Mixed Martial Arts has come far from its underground fight club days. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favorite fighters.
It’s no surprise that Hollywood has noticed, giving us some incredible movies that capture the raw spirit of MMA.
If you’re a die-hard UFC fan or someone who loves a good underdog story, we’ve rounded up nine must-watch MMA movies that’ll keep you glued to your screen this year.
1. Road House (2024)
The latest action film to hit streaming proves that even classic movies can get a modern update. Road House, available on Prime Video, brings Jake Gyllenhaal into the ring as an ex-UFC fighter who becomes a bouncer at a rowdy Florida Keys bar.
The movie features several real UFC stars and personalities:
While following similar beats to Patrick Swayze’s 1989 original, this version adds its own spin with intense MMA action and a standout performance from UFC superstar Conor McGregor. Playing the ruthless Knox, McGregor steals every scene he’s in with his natural charisma and intimidating presence.
Director Doug Liman (known for The Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow) tries to bring fresh energy to the story, though critics have given mixed reviews. The biggest praise goes to McGregor, whose over-the-top performance as Knox brings much-needed excitement to the film.
This movie is fantastic. I was also skeptical at first, but it’s a really slick film in the vein of those that fueled so many of the '80s blockbusters. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a great performance as Dalton & McGregor is an over the top talent as the villain, Knox. #RoadHouse 🍻 https://t.co/rP2olwD9WO pic.twitter.com/eF7i8g65cF
— 𝐂𝐉™ (@CardiacDrop) March 30, 2024
What really stands out are the fight scenes, though some fans might be put off by the heavy use of digital effects rather than the raw, gritty style of the original.
At over two hours long, the movie could have used some trimming, but McGregor’s scenes make it worth watching.
2. Never Back Down Series (2008-2021)
What started as a simple teen MMA movie in 2008 has grown into a surprising success story. The original Never Back Down, starring Sean Faris, may have gotten tough reviews from critics, but it found its audience and sparked a franchise that keeps evolving.
The first movie made $41.6 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. While critics gave it only 22% on Rotten Tomatoes, its mix of fight scenes and popular music (featuring artists like Kanye West, My Chemical Romance, and Rise Against) connected with viewers.
The series really found its track when martial arts star Michael Jai White took over for the sequels. Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown (2011) and Never Back Down: No Surrender (2016) brought in real MMA fighters like Lyoto Machida and Josh Barnett, adding authenticity to the action.
The latest entry, Never Back Down: Revolt (2021), takes the series in a darker direction. Directed by Kellie Madison, it follows a female fighter forced into an underground fighting ring.
With stars like Michael Bisping joining the cast, the franchise continues to attract real fighting talent while exploring new storylines.
3. Sixty Minutes (2024)
This German action thriller, Sixty Minutes, puts a fresh spin on the race-against-time formula.
Emilio Sakraya plays Octavio “Octa” Bergmann, an MMA fighter who must make an impossible choice: stay for his big fight or race across Berlin to reach his daughter’s birthday party before he loses custody forever.
What makes Sixty Minutes special is how it plays out in near real time, following Octa as he battles through the streets of Berlin. The film keeps up its intense pace with well-choreographed fight scenes in various locations, from subway stations to techno clubs.
Sakraya gives an impressive performance, especially considering he isn’t a real MMA fighter. He brings both the physical intensity needed for the fight scenes and the emotional weight of a father desperate to reach his child.
The movie really shines in its action sequences, with smooth camera work that puts viewers right in the middle of each fight.
4. Southpaw (2015)
Southpaw brings Jake Gyllenhaal to the boxing ring in this emotional drama directed by Antoine Fuqua.
The story follows Billy Hope, an undefeated light heavyweight champion who seems to have it all – until tragedy strikes.
After losing his wife to gun violence and his daughter to child protective services, Billy must fight his way back from rock bottom.
Gyllenhaal’s performance as Billy Hope stands out in this classic boxing comeback story. He shares great chemistry with Rachel McAdams, who plays his supportive wife, and Forest Whitaker, who takes on the role of his new trainer. Though the movie follows familiar boxing movie patterns, the strong acting makes it feel fresh.
