Being 500: A Professional Wrestling Documentary(2024)

Watch the Lights(en)

Directed by North East filmmaker Alex Ayre, this gripping behind-the-scenes journey follows NORTH Wrestling through the summer of 2023, leading up to its most ambitious event yet—Thunderstruck. Equal parts thrilling, humorous, and heartfelt, the film showcases the passion and dedication that go into staging a professional wrestling event. "Watch The Lights" has cemented itself as a standout celebration of independent wrestling and filmmaking, earning a Royal Television Society Regional Award nomination. The Film Magazine hails it as "...a must-watch documentary." For newcomers, it offers a fascinating introduction to the artistry of wrestling, while die-hard fans will gain deeper insight into the NORTH Wrestling community—both in and out of the ring.

La Lucha: The Struggle(en)

Behold La Lucha, a "roller derby gone awry" type of sport -- but without the skates -- that calls drag queens, transvestites, mobsters and a menagerie of other characters its fans. But what is it, exactly? This fascinating documentary answers that burning question and more as it examines how this strange duck first came to be and how it grew to become a cult hit, capturing the imagination of audiences far and wide.

Antonín Panenka(cs)

Standout: The Ben Kjar Story(en)

Standout tells the powerful story of Ben Kjar, born with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. From birth, doctors warn that his life will be overshadowed by limitations. Ben yearns for an ordinary life free from the harsh scrutiny he faces daily. However, each experience of adversity, including relentless bullying and a series of painful surgeries, ignites a fire within him. Wrestling becomes his proving ground, a place where he learns to transform his facial difference into a source of power. Determined to succeed, he pushes himself relentlessly, breaking through physical, social, and even romantic barriers that once seemed insurmountable. But as unexpected challenges arise and ridicule resurfaces, Ben finds himself at a defining crossroads: fade into the background of a “normal” life, or fully embrace his unique path and boldly stand out.

The Backyard(en)

Lightbulbs, fire, barbed wire, mousetraps, staple guns, thumbtacks and glass are weapons of choice in The Backyard. This undercover documentary takes you deep into the controversial arena of backyard wrestling where the limits are constantly being tested...and broken. The Backyard follows several backyard wrestlers in different countries as they pursue their dream to become professional wrestlers.

Rendez-Vous Video Magazine(en)

This 1981 video magazine “For the Man Who Wants More…” contains Monte Hellman’s short portrait of Francis Ford Coppola discussing business and craft at home and on the set of his Zoetrope Studios, “Inside the Coppola Personality” (aka “Coppola: A Profile”). Also inside is “Modesty”, a self-portrait by Bob Rafelson, shot by Bruno Nuytten; a portrait of a pubic hair dye specialist; a travelogue on Bangkok; a candid camera with a planted hussie at a gas station. a.o.

Hugo Sánchez, the Goal and the Glory(es)

The definitive chronicle of the best Mexican athlete in history. From his beginnings in Mexico's university team, his transcendental time in Spain's Real Madrid, his international falls and his very personal obsession for success.

Never Forget: WWE Returns After 9/11(en)

In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, as terror and tragedy dominated the media landscape, WWE provided a beacon of hope with a live edition of SmackDown. This documentary explores the preparation of the historic event that brought unity to a country when it was needed most.

The Price of Fame(en)

Ted DiBiase Jr. takes a journey through pro-wrestlings past to tell the faith-based story of his father's rise, fall and redemption.

The History of the World Heavyweight Championship(en)

The story of the one of the most distinctive and storied championships in the world of sports entertainment and the men who held it.

Class Acts(en)

Class Acts is a feature-length documentary tracing the genesis of Singapore's creative scene in the '90s through intimate conversations with its pioneering personalities. These are the stories of individuals who started creating with nothing, who push Singapore’s creative standards even today. The ones who went on to inspire a new generation of musicians, designers, and street artists.

