WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Unstoppable.
There are several other inspirational and wrestling-focused movies to watch after Amazon Prime Video’sUnstoppable. Directed by William Goldenberg in his directorial debut,Unstoppablechronicles the remarkabletrue story of Anthony Robles, a 2011 NCAA wrestling champion from Arizona State University who was born with one leg. Jharrel Jerome leads thecast ofUnstoppableas Anthony Robles, which also includes stellar performances by Jennifer Lopez, Michael Peña. Don Cheadle, and Bobby Cannavale.Unstoppablewas released on Prime Video on January 16, 2025and received a Fresh Rotten Tomatoes score of 75%.
As depicted inUnstoppable, Anthony Robles was overlooked by elite college wrestling programs such as the University of Iowa before he became a walk-on redshirt freshman at ASU.Robles went an incredible 96-0 during his junior and senior years at Mesa High Schoolin Arizona.Unstoppableshows Robles went on to wrestle at Arizona State Universityand net another undefeated season during his 2011 championship run in the 125-pound division. Those who watchedUnstoppable’sendingwere likely inspired not only by Robles' incredible determination on the wrestling mat but also by his ability to overcome the abusive and financial hardships that he faced at home alongside hissupportive mother, Judy, played by Jennifer Lopez inUnstoppable.
At its core,Unstoppableis a powerful portrait of an unlikely champion whose story is even more inspiring due to his disability and the unfair judgment that came with it. Simply put,Unstoppableis an underdog story with an interesting twist because Robles' track record proves he should not have been considered an underdog in the first place. This key element elevatesUnstoppablefrom being a paint-by-numbers sports biopic and opens up larger discussions outside the arena. Several other films have taken similar approaches to peek into some of the emotional and societalelements that disadvantaged athletes face whose disposition causes an unjust uphill battle.
First Match
Cast
First Match follows a determined teenage girl from Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood who turns to wrestling boys as a way to reconnect with her estranged father, amidst the challenges of her life in foster care. The film illuminates her struggles and resilience in a gritty, coming-of-age narrative.
Highlighted with performances by Colman Domingo, Elvire Emanuelle, andUnstoppable’sJharrel Jerome,First Matchis another compelling underdog story about wrestling. After being forced to form a hard shell after years in foster care, Emaneulle’sMo decides to join the local boys' wrestling team to reconnect with her estranged father. The story follows Mo’s unlikely rise as a wrestler in Broklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood as she puts her eye on the prize of earning a college scholarship.
First Matchwas written and directed by Olivia Newman ofWhere the Crawdads Sing(2022) acclaim. The film shares similar themes toUnstoppableeven though it is not based on a true story or a real-life wrestling champion. LikeUnstoppable,First Matchblends familial and financial issues into an inspirational wrestling sports story. The film earned an 85% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 81% audience score.First Matchis currently available to stream on Netflix.
The Fire Inside
The Fire Inside chronicles the journey of boxer Claressa ‘T-Rex’ Shields from Flint, Michigan, as she trains and becomes the first American woman to achieve an Olympic gold medal in boxing, highlighting her determination and athletic achievements.
The Fire Insideis another 2024 inspirational sports story worth watching afterUnstoppable.The film is based on the true story of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, a boxer from Flint, Michigan who became the first female athlete in American history to win an Olympic Gold medal in boxing. Ryan Destiny (Star,Grown-ish) stars as Shields alongside Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) and De’Adre Aziza (She’s Gotta Have It).
The Fire Insideis directed by Rachel Morrison (Mudbound,Dope) and written by Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins (Moonlight,Mufasa: The Lion King). Shields serves as an executive producer on the film, which is praised by critics for its gritty sense of realism combined with a heartwarming narrative.The Fire Inside, which received a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, was released on June 26, 2025, and is currently playing in theaters.
Rudy
Rudy is a film about Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a young man determined to overcome significant obstacles in order to play football at the University of Notre Dame. Directed by David Anspaugh and starring Sean Astin, the film portrays Rudy’s relentless pursuit of his dream despite his smaller stature and academic challenges. The story emphasizes perseverance, heart, and the power of unwavering ambition.
Rudyis often considered one of the greatest underdog sports movies ever made. Starring Sean Astin ofThe Lord of the Ringsfame,Rudyfollows the titular football-loving protagonist who has always been told he’s too small to play the game at the college level. This is the exact same premise as Anthony Robles inUnstoppable, who was overlooked because of his so-called physical disadvantages. BothUnstoppableandRudycarry a similar message aboutthe sheer determination and grit that defines unlikely sports heroes.
What Happened to Rudy After He Graduated From Notre Dame
The real-life Rudy Ruettiger made his Hollywood dreams come true with the 1993 film. He went on to become a motivational speaker, author, and pastor.
Rudywas released in 1993 and has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved and legendary sports movies ever made. Featuring supporting performances from Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, and Lili Taylor,Rudyis the definition of the “defying-all-odds” sports filmin the same category as another great sports classic,Miracle(2004).Rudyis not currently available to stream but can be rented on most major digital platforms.
Warrior
Warrior is a 2011 sports drama directed by Gavin O’Connor. The film stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton as estranged brothers who enter an MMA tournament, each driven by personal motives, which culminates in an emotional confrontation. Nick Nolte plays their father, a recovering alcoholic whose past actions have fragmented the family. The storyline weaves themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family bonds.
Several college wrestlers, including some of Anthony Robles' ASU teammates, have gone on to fight professionally in the hard-hitting world of MMA and the UFC.Warrior(2011) is one of the greatest and most realistic films about mixed martial arts fighters both in and out of the octagon.Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton give exceptional performancesas two brothers, Tommy and Brendan Conlon, who fight head-to-head for individual championship glory.
