Sports biopics aren't anything new in Hollywood, and some of the best sports movies of all time are inspired by true stories. Rare is the year that goes by without at least one inspirational (or perhaps notorious) athlete getting the Hollywood spotlight. To that end, one of 2025's most talked-about indie features has been A24's The Smashing Machine, which depicts UFC beast Mark Kerr's life and has earned much acclaim for its performances from Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Bader and others.
Granted, The Smashing Machine didn't take over the box office, but I don't think that's an indication of audiences not wanting to see movies about wrestlers, fighters and UFC icons. Especially not with that "Macho Man" Randy Savage biopic on the way, as well as talks about a potential Mick Foley movie happening. Pro wrestling and MMA are seemingly as popular as ever, with more and more future icons rising up each year.
