Movies like Hard Knocks
If Hard Knocks hooked you with its documentary, these are the films to watch next. Every pick says why it matches.
Beyond the Mat (1999)
A heartfelt documentary focusing on the day-to-day lives of professional wrestlers, some on the rise, some on the wane, and others fighting for their lives.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 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 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 · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAndre the Giant (2018)
An ambitious and wide-ranging documentary exploring Andre’s upbringing in France, his celebrated career in WWE, and his forays in the entertainment world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows (1998)
This documentary follows superstar Bret Hart during his last year in the WWF. The film documents the tensions that resulted in The Montreal Screwjob, one of the most controversial events in the history of professional wrestling, in which Vince McMahon, Shawn Micheals, and others, legitimately conspired behind the scenes to go against the script and remove Bret Hart as champion.
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 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 thisMy Mom Jayne (2025)
Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMarvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye (2022)
Join the likes of Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Florence Pugh, and Vincent D’Onofrio as they reveal how Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” was conceived and created. Witness firsthand what it took to pull off the show’s pulse-pounding action set pieces, and discover how iconic characters from the pages of Marvel Comics such as Kate Bishop were adapted and brought to life for the six-episode series.
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 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 thisUnknown Number: The High School Catfish (2025)
Vulgar, taunting texts blow up the phones of a teen and her boyfriend. Who's sending them — and why? This twisty documentary reveals the shocking answer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Mole: Undercover in North Korea (2020)
A real-life undercover thriller about two ordinary men who embark on an outrageously dangerous ten-year mission to penetrate the world's most secretive and brutal dictatorship: North Korea.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this35 Up (1991)
Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSeduced and Abandoned (2013)
SEDUCED AND ABANDONED combines acting legend Alec Baldwin with director James Toback as they lead us on a troublesome and often hilarious journey of raising financing for their next feature film. Moving from director to financier to star actor, the two players provide us with a unique look behind the curtain at the world's biggest and most glamourous film festival, shining a light on the bitter-sweet relationship filmmakers have with Cannes and the film business. Featuring insights from directors Martin Scorsese, 'Bernando Bertolucci' and Roman Polanski; actors Ryan Gosling and Jessica Chastain and a host of film distribution luminaries.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like this42 Up (1999)
Director Michael Apted revisits the same group of British-born adults after a 7 year wait. The subjects are interviewed as to the changes that have occurred in their lives during the last seven years.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlack Sheep (2018)
After the high-profile killing of Damilola Taylor, Cornelius' family move out of London. But when they discover their new town is run by racists, Cornelius takes a drastic step to survive.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this180° South (2010)
The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCrips and Bloods: Made in America (2009)
With a first-person look at the notorious Crips and Bloods, this film examines the conditions that have lead to decades of devastating gang violence among young African Americans growing up in South Los Angeles.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNixon Newell: First Female of Fight Club (2017)
Since 2013, Nixon Newell has travelled the world as a professional wrestler. This is the story of her goodbye to independent wrestling.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Watch the Lights (2024)
Directed by North East filmmaker Alex Ayre, this gripping behind-the-scenes journey follows NORTH Wrestling through the summer of 2023, leading up to its most ambitious event yet—Thunderstruck. Equal parts thrilling, humorous, and heartfelt, the film showcases the passion and dedication that go into staging a professional wrestling event. "Watch The Lights" has cemented itself as a standout celebration of independent wrestling and filmmaking, earning a Royal Television Society Regional Award nomination. The Film Magazine hails it as "...a must-watch documentary." For newcomers, it offers a fascinating introduction to the artistry of wrestling, while die-hard fans will gain deeper insight into the NORTH Wrestling community—both in and out of the ring.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Life In The Fast Lane (2007)
Story after story from some of the biggest talents in the business telling you exactly what it is like to live in the meat grinder that is known as professional wrestling. From "Hot Rod" Rowdy Roddy Piper going to jail, to The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels given his walking papers, this DVD is jam packed full of interesting stories and powerful anecdotes from some of the greatest legends in the industry.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Road Back To Malice (2017)
Inspired by the amazing men & women who step into the squared circle for our entertainment, who lace up a pair of boots and perform incredible acts of athleticism whilst connecting emotionally with us, the fans. We follow Flash Morgan Webster, a young Welsh wrestler, known to many as The Modfather of professional wrestling, as he reflects on his journey into the world of parkers and piledrivers and the events that followed the biggest opportunity of his life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Wrestling with Chyna (TBA)
By fatefully capturing her final year, this documentary reveals the tragic struggles behind the fame of notorious celebrity & beloved feminist icon, Chyna.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Hulk Hogan: A Real American Story (1991)
A pay-per-view special titled "Titan's Hot Ticket: Hulk Hogan - A Real American Story" featuring classic matches & segments of Hulk Hogan. Join "Mean" Gene Okerlund as he takes you on a tour of the early days of WWF Champion Hulk Hogan. Meet his parents, Pete & Ruth and get an inside look on The Hulkster. Iron Sheik vs. Hulk Hogan Wrestlemania 3 – Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant Wrestlemania 5 – Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan Summerslam 1990 – Hulk Hogan vs. Earthquake Wrestlemania 7 – Sgt. Slaughter vs. Hulk Hogan
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Being 500: A Professional Wrestling Documentary (2024)
Every year, Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine puts out a list of the top 500 wrestlers in the world. This is the story of number 500, the worst of the best. The pain of professional wresting meeting the reality of life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
WWF: Hardy Boyz - Leap of Faith (2001)
Hard-hitting, high fliers of the WWE, The the Hardy Boyz have changed the face of sports entertainment with their superior athleticism and awesome aerial assault. Bursting onto the scene in 1999, real-life brothers Matt and Jeff have captured the imaginations of wrestling fans around the globe. Featuring six complete matches, this documentary profile showcases the "Boyz" at the top of their game, sacrificing their bodies, and pushing the sport to the extreme.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
La Lucha: The Struggle (2005)
Behold La Lucha, a "roller derby gone awry" type of sport -- but without the skates -- that calls drag queens, transvestites, mobsters and a menagerie of other characters its fans. But what is it, exactly? This fascinating documentary answers that burning question and more as it examines how this strange duck first came to be and how it grew to become a cult hit, capturing the imagination of audiences far and wide.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Choose Death: Necro Butcher: Inside the Mind of a Wrestling Madman (2008)
Known as one of the wrestling world's most fearless figures, West Virginian native Dylan "The Necro Butcher" Summers has made his name competing in brutal hardcore matches, often involving items such as barbed wire, light tubes or worse. Featuring a compilation of bone-crushing matches, career highlights and the first interview the Butcher has ever granted, this documentary offers a rare glimpse inside the mind of a true madman.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Hard Knocks?
The closest matches to Hard Knocks are Beyond the Mat, A Toxic Love Story, Dawg Fight.
How are movies similar to Hard Knocks chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Hard Knocks, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.
Are there English movies like Hard Knocks?
Yes: Beyond the Mat, A Toxic Love Story, Dawg Fight.