The film did well at the box office, making $95 million worldwide on a $30 million budget. While it was set in New York City, they actually filmed in Pittsburgh and nearby Indiana, Pennsylvania.
One special note about the movie is that it features one of the last musical scores by James Horner before his death, and both the film and soundtrack are dedicated to his memory.
5. Warrior (2011)
Warrior tells the story of two estranged brothers, played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, who end up fighting in the same MMA tournament.
Director Gavin O’Connor creates more than just another fighting movie – it’s a powerful story about family healing.
The film brings real fighting talent to the screen, featuring appearances by MMA stars like Kurt Angle, Nate Marquardt, Anthony Johnson, and several others. Nick Nolte delivers such a strong performance as the brothers’ troubled father that he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
While Warrior only made $23.3 million at the box office, critics and audiences loved it. The movie earned an impressive 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers saying it rises above typical fight movie clichés through its emotional story and powerful acting.
Audiences agreed, giving it an “A” grade on CinemaScore.
6. Blood and Bone (2009)
Blood and Bone showcases Michael Jai White at his best in this hard-hitting martial arts film.
Released directly to DVD in 2009, the movie has become a favorite among fight fans thanks to its impressive action scenes and White’s commanding performance.
Director Ben Ramsey keeps the camera steady during fights, letting viewers see every punch and kick clearly.
The movie features an impressive cast of real fighters, including Gina Carano in an early role, Kimbo Slice, Bob Sapp, Matt Mullins, and Maurice Smith. There’s even a standout scene where White takes on four opponents at once.
While the story might be simple, the film delivers exactly what martial arts fans want – great fights and a cool main character. White brings both intensity and style to his role, creating someone who’s both impressive in fight scenes and compelling to watch between them.
The movie runs a tight 90 minutes and never wastes time getting to the action, making it a perfect choice for martial arts movie fans.
7. The Cage (2024)
Netflix’s new French series The Cage tells the story of Taylor Keita (Melvin Boomer), a young fighter chasing his UFC dreams. Training at Boss’s (Franck Gastambide) local MMA gym, Taylor gets his big break when he faces off against Ibrahim “The Destroyer” (Bosh), a famous professional fighter who comes looking for a sparring partner.
The five-episode series features several real UFC stars, including Georges St-Pierre, Cyril Gane, and even Jon Jones.
The show focuses on Taylor’s journey as he deals with both the physical challenges in the cage and the pressure of sudden online fame after his fight videos go viral.
Things get intense when Taylor enters a tough KSW tournament in Poland, facing much bigger opponents. The show brings viewers right into the action with well-filmed fight scenes that make you feel like you’re watching a real UFC event.
8. Undisputed III: Redemption (2010)
Undisputed III continues the story of Boyka, a prison fighter trying to get back on top after losing everything. The movie shows his journey from a broken man mopping prison floors to fighting in an international prison tournament called the “Prison Spetz Competition.”
Director Isaac Florentine and fight choreographer Larnell Stovall create some of the best fight scenes in the series, with longer takes and more complex moves than previous films. The movie follows Boyka as he teams up with an American fighter called Turbo, turning their initial rivalry into friendship as they train together in the prison’s rock quarry.
Critics praised the movie’s fight scenes, with James Marsh from Screen Anarchy calling them “innovative, exciting and technically groundbreaking.”
While the story is simple, the film delivers exactly what fight fans want – great action and compelling characters.
9. Fight Club (1999)
While not strictly an MMA movie, Fight Club has become famous for its underground fighting scenes.
Edward Norton plays a lonely office worker who starts an underground fight club with Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). The movie uses fighting as a way to talk about bigger issues like feeling lost in modern life.
Director David Fincher created intense fight scenes that feel raw and brutal. However, unlike true MMA movies, these fights aren’t about sport or technique, they’re about men trying to feel something real in their empty lives.
The movie was controversial when it came out but has become a classic, known for both its violence and its message about society.
While it features fighting, it’s more interested in what the fighting means than in showing proper martial arts techniques.
These are just some of the standout MMA movies. From emotional dramas like Southpaw to intense prison fights in Undisputed III, they each bring something different to the genre.
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