Movies like Riding High (1981)
The best movies like Riding High (1981) are Hero at Large (1980), No Retreat, No Surrender (1986) and Airborne (1993). If Riding High hooked you with its action and comedy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedKiller Bean Forever (2008)7.2/10 from 201 votes
- NewestBrothers Under Fire (2026)Released 2026
Hero at Large (1980)
An idealistic but struggling actor finds his life unexpectedly complicated when he stops a robbery while wearing the costume of Captain Avenger, a superhero character of a film he is hired to promote. He decides to dabble at being a superhero only to find that it is more difficult and dangerous than he ever imagined.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisNo Retreat, No Surrender (1986)
The mob is trying to strongarm local martial arts schools, forcing young Jason Stillwell and his family to move after his father is injured defending their dojo. With his father now rejecting violence, Jason is forced to train on his own to protect himself and his best friend from the members of a rival karate school.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAirborne (1993)
Good-natured teen surfer Mitchell Goosen finds himself staying with his aunt and uncle in Cincinnati, Ohio when his parents head to Australia for work. There he meets his cousin, Wiley, and together they try to navigate the perils of high school—avoid the bullies, get the girl, and win a little respect.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDirt (2018)
In search of a lifeline for his struggling off road racing team, a man takes on a young car thief looking for a second chance, but as their worlds collide, they must struggle to forge a successful alliance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGotcha! (1985)
A student on a trip to France is tricked into smuggling secrets across the Iron Curtain by a sexy spy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHow to Rob a Bank (2007)
Caught in the middle of a bank robbery, a slacker and a bank employee become the ones who arbitrate the intense situation.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisSun Dogs (2017)
A man eager to serve his country but rejected by the Marines pairs up with a young runaway to form an unlikely team on a misguided adventure.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Paper Tigers (2020)
Three middle aged men polish their martial arts skills to avenge their fallen master.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Shepherd (2023)
On Christmas Eve, a fighter pilot on his way home becomes lost while flying over water and needs a miracle to land safely.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Meteor Man (1993)
One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights. He can master the information in any book ... for about thirty seconds. Now his friends and family want him to protect their community from the dreaded Golden Lords.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisTrouble Man (2025)
Jaxen, a former cop turned Atlanta PI, is hired to find missing R&B star Jahari. His investigation uncovers her disappearance is connected to a larger conspiracy, forcing him to question those around him and his own past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKiller Bean Forever (2008)
When things go bad in Beantown, top assassin Killer Bean is called to clean-up the mess. Detective Cromwell finds himself in the middle between Killer Bean and mob boss Cappuccino.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Big Brawl (1980)
A young Asian American martial artist is forced to participate in a brutal formal street-fight competition.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
SnoozefestMovies like thisWWE WrestleMania X-Seven (2001)
WrestleMania X-Seven was the seventeenth annual WrestleMania PPV and was presented by Snickers Cruncher. It took place on April 1, 2001 at the Reliant Astrodome in Houston, Texas. The event was the first WrestleMania held in the state of Texas. A record-breaking attendance for the Reliant Astrodome of 67,925 grossed US$3.5 million. The main event was a No Disqualification match between Steve Austin and The Rock for the WWF Championship. The main matches on the undercard featured Triple H versus The Undertaker, the second Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match for the WWF Tag Team Championship, and Vince McMahon versus Shane McMahon in a Street Fight. With WWE's acquisition of long-time competitor WCW and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin joining forces with storied rival Mr. McMahon.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBrothers Under Fire (2026)
Captain Jordan Wright's squadron on leave for a wedding in Mexico encounters a murderous cartel. As Jordan tries to lead survivors to safety, war erupts between his squad and the cartel, forcing him into a battle to save his men.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisWWE WrestleMania 22 (2006)
WrestleMania 22 was the twenty-second annual WrestleMania PPV. It was presented by Snickers and took place on April 2, 2006 at the Allstate Arena in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois. The main match on the Raw brand was John Cena versus Triple H for the WWE Championship. The predominant match on the SmackDown! brand was a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship between Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, and Randy Orton. Featured matches on the undercard included a No Holds Barred match between Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon, a Casket match between The Undertaker and Mark Henry, a WWE Women's Championship match between Mickie James and Trish Stratus and an interpromotional Money in the Bank ladder match featuring six participants. Tickets sold out in under two minutes, grossing US$2.5 million for the event, making it the highest grossing one-day event at the Allstate Arena. More than 17,155 people attended, with millions more watching in more than 90 countries.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisKung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002)
A movie within a movie, created to spoof the martial arts genre. Writer/director Steve Oedekerk uses contemporary characters and splices them into a 1970s kung-fu film, weaving the new and old together. As the main character, The Chosen One, Oedekerk sets off to avenge the deaths of his parents at the hands of kung-fu legend Master Pain. Along the way he encounters some strange characters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Silencers (1966)
Matt Helm is called out of retirement to stop the evil Big O organization who plan to explode an atomic bomb over Alamagordo, NM, and start WW III.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMy Own Love Song (2010)
A wheelchair-bound singer and her best friend embark on a roadtrip to Memphis.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSmokey and the Bandit (1977)
