Movies like Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites (2014)
The best movies like Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites (2014) are Beyond the Mat (1999), Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows (1998) and You Cannot Kill David Arquette (2020). If Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 thisFacing Ali (2009)
Ten of Muhammad Ali's former rivals pay tribute to the three-time world heavyweight champion.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies 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 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 thisAvatar: Creating the World of Pandora (2010)
The Making-of James Cameron's Avatar. It shows interesting parts of the work on the set.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGLOW: The Story of The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (2012)
The year is 1986. Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) is about to burst onto the scene as the first ever all-female wrestling show on television. By 1989, the GLOW girls were an international phenomenon, attracting over seven million viewers worldwide, touring the nation and making big bank for the show's producers. One year later, GLOW was gone. GLOW: THE STORY OF THE GORGEOUS LADIES OF WRESTLING chronicles the rise and fall of this hit television show through the stories of those who lived it. For some, the show was a brief foray into acting and a short-lived adventure. For others, their time in GLOW would impact and influence their lives for years to follow. For all of the women, working on GLOW was a unique and exciting experience that will bond them forever.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStruggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski (2018)
Artists in LA discover the work of forgotten Polish sculptor Stanislav Szukalski, a mad genius whose true story unfolds chapter by astounding chapter.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014)
Hollywood veteran Bing Russell creates the only independent baseball team in the country—alarming the baseball establishment and sparking the meteoric rise of the 1970s Portland Mavericks.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHarmontown (2014)
A comedic, brutally honest documentary following self-destructive TV writer Dan Harmon as he takes his live podcast on a national tour.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisMaradona by Kusturica (2008)
A documentary on Argentinean soccer star Diego Maradona, regarded by many as the world's greatest modern player.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOne of Us (2017)
Penetrating the insular world of New York's Hasidic community, focusing on three individuals driven to break away despite threats of retaliation.
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 thisThe Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBeing 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
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
KUBA (2024)
Football is much more than a simple game. It is a passion that connects people from all over the world. The players themselves have the unique ability to capture the hearts of fans and create a deep emotional connection with them. One of these outstanding players, who impresses not only with his footballing brilliance, but also with his impressive personality and life story, is Jakub Blaszczykowski. In this documentary about Jakub, also affectionately known as "Kuba", Jan Dybus tells the inspiring story of a man who consciously decided to pursue a career in football.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Nixon 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
Signature Sounds: The Music of WWE (2014)
Music has been integral in WWE history, especially anthems for all the greatest WWE Superstars. Since Sgt. Slaughter first made his entrance to the Marine Corp hymn in the early 80's music themes have become synonymous with the Superstars themselves. Just hearing the first few notes brings the crowd to their feet. They are the songs that let the WWE Universe know that business is about to pick up. Now, get behind the music and learn the inside story behind the timeless anthems of WWE and the superstars.
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
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
How much do you want to win? (2022)
Ferry Svan is the son of elite athlete and skiing legend Gunde Svan, and competes against the world elite in the extreme sport timbersports. In the documentary "How Much Do You Want to Win" Ferry talks about his upbringing with his family in Vansbro and what drives him to strive for the top in this odd sport, where sawdust flies and the physical test of strength is enormous.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
Fight Owens Fight: The Kevin Owens Story (2017)
For the first time ever, WWE Home Video takes you through the journey of Kevin Owens and his fight to get to the top of WWE. Hear from “The Prizefighter” himself as he talks about his career on the independent scene, getting to NXT, and his road to becoming the WWE Universal Champion. Welcome to the Kevin Owens show!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites?
The closest matches to Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites are Beyond the Mat (1999), Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows (1998) and You Cannot Kill David Arquette (2020). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites?
Start with Beyond the Mat (1999), the closest match to Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites.
What is the newest movie like Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites?
A Toxic Love Story (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites?
Yes: Beyond the Mat (1999), Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows (1998) and You Cannot Kill David Arquette (2020).
How are movies similar to Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Smack 'Em Up: Reality Bites, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.