Movies like Heel (2020)
The best movies like Heel (2020) are Queen of the Ring (2025), Legendary (2010) and Sergeant Rutledge (1960). If Heel hooked you with its drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedWhere Hope Grows (2014)7.9/10 from 232 votes
- NewestI Can Only Imagine 2 (2026)Released 2026
Queen of the Ring (2025)
In a time when pro wrestling for women was illegal all over the country, a small town single mother embraces the danger to change culture as she dominates America's most masculine sport to become the first million dollar female athlete in history.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLegendary (2010)
A book-smart teenager joins his school's wrestling team as a way to reunite his surviving family members, who split apart after the death of his father, a college wrestling legend, 10 years ago.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSergeant Rutledge (1960)
Respected black cavalry Sergeant Brax Rutledge stands court-martial for raping and killing a white woman and murdering her father, his superior officer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWWE Crown Jewel 2021 (2021)
The 2021 Crown Jewel was a professional wrestling event produced by WWE. It was the third Crown Jewel and took place on October 21, 2021, at Mohammed Abdu Arena on The Boulevard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season. The event aired via pay-per-view and livestreaming, marking the first Crown Jewel to air on Peacock in the United States.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAmerican Wrestler: The Wizard (2017)
In 1980, a teenage boy escapes the unrest in Iran only to face more hostility in America, due to the hostage crisis. Determined to fit in, he joins the school's floundering wrestling team.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhere Hope Grows (2014)
Calvin Campbell is a former professional baseball player sent to an early retirement due to his panic attacks at the plate. Even though he had all the talent for the big leagues, he struggles with the curveballs life has thrown him. Today, he mindlessly sleepwalks through his days and the challenge of raising his teenager daughter. His life is in a slow downward spiral when it is suddenly awakened and invigorated by the most unlikely person – Produce, a young-man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisPitfall (1948)
An insurance man wishing for a more exciting life becomes wrapped up in the affairs of an imprisoned embezzler, his model girlfriend, and a violent private investigator.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWWE Day 1 2022 (2022)
WWE kicks off 2022 with the first-ever WWE Day 1 event. Big E puts the WWE Championship on the line against Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens and Bobby Lashley in a Fatal 5-Way Match. "The Man" Becky Lynch defends the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Liv Morgan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBody and Soul (1947)
Charley Davis, against the wishes of his mother, becomes a boxer. As he becomes more successful the fighter becomes surrounded by shady characters, including an unethical promoter named Roberts, who tempt the man with a number of vices. Charley finds himself faced with increasingly difficult choices.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Champ (1979)
Billy used to be a great boxer, but he's settled into a hardscrabble life that revolves around drinking, training horses, and the one bright spot in his existence — his young son, T.J. Although Billy has had custody of T.J. since his wife, Annie, left the family years ago, her return prompts a new struggle for the former fighter. Determined to hold on to his son, Billy gets back into the ring to try and recapture his past success.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Karate Kid (1984)
New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mother, and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali. He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei John Kreese. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSomebody Up There Likes Me (1956)
The story of boxer Rocky Graziano's rise from juvenile delinquent to world champ.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Karate Kid Part III (1989)
Despondent over the closing of his karate school, Cobra Kai teacher John Kreese joins a ruthless businessman and martial artist to get revenge on Daniel and Mr. Miyagi.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisFast Girls (2012)
A street smart runner develops an intense rivalry with an equally ambitious wealthy young athlete.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Christmas Shoes (2002)
Two separate stories mesh - in the first, a young music teacher, Maggie Andrews, begins dying of a heart condition and her son Nathan tries to get a pair of Christmas shoes for her before she dies. In the second, lawyer Robert Layton and his wife Kate are slowly drifting apart and the matter comes to a head during Christmas when Kate takes over for Maggie for the school choir.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)
The story of golf icon and legend, Bobby Jones, who retired from competition at the tender age of 28.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisI Can Only Imagine (2018)
Growing up in Greenville, Texas, Bart Millard suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father, Arthur. When Arthur becomes terminally ill, he finds redemption by embracing his faith and rediscovering his love for his son. Years later, Bart's troubled childhood and mended relationship with his dad inspires him to write the hit song "I Can Only Imagine" as singer of the Christian band MercyMe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWWE Fastlane 2021 (2021)