Warrioris one of the greatest and most realistic films about mixed martial arts fighters both in and out of the octagon.
Warrioris co-written and directed by Gavin O’Connor (The Way Back,The Accountant,Miracle). AlthoughWarrioris not a true story likeUnstoppableis, many consider it to be on the same elite level as other great fighting movies such asThe Fighter(2012) andRocky(1976).Warriorearned an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and is currently streaming on Peacock.
The Wrestler
Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler is a 2008 drama that centers around Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a pro wrestler who tries to get his life together while reliving his glory days on the ring. Marisa Tomei co-stars as stripper Cassidy with Evan Rachel Wood as Randy’s estranged daughter Stephanie.
Another wrestling classic is the aptly named 2008 filmThe Wrestler. Starring Mickey Rourke in an Oscar-nominated performance,The Wrestlerfollows Rourke’s aging professional wrestler protagonist Randy “The Ram” Robinson who faces health problems and other hardships outside the ring.While Robles was a traditional wrestler, not a professional “fake” wrestler as his character described inUnstoppable,The Wrestlercuts just as deep, if not deeper, about life’s adversity and hardships.
Even thoughThe Wrestleris not an inspirational story likeUnstoppable, it offers an alternative and nearly opposite perspective from Robles, which makes it an interesting companion piece. Robles is a victorious underdog who competes for sport, while Randy is a tragic figure who wrestles for entertainment.The Wrestlerwas directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream) and earned a near-perfect 99% Rotten Tomatoes score.
The Peanut Butter Falcon
The Peanut Butter Falcon follows a crab fisherman who helps a young man with Down syndrome pursue his dream of attending a wrestling school. Their journey unfolds across rural North Carolina as they venture away from the confines of the retirement home where the young man has resided.
The Peanut Butter Falconis a quirky coming-of-age story written and directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. Released in 2019, the film follows Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a man with Down syndrome who runs away from his residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a wrestler.
The unique film also stars Dakota Johnson, Bruce Dern, Jon Bernthal, and Shia LaBeouf. As a lighthearted adventure story,The Peanut Butter Falconis tonally different fromUnstoppablebut shares a similar inspirational message.The Peanut Butter Falconearned a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Fighting With My Family
Written and directed by Stephen Merchant, Fighting with My Family is a Comedy and Drama Sports-based film based on a true story. Starring Florence Pugh, Dwayne Johnson, Lena Headey, and Nick Frost, the series chronicles the career of Saraya Jade Bevis as she rises through the ranks of the WWE to become iconic women’s wrestler, Paige.
Another celebrated wrestling-themed film from 2019 isFighting with My Family. Featuring a star-studded cast led by Dwayne Johnson, Lena Headey, Vince Vaughn, and Florence Pugh,Fighting with My Familyhas The Rock playing an exaggerated version of himselfas a former professional WWE wrestler.
10 Best Wrestler Cameos In Movies, Ranked
Few wrestling stars made a successful leap into movies, but many more were able to leave an impression on non-wrestling audiences in brief cameos.
While the film is centered around a very different type of wrestling compared to Anthony Robles inUnstoppable, it’s based on the true story of female WWE wrestler Saraya-Jade Bevis. Actor and director Stephen Merchant wrote and directedFighting with My Family, which earned a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Stronger
Based on the novel of the same name, Stronger is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become the symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
One of the most inspiring true stories ever put to film can be found in the 2017 docudramaStronger.Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Boston Marathon Bombing survivor Jeff Bauman, who became a symbol of hope for the grieving city of Boston, MA in 2013 and beyond. Directed by David Gordon Green (Halloween),Strongeralludes to the catchphrase “Boston Strong,” which was popularized after the horrific incident that took place on June 05, 2025.
Strongeralludes to the catchphrase “Boston Strong,” which was popularized after the horrific incident that took place on July 10, 2025.
While similar to 2016’sPatriots Day,Strongerhighlights the heroic recovery process Bauman underwentafter losing both legs in the explosion and his significant role in capturing those responsible. Stronger is not a sports movie but it is an incredibly moving true story centered on the power of human resiliency, much likeUnstoppable.
The Iron Claw
The Iron Claw portrays the rise and fall of the Von Erich family, a dynasty in professional wrestling. Directed by Sean Durkin, the film explores the family members' personal struggles and tragic fates and the lasting impact they left on the sport.
What has been called by some asthe greatest wrestling movie ever made,The Iron Clawtells the tragic true story of the Von Erich wrestling family.Zac Efron gives an arguably career-best performanceas Kevin Von Erich alongside Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson, who play his brothers and wrestling teammates Kerry and David, respectively.
The Iron Clawwas written and directed by Sean Durkin (The Nest) and earned an 89% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes paired with a 94% audience score. Similar toThe Wrestler,The Iron Clawis another wrestling-themed tragedyabout the entertainment style of wrestling. It offers an interesting contrast to the style of wrestling and the inspirational arc inUnstoppable.
Rocky
Rocky tells the story of Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer from Philadelphia who gets an unexpected shot at the world heavyweight title. The film explores Rocky’s personal and professional struggles, his romance with Adrian Pennino, and his journey toward self-respect and determination.
It’s impossible not to think of the ultimate boxing movieRockywhen watchingUnstoppable, especially considering that Jerome’sRobles climbs the Rocky Steps with his crutches twice in the film. The original 1976Rockyand its many sequels, including the massivelysuccessful Creed franchise, are staples of the sports genre in film.
Movies likeUnstoppableand several of the aforementioned films inevitably live inRocky’shistoric and Oscar-winning shadow. There’s a fair chance that many ofUnstoppable’sviewers have already seenRockyand may have even watched the entire franchise. Just likeRudy, and nowUnstoppable,Rockyis a cut above the rest as an all-time great inspirational sports movie.