WrestleMania IX: Becoming a Spectacle(en)

Follow the making of the Las Vegas WrestleMania in 1993 that paved the path forward for the WWF. From the chaos outside Caesars Palace to the action inside the ring, pull back the curtain on the "World's Largest Toga Party" with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the event.

Los Exóticos(es)

The documentary portrays the life and history of Mexican wrestlers who for various reasons have decided to participate in this contact sport characterizing exotic characters. The exotic refers to the strange, the mysterious, the weird, the unusual. Particularly in wrestling exotic style refers to refined athletes in their clothing, well groomed, with a very special walk, occasionally thin effeminate. Not rude, not technical, but not rare height or size, these mannered gladiators have represented a third option within the Mexican rings, some shamelessly displaying their sexual preference and thereby defying the homophobic, or secretly homophily, mood of the wrestling fans.

WWE: Rey Mysterio - 619(en)

"619" isn't just San Diego's area code, it's WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio's signature move, recalling his hometown. Join Rey for this special journey from his humble "619" beginnings...to his days in WCW...to his high-flyin' WWE career. Rey takes us to Mexico, where he first began training. Get Rey's unique perspectives on his fiercest rivals in the business. For the first time anywhere, Rey's family members and WWE Superstars help profile the most acrobatic and unique performer in WWE today.

You Cannot Kill David Arquette(en)

Following his infamous championship as part of a marketing stunt for the film Ready to Rumble, David Arquette is widely known as the most hated man in pro-wrestling worldwide. Nearly 20 years after he "won" the initial title, through ups and downs in his career, with his family, and with his struggles with addiction, David Arquette seeks redemption by returning to the ring...for real this time.

WWF: Hardy Boyz - Leap of Faith(en)

Hard-hitting, high fliers of the WWE, The the Hardy Boyz have changed the face of sports entertainment with their superior athleticism and awesome aerial assault. Bursting onto the scene in 1999, real-life brothers Matt and Jeff have captured the imaginations of wrestling fans around the globe. Featuring six complete matches, this documentary profile showcases the "Boyz" at the top of their game, sacrificing their bodies, and pushing the sport to the extreme.

Hard Knocks(en)

Hard Knocks dives deep into this bizarre fusion of sport and theatre in order to uncover the true art of professional wrestling; blending combat and athleticism with drama and showmanship to captivate the minds of the audience, suspending any disbelief that what they are seeing is not real. Although you can hardly epitomize it as simply "real" or "fake", there is no denying the tremendous skill and aptitude required of each performer. Yet despite this and the often harsh realities of each match, to most people, professional wrestling is a laughing stock. Director Arthur Cauty interviews wrestlers, referees and promoters alike, with world famous stars of the WWE aligning with the stars of tomorrow to voice their opinions, revealing startling truths about this illusive business. This film will shock and astound, leaving you with a new found respect for professional wrestling and the men and women who dedicate their lives and bodies to this obscure art form.

The Absolute Truth About Pro Wrestling(en)

A new documentary about the strange and sometimes secretive world of pro wrestling, both inside and outside the squared circle. For six years, Mark Ezovski followed three individuals to explore the strange, fascinating and secretive world of professional wrestling. The Absolute Truth About Pro Wrestling is not a film about wrestling but a film about three individuals following their dreams. It is a funny, sad and ultimately uplifting portrait of life outside of the squared circle.

Exposed!: Pro Wrestling's Greatest Secrets(en)

Go behind the scenes into the strange world of pro wrestling. Find out why these men are more than athletes, and more like actors. Revealed are the tricks of the trade and the secrets to putting on a good show.

The Fit Finlays(en)

Documentary featuring Ireland’s most famous wrestling family The Fit Finlays. The Finlays from Carrickfergus have kept traditional wrestling in Ireland alive for three generations. They have been central to both the olympic and professional wrestling scenes. This is true wrestling documentary about real wrestlers. Also features legends such as Rasputin the Mad Monk, the Amazing Kung Fu and the sadly missed Orig Williams. Get ready to rumble!!!!