg champion, Dan Henderson.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
UFC 74: Respect (2007)
UFC 74: Respect was a mixed martial arts (MMA) event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The event took place on August 25, 2007 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event was a UFC heavyweight championship bout which featured UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture defending his title against Gabriel Gonzaga.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
UFC 73: Stacked (2007)
UFC 73: Stacked was a mixed martial arts (MMA) event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). It took place on July 7, 2007 at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California and featured a total of nine bouts: four on the preliminary card and five on the main card. The main event was Anderson Silva defending the UFC Middleweight Championship against Nathan Marquardt.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
UFC 72: Victory (2007)
UFC 72: Victory was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The event took place Saturday, June 16, 2007 at The Odyssey in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Martin Kampmann was scheduled to fight Rich Franklin, but was forced to withdraw due to injury. Yushin Okami replaced Kampmann in the main event.
Why it matches: Similar story and style
Like UFC 21: Return Of The Champions and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like UFC 21: Return Of The Champions?
The closest matches to UFC 21: Return Of The Champions are Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016), Fluke (1995) and Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after UFC 21: Return Of The Champions?
Start with Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016), the closest match to UFC 21: Return Of The Champions.
What is the highest-rated movie like UFC 21: Return Of The Champions?
A Dog's Journey (2019), rated 8.1/10 by 1,669 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like UFC 21: Return Of The Champions?
Incoming (2024) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like UFC 21: Return Of The Champions?
Yes: Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016), Fluke (1995) and Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011).
How are movies similar to UFC 21: Return Of The Champions chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside UFC 21: Return Of The Champions, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.





