A race car driver tries to transport an illegal beer shipment from Texas to Atlanta in under 28 hours, picking up a reluctant bride-to-be on the way.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOne Chance to Win (1976)
Taking racing fans back to the dawning of the age of America's dominance in the global motocross arena, this long-buried film from director Charles Bush documents the 1975 American Motocross Association's 500cc Nation Series. It came down to five riders -- Jim Weinert, Steve Stackable, Pierre Karsmakers, Billy Grossi and Kent Howerton -- in what became known as the Battle of New Orleans, a legendary moment in motocross history.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama & action
Motocrossed (2001)
Teenage Andrea Carson who loves motocross, despite her father finding her unsuited for the sport, being that she is "just a girl". When her twin brother Andrew breaks his leg just before a big race, their father is forced to go to Europe to find a replacement rider. In the meantime, Andrea secretly races in Andrew's place with her mother's help.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisParadigm: Shifting Towards Greatness (2023)
Paradigm: Shifting Towards Greatness tells the Jett Lawrence story like no other, and what an incredible story it is. 2023 began with the young Australian phenom claiming his fourth consecutive title with the 250 West Supercross Championship, adding to his two 250 Motocross Championships from 2021 and 2022, as well as his 250 East Supercross Championship of 2022. It was the end of a truly remarkable 250 career for the likeable 19-year-old, yet what was to come next was even more remarkable.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Unyielding: Virtues of a Champion (2024)
Virtues of a Champion brings us a first-hand look at what it takes to navigate the rise to superstardom as an up-and-coming dirt bike racer. For Chase Sexton, that journey has been anything but easy. With appearances from both of Chase's parents, Kelly and Keir Sexton, as well as Chase himself, the film delves into the different kinds of trials and challenges he's faced along the way, highlighting the importance of keeping his family around and involved in his racing program, and ensuring that he never loses the integrity and good morals that he was raised with that have helped him become the great young man that he is today. We also sit down with Chase's high-performance trainer Peter Park, a man who has typically kept a low profile in industry circles, to discover firsthand the rigorous fitness regime and training principles that have guided Chase and helped him become one of the most physically impressive athletes to ever line up on the gate.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
The Will To Win (2024)
The relentless ascent to championship success for Haiden Deegan has been something special to witness. In an ever-changing age of our sport in terms of media and content, the Deegan name has meant plenty of eyes on the popular young prodigy as he transitioned to the pro ranks late in 2022 before setting out to prove himself as a genuine championship contender in 2023 and beyond. Here now at the culmination of the 2024 race season, Haiden has done exactly that, with 2x 250 SuperMotocross Championships to his name as well as the highly coveted 2024 250 Pro Motocross Championship, a season in which he dominated from start to finish.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Selfless: The Makings of a Champion (2023)
Get to know a little more about the Hunter Lawrence story with this short film titled Selfless: The Makings of a Champion. With insights from father Darren Lawrence, brother Jett, and of course Hunter Lawrence himself, it’s a unique look into the mindset and moral compass of an athlete who has both enjoyed and endured one of the most impressive journeys to the top of our sport.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Public Enemies (2007)
One of the most comprehensive DVD's on the market. MX, freestyle, dirt, sand rails, trophy trucks, CORR... you name it this DVD has it all. Unleashed Pro FMX riders, Shawn Highland, Bobby Lee, Justin Johansen, Burke O'Connell, Jack Kraus, Billy Walls, and Lance Mosely complete this action packed series!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Crusty Demons: The Metal Millennium (1999)
For the new millennium, join Fleshwound Films on the front lines for an all out assault of freestyle destruction across the globe. Featuring: Seth Enslow, Brian Deegan, Ronnie Faisst, Carey Hart, Mike Metzger, Travis Pastrana, Mike Cinqmars, Larry Linkogle, Trevor Vines, Danny Ham, Mike Jones, Clifford Adoptante, Phil Lawrence, Rusty Setser, Paul Fernandez and Bubba.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Crusty Demons: The Next Level (2000)
Crusty Demons: The Next Level is the follow up release to the successful action sports feature Crusty Demons Of Dirt. This feature follows the same successful formula of massive jumps and stunts set to a music soundtrack. During this feature there are numerous shots of people riding BMX bikes and snowmobiles as well as the more familiar dirt bikes. Seth Enslow returns in this feature and shows why he has become one of the most recognized people associated with this sport. During the feature we briefly see Seth's world record attempt to jump his friends house, as well as an attempt by Paul Fernandez on a BMX bike to jump onto an apartment roof after being pulled up to speed by a car.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Crusty Demons: The 7th Mission (2001)
The 7th Mission is the latest installment in the groundbreaking Crusty Demons series, launched in 1995. The film features their trademark fast-paced style and an innovative Heli-Moto segment where helicopters transport dirt bikes up insanely steep Canadian mountains so fearless riders can let loose on uncharted trails.The film also chronicles the Crusty World Tour, a live show shot on location throughout Australia, which highlights the antics that Crusty is so well known for and presents top riders performing tricks for crowds of enthusiasts.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action
Like Riding High and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Riding High?
The closest matches to Riding High are Hero at Large (1980), No Retreat, No Surrender (1986) and Airborne (1993). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Riding High?
Start with Hero at Large (1980), the closest match to Riding High.
What is the highest-rated movie like Riding High?
Killer Bean Forever (2008), rated 7.2/10 by 201 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Riding High?
Brothers Under Fire (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Riding High?
Yes: Hero at Large (1980), No Retreat, No Surrender (1986) and Airborne (1993).
How are movies similar to Riding High chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Riding High, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.