10 Shows and Movies Similar to Dark Side of the Ring (2019)

Description: Like 'Dark Side of the Ring', this documentary exposes the gritty reality of professional wrestling, focusing on the physical and emotional toll it takes on performers. Both works challenge the glamorous facade of the industry.

Fact: Director Barry Blaustein was a lifelong wrestling fan and wrote for 'Saturday Night Live'. The film was originally titled 'The Unreal Story of Professional Wrestling'. Mick Foley's family walking out during his brutal match was completely unscripted.

Description: While fictional, this film mirrors 'Dark Side of the Ring's' unflinching look at wrestling's physical and psychological toll. Both explore themes of aging, injury, and the difficulty of leaving the business.

Fact: Mickey Rourke trained with wrestlers Afa and Sika Anoa'i for months. Darren Aronofsky shot the film in sequence to mirror Randy's physical deterioration. The Ram's final speech was largely improvised by Rourke.

Description: Like 'Dark Side of the Ring', this documentary peels back the curtain on a wrestling legend's complicated life, blending kayfabe with reality. Both explore how performers' personas affected their real lives.

Fact: The Sheik's nephew is current WWE star Sami Zayn. Features interviews with The Sheik recorded shortly before his death. Reveals how his character influenced later wrestlers like Mick Foley.

Description: This documentary shares 'Dark Side of the Ring's' focus on wrestling's grueling schedule and personal sacrifices. Both reveal the human cost behind the entertainment.

Fact: The title refers to the number of days wrestlers typically worked per year in the territory days. Features rare interviews with Bret Hart shortly before his stroke. Includes never-before-seen footage of wrestlers' road lives.

Description: This HBO documentary shares 'Dark Side of the Ring's' approach to exploring wrestling legends' complex lives, blending triumph with tragedy. Both highlight how wrestling's spectacle often masked personal struggles.

Fact: The film was produced by WWE and Bill Simmons' The Ringer. Andre's drinking habits became legendary - he once drank 106 beers in one sitting. Director Jason Hehir also worked on ESPN's '30 for 30' series.

Description: Similar to 'Dark Side of the Ring' in its deep dive into the behind-the-scenes drama and personal struggles of iconic figures in sports entertainment. Both series explore the human side of larger-than-life personalities, blending archival footage with candid interviews.

Fact: The series was originally planned to air in June 2020 but was moved up to April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael Jordan initially resisted the idea of the documentary for over 20 years. The title refers to Phil Jackson's term for the 1997-98 season, which he knew would be his last with the Bulls.

Description: Shares 'Dark Side of the Ring's' behind-the-scenes approach to wrestling history, though with a more WWE-sanctioned perspective. Both reveal how major events were shaped by backstage politics.

Fact: Features never-before-seen footage of Vince McMahon's original WrestleMania pitch. Reveals how close WrestleMania I came to financial disaster. Includes interviews with many key figures who have since passed away.

Description: Similar to 'Dark Side of the Ring' in profiling wrestling legends, though with more focus on celebration than controversy. Both series preserve wrestling history through in-depth career retrospectives.

Fact: The series was originally conceived as a way to showcase legends during the pandemic. Each episode features newly conducted interviews. The Goldberg episode revealed he nearly retired after his WCW streak ended.

Description: Shares 'Dark Side of the Ring's' interest in wrestling's darker personas, though with more focus on in-ring character psychology. Both explore how villains are created and their impact on the business.

Fact: Hosted by The Rock's production company. Features psychological analysis of heel tactics. Includes rare footage of early villain characters.

Description: While more polished than 'Dark Side of the Ring', this documentary series similarly provides intimate access to wrestlers' lives. Both humanize performers beyond their ring personas.

Fact: The first episode followed WrestleMania 3The series was inspired by NFL Films' similar documentaries. Features unprecedented backstage access during major events.