The final stop on the Road to WrestleMania 37 shifts into high gear as Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler take on Bianca Belair & SmackDown Women's Champion Sasha Banks for the Women's Tag Team Championships, Braun Strowman gets his chance at revenge against Shane McMahon, Big E defends his Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews, and "The Head of the Table" Roman Reigns faces off with Daniel Bryan for the Universal Championship.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisI Can Only Imagine 2 (2026)
Following the breakout success of the song 'I Can Only Imagine', MercyMe's Bart Millard is living the dream—sold-out arenas, a devoted fanbase, and a thriving career. But behind the spotlight, Bart's past threatens the family he's built, especially the fragile bond with his son Sam. When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons joins the band for their biggest tour yet, he unknowingly brings a renewed gratitude to Bart's life through their unlikely friendship. Bart soon discovers that Tim carries hardships—and secrets—of his own, forcing him to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife Shannon before fame costs him what matters most.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisHouse of Bamboo (1955)
Eddie Kenner is given a special assignment by the Army to get the inside story on Sandy Dawson, a former GI who has formed a gang of fellow servicemen and Japanese locals.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAEW All Out 2021 (2021)
All Elite Wrestling is going to where champions are made as this year's event emanates from the NOW Arena in Chicago, Illinois as AEW World Champion Kenny Omega defends his title against IMPACT World Champion Christian Cage, Andrade El Ídolo goes one-on-one with "The Bastard" PAC, the Young Bucks defend their AEW Tag Team Championship inside a steel cage, and, for the first time in over seven years, CM Punk will once again step inside the squared circle as he faces off against Darby Allin.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Degenerate (1978)
A drug addict falls under the care of his connection and his two daughters. While in rehabilitation one day he comes across an old love interest of his, who is engaged and living a happy life. Feeling the need to get back at her, he conspires with one of the daughters to pull a prank on the new couple, but instead come across a web of deception in the process.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Undercurrent (TBA)
A young man recently released from prison attempts to rebuild his life after the death of his mother.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Drugstore Cowboy (1989)
Portland, Oregon, 1971. Bob Hughes is the charismatic leader of a peculiar quartet, formed by his wife, Dianne, and another couple, Rick and Nadine, who skillfully steal from drugstores and hospital medicine cabinets in order to appease their insatiable need for drugs. But neither fun nor luck last forever.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAnonymous (2021)
When a seemingly average man is struck with addiction he becomes anything but average. He becomes anonymous.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Too Saved (2007)
Lisa is a young, Christian woman. Bobby, her boyfriend, however, is a street hoodlum. Lisa prays constantly that Bobby will accept God in his life. She soon gets what she wants, but discovers that Bobby's conversion means that she has to get her life in order as well. As a result, she is forced to resolve not only her relationship with Bobby, but with everyone in her life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Veronika Voss (1982)
In Munich 1955, German film star Veronika Voss becomes a drug addict at the mercy of corrupt Dr. Marianne Katz, who keeps her supplied with morphine. After meeting sports writer Robert Krohn, Veronika begins to dream of a return to stardom. As the couple's relationship escalates in intensity, Veronika begins seriously planning her return to the screen -- only to realize how debilitated she has become through her drug habit.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMarigold Summer Gold Shine 2024 ~ Day 11 (2024)
Marigold Summer Gold Shine 2024 ~ Day 11 was a professional wrestling event promoted by Dream Star★Fighting Marigold, held on August 24, 2024 at Shin-Kiba 1st RING in Tokyo, Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Marigold Summer Gold Shine 2024 ~ Day 12 (2024)
Marigold Summer Gold Shine 2024 ~ Day 12 was a professional wrestling event promoted by Dream Star★Fighting Marigold. It took place on August 25, 2024, at Shin-Kiba 1st RING in Tokyo, Japan, and featured Giulia's last Marigold appearance before moving to the United States to become a part of the WWE/NXT roster.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Marigold Summer Gold Shine 2024 ~ Day 10 (2024)
Marigold Summer Gold Shine 2024 ~ Day 10 was a professional wrestling event promoted by Dream Star★Fighting Marigold. It took place on August 19, 2024, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both drama
Like Heel and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Heel?
The closest matches to Heel are Queen of the Ring (2025), Legendary (2010) and Sergeant Rutledge (1960). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Heel?
Start with Queen of the Ring (2025), the closest match to Heel.
What is the highest-rated movie like Heel?
Where Hope Grows (2014), rated 7.9/10 by 232 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Heel?
I Can Only Imagine 2 (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Heel?
Yes: Queen of the Ring (2025), Legendary (2010) and Sergeant Rutledge (1960).
How are movies similar to Heel chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Heel, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.