10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Challengers (2024)

Description: Both 'Eternal Sunshine' and 'Challengers' explore the complexities of love and memory, albeit in different genres. The nonlinear storytelling and emotional depth are key similarities.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Charlie Kaufman. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet's performances were critically praised. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: Like 'Challengers', 'Wimbledon' is a sports drama that blends romance and competition. Both films explore the intense personal and professional lives of athletes, with a focus on tennis. The emotional stakes and the intertwining of love and rivalry are central themes in both movies.

Fact: 'Wimbledon' stars Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany, who trained extensively to portray professional tennis players convincingly. The film features actual footage from the Wimbledon Championships to add authenticity. The script was written by Adam Brooks, who also worked on 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason'.

Description: While not a sports film, 'The Squid and the Whale' shares with 'Challengers' a deep exploration of complex relationships and emotional turmoil. Both films use a nuanced, character-driven approach to storytelling, focusing on the intricacies of human connections.

Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, based on director Noah Baumbach's childhood. It features early performances by Jesse Eisenberg and Owen Kline. The title refers to a diorama at the American Museum of Natural History.

Description: Like 'Challengers', 'Silver Linings Playbook' combines romance with personal struggle, set against a competitive backdrop (dancing in this case). Both films feature flawed, relatable characters striving for redemption and connection.

Fact: Jennifer Lawrence won an Oscar for her role. The film was adapted from Matthew Quick's novel. Bradley Cooper and Lawrence's chemistry was a highlight.

Description: Both 'The Spectacular Now' and 'Challengers' explore the complexities of young love and personal growth. The films share a raw, emotional honesty and a focus on character development, making them resonate deeply with audiences.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Tim Tharp. Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley's chemistry was praised by critics. It won a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: 'Like Crazy' and 'Challengers' both examine the highs and lows of romantic relationships, with a focus on the emotional intensity and personal sacrifices involved. The films' realistic portrayals of love and heartbreak are strikingly similar.

Fact: 'Like Crazy' won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. The lead actors, Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones, improvised much of their dialogue. The film was shot on a shoestring budget.

Description: Both 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'Challengers' are deeply emotional films that explore love and loss. While the contexts differ, the intensity of the relationships and the emotional depth are comparable.

Fact: Based on John Green's bestselling novel. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort's performances were widely acclaimed. The film was a box office success, grossing over $300 million worldwide.

Description: This film, like 'Challengers', delves into the world of competitive tennis and the personal dramas that unfold off the court. Both movies highlight the pressures of professional sports and the media scrutiny that comes with it. The themes of gender dynamics and personal redemption are also prominent in both.

Fact: 'Battle of the Sexes' is based on the real-life 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Emma Stone and Steve Carell underwent rigorous training to mimic the playing styles of King and Riggs. The film was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, known for 'Little Miss Sunshine'.

Description: Similar to 'Challengers', 'King Richard' focuses on the journey of a tennis player, showcasing the sacrifices and challenges faced in the pursuit of greatness. Both films emphasize the role of family and mentors in shaping an athlete's career. The intense, emotional storytelling is a common thread.

Fact: 'King Richard' tells the true story of Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams. Will Smith won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Richard Williams. The film was produced by Venus and Serena Williams themselves.

Description: 'Blue Jay' and 'Challengers' both delve into the themes of past relationships and unresolved emotions. The intimate, dialogue-driven narrative of 'Blue Jay' mirrors the intense, personal focus of 'Challengers', albeit in a quieter, more subdued setting.

Fact: 'Blue Jay' stars Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson, who also co-produced the film. The entire movie was shot in just seven days. It was filmed in black and white to emphasize the emotional tone.