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The Wrestler

The Wrestler

Love. Pain. Glory.

2008109 minRMidcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Starring
Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis

Aging wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson is long past his prime but still ready and rarin' to go on the pro-wrestling circuit. After a particularly brutal beating, however, Randy hangs up his tights, pursues a serious relationship with a long-in-the-tooth stripper, and tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter. But he can't resist the lure of the ring and readies himself for a comeback.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Wrestler?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Wrestler to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Wrestler?

The Wrestler earns 11 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Wrestler worth watching?

The Wrestler's Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all films, from 584K ratings across 6 sources. 88% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of films

98th percentile among Drama98th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

79 /100

96th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Drama96th percentile among 2000s

Critics 80 · Audience 79

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

88% liked it

97th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2000s
88% rated it 7–1012% rated it 1–6

Critics 99% · Audience 88%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 40 wins / 58 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

98th percentile

583K ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Drama97th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 41% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$6M
Opening weekend$203K
Domestic gross$26M
Worldwide gross$45M

Returned 7.5× its budget — 94th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree this is a gritty, realistic character study about a broken-down former star clinging to his past glory.

Fans praised

  • Mickey Rourke's career-best, emotionally raw performance
  • Authentic, unglamorous depiction of wrestling's physical toll and brotherhood
  • Tender, unsentimental father-daughter reconciliation scenes

Detractors panned

  • Depressing, plotless, and predictable script with no redemption
  • Boring, slow-paced story that feels like a documentary about a loser
  • Unlikable protagonist making poor choices; no satisfying emotional arc

What stands out

ActingDivisive92

Rourke's transformative, career-defining performance; Tomei and Wood also praised

AtmosphereDivisive85

Grimy, immersive world of trailer parks, strip clubs, and small-time venues

Emotional impactDivisive82

Deeply moving, heartbreaking portrait of loneliness; some find it merely depressing

Effects and spectacleDivisive80

Brutally realistic, bloody hardcore matches; no CGI

CharactersDivisive75

Deep, flawed protagonist; daughter's role feels underdeveloped to some

OriginalityDivisive55

Familiar fallen-athlete formula; fresh behind-the-scenes wrestling depiction

Plot and storyDivisive50

Simple, predictable story of a washed-up athlete; lacks surprises

EndingDivisive50

Ambiguous finale leaves many unsatisfied; fans see it as thematically perfect

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 17 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Wrestler like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It takes its time and leaves you devastated. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
MelancholicTense
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with unflinching realism and deep compassion, never winking at the audience despite the often grim subject matter.
The rideA sustained somber tone with spikes of tension in the wrestling matches and emotional confrontations; the final act becomes crushingly bleak.
StructureThe film unfolds chronologically, following Randy's wrestling career, heart attack, attempts at a normal life, and final match in a clear beginning-middle-end structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Devastated.

The answer rests on this: Devastating · 3% of filmsHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe final image of Randy leaping into the unknown is emotionally crushing, and the portrait of a life consumed by a single pursuit lingers long after the credits.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).TragedyHubris
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% (this title) · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Hubris: Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).

9% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeThe story follows Randy's destructive pride and refusal to abandon wrestling despite his failing health, tracing a classic hubris-driven fall. A faint rebirth arc (reconciliation with his daughter) is attempted but ultimately fails, reinforcing the tragic structure.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% (this title) · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsIsolation · 5% of filmsPurpose · 9% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores how a man's self-worth is entirely defined by his past persona, leaving him adrift in a present that offers no other meaning.
StanceThe film grieves the loss of self-worth as a man is discarded by the world he helped build, showing the cost of a life lived only for the roar of the crowd.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalDomesticRealistic
RockSupportive music · hybrid
SettingNew Jersey: trailer parks, strip clubs, small-town venues, and supermarket delis
MusicThe score is minimal; the soundtrack features hard rock tracks, especially Quiet Riot's 'Metal Health,' framing Randy's 80s heyday.

Content guide

Is The Wrestler okay for kids?

R

The Wrestler is rated R: “Rated R for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (87/100), sexual content at intense (79/100), language at intense (76/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (72/100) and frightening material at intense (70/100). Overall it is heavier than 91% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 17 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland16
  • South Korea18
  • Brazil14
  • FinlandK-16
  • Greece16
  • Hong KongIII
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia16+
  • Spain16
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 94% of all filmsHeavier than 91% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 77%
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 97%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 66%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 89%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 65%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: violence, sexual content, language, drug and alcohol content, and frightening material.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Wrestler have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Wrestler?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Mickey Rourke won the Globe for this film.

Mickey Rourke
as Randy 'The Ram' Robinson
Globe win: Golden Globe — Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - DramaTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Marisa Tomei
as Cassidy
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Evan Rachel Wood
as Stephanie
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mark Margolis
as Lenny
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Todd Barry
as Wayne
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Wass Stevens
as Nick Volpe
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Judah Friedlander
as Scott Brumberg
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Ernest Miller
as The Ayatollah
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Dylan Keith Summers
as Necro Butcher
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Marcia Jean Kurtz
as Admissions Desk Woman

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Wrestler?

Movies like The Wrestler include Big Fan (2009), The Basketball Diaries (1995) and Hounddog (2007). Two are stories about estranged parents and children; two are sports films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Wrestler?

1.7K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: parent and child estranged. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.