Step into the cage where every punch, kick, and grapple tells a story.
From visceral battles to the raw human spirit, these picks aren’t just fight fests—they’re tales of heart.
Eager to delve into the top mixed martial arts movies, shows, and documentaries where combat and cinema collide spectacularly?
Best Mixed Martial Arts Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Warrior (2011)
- Never Back Down (2008)
- Here Comes the Boom (2012)
- Fightville (2011) – Documentary
- Redbelt (2008)
- The Smashing Machine (2002) – Documentary
- Bloodsport (1988)
- The Quest (1996)
- Enter the Dragon (1973)
- Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)
- Flash Point (2007)
Table of Contents
#1 Warrior (2011)
- 🎬 Directed by: Gavin O’Connor
- 🌟 Starring: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Morrison
Warrior is a gripping drama that focuses on the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and tells the story of two estranged brothers who, facing their struggles, enter an MMA tournament with the highest stakes.
As they advance through the competition, their troubled past leads to a fierce confrontation inside the ring. The film is not just about fighting; it deeply explores themes of family, redemption, and the human spirit.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#2 Never Back Down (2008)
- 🎬 Directed by: Jeff Wadlow
- 🌟 Starring: Sean Faris, Djimon Hounsou, Amber Heard, Cam Gigandet
Never Back Down is a high-energy film that combines teen drama with the intensity of Mixed Martial Arts. The story follows Jake Tyler as he moves to a new town and gets sucked into the world of underground fighting.
Under the mentorship of a seasoned coach, he learns the value of discipline, respect, and the importance of standing up for himself. The movie showcases several intense training and fighting scenes making it inspirational for MMA fans and enthusiasts.
Where to watch: Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video
#3 Here Comes the Boom (2012)
- 🎬 Directed by: Frank Coraci
- 🌟 Starring: Kevin James, Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler
In Here Comes the Boom, Kevin James stars as a high school biology teacher who turns to fight in MMA bouts to raise money to save the school’s music program.
This action-comedy puts a lighter spin on MMA, showcasing not only the toughness required to compete but also emphasizing heartwarming moments of community support and personal growth.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#4 Fightville (2011) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker
Fightville is a documentary that delves into the lives of aspiring Mixed Martial Arts fighters in Southern Louisiana. The film uncovers the dedication and hardships these athletes face as they attempt to make a name for themselves in the brutal and competitive world of MMA.
Showcasing the raw talent and the intense physical and emotional investment required in the sport, Fightville paints a stark and compelling picture of what it takes to become a fighter.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#5 Redbelt (2008)
- 🎬 Directed by: David Mamet
- 🌟 Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Emily Mortimer, Alice Braga, Tim Allen
Redbelt is a martial arts drama that follows the story of Mike Terry, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor who is driven by honor and integrity. He faces financial strain and is drawn into the movie business, which challenges his life philosophy and introduces him to the world of competitive fighting.
A mix of martial arts philosophy and Hollywood corruption, the film is both a narrative on the fight world and a personal drama about the protagonist’s struggle to maintain his integrity in a compromising situation.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#6 The Smashing Machine (2002) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: John Hyams
The Smashing Machine is an intense documentary that provides an in-depth look at the life of Mark Kerr, an American freestyle wrestler and MMA fighter. The film highlights Kerr’s successes and the toll that fighting takes on his body and personal life.
Highlighting the darker, more punishing aspects of being a professional fighter, the documentary gives viewers insider access to the struggles and triumphs within the sport, including issues such as substance abuse and physical injuries.
Where to watch: IMDb
#7 Bloodsport (1988)
- 🎬 Directed by: Newt Arnold
- 🌟 Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Donald Gibb, Leah Ayres, Bolo Yeung
Bloodsport is a cult martial arts film that introduced Jean-Claude Van Damme to a mainstream audience. The film is based on the allegedly true story of Frank Dux, an American martial artist who participates in Kumite, an illegal full-contact martial arts tournament in Hong Kong.
The movie features a variety of martial arts styles and intense fight scenes, making it a classic in the genre and a must-watch for fans of action and martial arts cinema.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#8 The Quest (1996)
- 🎬 Directed by: Jean-Claude Van Damme
- 🌟 Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Roger Moore, James Remar
The Quest, directed and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, depicts the journey of Christopher Dubois, an adventurous street performer who ends up participating in a mythical martial arts tournament in the lost city of Tibet.
Assembled fighters from all over the world compete for the prized Golden Dragon, a trophy believed to grant immense power. The film features a range of martial arts disciplines and showcases Van Damme’s athletic abilities and charisma.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#9 Enter the Dragon (1973)
- 🎬 Directed by: Robert Clouse
- 🌟 Starring: Bruce Lee, John Saxon, Jim Kelly
Enter the Dragon is the definitive martial arts film and the last completed movie starring the legendary Bruce Lee before his untimely death.
Lee stars as a martial artist recruited by an intelligence agency to infiltrate an underground fighting tournament and bring down a criminal mastermind. This classic film revolutionized the genre and continues to influence martial arts cinema today with its iconic fight scenes, charismatic performance by Lee, and cultural impact.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#10 Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior (2003)
- 🎬 Directed by: Prachya Pinkaew
- 🌟 Starring: Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao, Pumwaree Yodkamol
Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior is a Thai martial arts action film that stars Tony Jaa in a breakout role that brought him international fame. The movie follows the journey of a young fighter from a rural village to the big city to retrieve the stolen head of a sacred Buddha statue known as Ong Bak.
The film is celebrated for its incredible choreography, use of traditional Muay Thai techniques, and minimal use of wirework or CGI in its action sequences, showcasing Jaa’s athleticism and skill.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#11 Flash Point (2007)
- 🎬 Directed by: Wilson Yip
- 🌟 Starring: Donnie Yen, Louis Koo, Collin Chou
Flash Point is a Hong Kong action film that features Donnie Yen as Detective Sergeant Ma Jun, who works to bring down a vicious criminal gang before the return of Hong Kong to the Chinese government in 1997. The film is known for its high-octane fight scenes, which blend MMA techniques with traditional Chinese martial arts.
Yen’s standout performance as both the lead actor and fight choreographer showcases his diverse fighting abilities and contributes to the film’s gritty and hard-hitting style.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Dive deeper into the world of MMA with the best mixed martial arts books for a closer look at the sport’s techniques, history, and legendary fighters.
FAQ
What is the best Mixed Martial Arts movie of all time?
“Warrior” (2011) is the best Mixed Martial Arts movie of all time, portraying the emotional and physical struggles of two brothers competing in an MMA tournament.
What are some good Mixed Martial Arts movies?
“Fighting,” “Never Back Down,” and “Here Comes the Boom” are good Mixed Martial Arts movies that offer a mix of action, drama, and inspiration set against the backdrop of MMA.
What Mixed Martial Arts movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Mixed Martial Arts movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “Fightworld” (2018), “Kingdom” (2014-2017), and “Conor McGregor: Notorious” (2017).
