MMA is one of the most fascinating sports in the world. The intensity and drama of MMA have given rise to various movies that have captured the hearts of fans and inspired viewers through their compelling narratives.
Today let us take a look at 5 MMA based movies you should watch.
1. Warrior – 2011
Warrior was directed by Gavin O’Connor. Starred by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, the movie revolves around the two brothers, Tommy and Brandon who are struggling in their lives. After an underwhelming career in marine, Tommy returns home and starts MMA training with his father and enters an MMA tournament to support his family’s needs.
Tommy’s brother, Brandon, who is also facing financial difficulties, enters the same MMA tournament. The two brothers, after advancing through the rounds, cross paths in the final to set up an emotional clash.
The movie was a box-office hit earning $5.2 million in the first week. Overall the movie collected a gross earning of $23.3 million worldwide.
2. The Hammer – 2010
The Hammer was directed by Oren Kaplan in 2010. The movie is a real-life story of retired UFC fighter Matt Hamill who impressed with his performances in “The Ultimate Fighter” season 3. The film focuses on the journey of Hamill from his early career to the days of his professional career. Despite suffering from hearing impairment, his determination and dedication led him to become one of the most inspiring fighters in MMA.
The movie premiered at the American Film Institute and won the Breakthrough Film Audience Award. The Hammer was well received by the audience with positive reviews given on acting as well as the use of sign languages.
3. Never Back Down – 2008
Never Back Down was directed by Jeff Wadlow in 2008. Sean Faris plays the lead role of Jake Tyler, who finds it difficult to cope with life in a new town. He continuously gets humiliated by a local MMA Champion, Ryan McCarthy. Tyler then trains with Jean Roqua who is an experienced MMA trainer and his life takes a positive turn. Under Roqua, Tyler learns MMA and fights McCarthy again in a street fight.
The movie was a box office hit earning a collection of $41.6 million with a budget of $20 million. It won the MTV Movie Award for the best fight movie of 2008.
4. RedBelt – 2008
RedBelt was directed by David Mamet in 2008. In the movie, Mike Terry (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) owns an MMA academy where he teaches his students the basics of life like humility and discipline along with MMA. His life takes an unexpected turn when a lawyer tricks him into competing in a professional fight, which is something he always tried to avoid. RedBelt is a compelling movie about honor and the sacrifices that a fighter has to endure in his life.
The movie collected a box office income of $2.7 million. It received high appreciation from the fans and earned an overall rating of 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. Blood and Bone – 2009
Blood and Bone was directed by Ben Ramsey in 2009. In the film, Isaiah Bone, who spent years in jail, wants to take revenge of his deceased friend. He joins the underground fight tournament in Los Angeles with the aim of taking down the promotion promoter James. As he runs through his opponents in the competition, he also protects the other exploited fighters by the organization.
Although not receiving any mainstream awards, Blood and Bone was highly appreciated by the viewers for its realistic story. It also received huge recognition in the Hong Kong Film industry.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
