WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Unstoppable.
For fans of wrestling and inspiring true stories, look no further than Amazon Prime Video’s Unstoppable. This film, marking the directorial debut of William Goldenberg, tells the awe-inspiring tale of Anthony Robles, a 2011 NCAA wrestling champion from Arizona State University who triumphed despite being born with one leg. Jharrel Jerome stars as Robles, supported by a talented cast that includes Jennifer Lopez, Michael Peña, Don Cheadle, and Bobby Cannavale. Released on January 16, 2025, Unstoppable has garnered a commendable Rotten Tomatoes score of 75%.
The narrative in Unstoppable sheds light on how Robles was initially overlooked by top-tier collegiate wrestling programs, including the University of Iowa, before ultimately becoming a walk-on redshirt freshman at Arizona State. Achieving an astounding record of 96-0 during his junior and senior years at Mesa High School in Arizona, Robles continued his success at ASU with another undefeated season, capturing the championship in the 125-pound division in 2011. Audiences are likely to feel uplifted not only by his unwavering spirit on the mat but also by his resilience in overcoming family adversity and financial difficulties, supported by his mother Judy, portrayed by Jennifer Lopez.
At its core, Unstoppable is a compelling exploration of an unexpected champion whose journey becomes even more significant due to his disability and the associated biases he faced. The film redefines the concept of the underdog, showcasing Robles’ extraordinary talent and determination, subsequently inviting larger conversations about the challenges faced by athletes who must navigate societal prejudices.
10 First Match
2018
First Match, featuring Colman Domingo, Elvire Emanuelle, and Jharrel Jerome, is another poignant underdog story centered around wrestling. The film follows Mo, a young girl who, after years in foster care, decides to join a local boys’ wrestling team to reconnect with her estranged father. Set in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood, Mo’s journey illustrates her aspiration for a college scholarship and personal growth.
Written and directed by Olivia Newman, known for her work on Where the Crawdads Sing (2022), First Match shares similar themes with Unstoppable, merging familial and financial struggles into a narrative of hope. This film, although fictional, achieved an impressive Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 85% and an audience score of 81%, and is currently available on Netflix.
9 The Fire Inside
2024
The Fire Inside is a must-watch for those inspired by Unstoppable. Based on the real-life account of Claressa “T-Rex”Shields, a boxer from Flint, Michigan, the film chronicles her journey to becoming the first female athlete in U.S. history to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. Starring Ryan Destiny alongside Brian Tyree Henry and De’Adre Aziza, the film delivers a gripping narrative mixed with emotional depth.
Shields also serves as an executive producer, ensuring authenticity in this heartfelt portrayal. Released on December 25, 2024, The Fire Inside has gained critical acclaim with a remarkable 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is currently playing in theaters.
8 Rudy
1993
Considered one of the greatest underdog stories in sports cinema, Rudy stars Sean Astin as a passionate football enthusiast who dreams of playing at the collegiate level despite being told he is too small. Similar to Anthony Robles in Unstoppable, Rudy’s journey illustrates the power of determination against all odds, making this film a hallmark of the genre.
7 Warrior
2011
Warrior brings a realistic perspective to the world of mixed martial arts, featuring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton as brothers Tommy and Brendan Conlon, who face off in a fierce battle for championship glory. Showcasing the complexities of both sport and personal struggle, this film stands as one of the finest representations of MMA on screen.
Directed by Gavin O’Connor, known for The Way Back and Miracle, Warrior shares thematic similarities with Unstoppable, despite being a fictional narrative. It boasts an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is available for streaming on Peacock.
6 The Wrestler
2008
The Wrestler, featuring an Oscar-nominated performance by Mickey Rourke, follows the story of Randy “The Ram”Robinson, an aging professional wrestler grappling with health issues and hardships. While Robles embodies the traditional wrestling spirit in Unstoppable, The Wrestler presents a more tragic yet equally compelling narrative.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film holds a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 99%. Though it diverges from the inspirational essence of Unstoppable, it serves as a thought-provoking counter-narrative about the challenges faced in the pursuit of a passion.
5 The Peanut Butter Falcon
2019
The Peanut Butter Falcon offers a unique take on the coming-of-age genre, portraying Zak, a man with Down syndrome who escapes from a residential nursing facility to chase his dream of becoming a wrestler. Directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, the film is lighthearted but delivers a powerful, uplifting message.
With a cast that includes Dakota Johnson, Bruce Dern, and Shia LaBeouf, this film earned a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is available for streaming on Netflix, making it a joyful companion piece to the serious tone of Unstoppable.
4 Fighting With My Family
2019
Another notable film from 2019 is Fighting With My Family, starring a stellar cast, including Dwayne Johnson, Lena Headey, and Florence Pugh. This biographical comedy-drama is based on the true journey of WWE wrestler Saraya-Jade Bevis. Dwayne Johnson portrays a fictionalized version of himself, lending a humorous yet heartfelt touch to the film.
Directed by Stephen Merchant, the film scored an impressive 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, drawing viewers into the world of professional wrestling while highlighting the themes of family and resilience.
3 Stronger
2017
In the 2017 docudrama Stronger, Jake Gyllenhaal portrays Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing who became a symbol of hope for his community. Directed by David Gordon Green, this film encapsulates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of devastating tragedy, sharing a profound narrative akin to that of Unstoppable.
While it may not be a sports film per se, the story of Bauman’s recovery and his triumph over adversity resonates deeply, showcasing the enduring power of hope and perseverance.
2 The Iron Claw
2023
Hailed by some as one of the finest wrestling films in history, The Iron Claw tells the tragic story of the Von Erich family, with Zac Efron delivering a career-defining performance as Kevin Von Erich. The film explores themes of legacy and family struggles within the wrestling world.
Directed by Sean Durkin, this movie achieved an 89% critic score and a notable 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Like The Wrestler, it explores wrestling as a performance art, creating interesting contrasts with the pathos present in Unstoppable.
1 Rocky
1976
No discussion of inspirational sports films would be complete without mentioning Rocky, particularly with Jerome’s Robles famously climbing the Rocky Steps in the film. The original Rocky (1976) and its sequels, including the acclaimed Creed franchise, firmly established the template for sports cinema.
Films like Unstoppable thrive in the shadow of Rocky, drawing parallels in their narratives of determination and triumph over adversity. Much like Rudy and Unstoppable, Rocky remains a definitive example of inspirational cinema and a testament to the human spirit’s resilience.
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